2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG To Go Electric In 2015: Report

DUE IN 2011, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will be powered by a 6.2 litre V8, developing 420kW and 649Nm of torque, surging to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

Four years after that, Mercedes will reportedly unveil an all-electric version of the SLS AMG, utilising four in-wheel electric motors to produce 392kW and an amazing 880Nm of torque.

With that sort of power, the electric 2015 SLS AMG, with its 'eDrive' powertrain, ought to be good for a sub-4.0 second 0-100km/h sprint, rivaling its V8-powered sibling.

The electric motors are expected to draw power from 324 lithium-ion battery cells positioned in place of the car's liquid fuel tanks, and according to Auto Motor und Sport, should be good for a range of around 150 to 180km.

The four in-wheel motors should also give the electric SLS AMG handling characteristics akin to all-wheel-drive, as well as focused braking and brake-energy regenerative technology.

The 'regular' SLS AMG will get six-piston calipers clamping down on 15.8-inch front and 14.2-inch rear discs, with the option of carbon-ceramic rotors available.

The SLS will be Mercedes-Benz and AMG’s first car with an all-aluminium chassis and body.

The lightweight material means the SLS tips the scales at 1620 kilograms (3571 pounds) or about 15 kilos less than the SLR.

As to whether the replacement of the big V8 with four electric motors and their batteries will make the SLS any lighter, well, that remains to be seen.