Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell Due For Limited Production Run In 2013
Revealed in prototype form back in 2010, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell is nearing its production debut, with the German carmaker confirming once more that a 2013 launch is planned.
Whether it will be available in AMG's special Lumilectric Ma
Revealed in prototype form back in 2010, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell is nearing its production debut, with the German carmaker confirming once more that a 2013 launch is planned.
Whether it will be available in AMG's special Lumilectric Mango paint remains to be seen, but everything else about the super-quick electric vehicle is likely to remain largely unchanged.
"The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL is the most technically advanced super sports car in the 125-year history of the automobile, and shows just how fascinating electromobility can be," Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said.
"Our customers will be able to order it from their Mercedes-Benz dealers from 2013 onwards."
In prototype form, the SLS AMG E-Cell is powered by four electric motors, two at each axle, producing a combined 392kW and 880Nm of torque.
According to Mercedes, that's enough power to push the E-Cell to 100km/h in a very supercar-like 4.0 seconds - a mere 0.2 seconds slower than the 'regular' SLS AMG.
Similarly, the run to 200km/h - perhaps the true test of a supercar - comes up in just 10.8 seconds.
The system's lithium-ion battery pack is located where you'd normally find the SLS AMG's transmission, and the batteries gain additional charge through an F1-like KERS system.
Mercedes says that, with the motors located at the axles rather than inside each wheel, permanent all-wheel-drive is maintained, but unsprung weight is reduced.
A torque-vectoring system is also featured, delivering better cornering and traction characteristics through individual control of each motor, and limiting the need for ESP intervention.
The all-wheel-drive configuration has also seen the supercoupe's double wishbone front suspension replaced with an independent multi-link arrangement and pushrod damper struts.
Ceramic composite brakes will feature at all four corners, measuring 402x39mm at the front and 360x32mm at the rear.
In standard petrol V8 form, the SLS AMG gets 390mm discs at the front and 360mm discs at the rear, although the 402mm discs are available as an option.
A price for the superEV has yet to be confirmed, but earlier reports have suggested a tag of around 250,000 euros.
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