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The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was up against 11 other contenders in the “Production Super Sports Car” category. 24.5 percent of readers of Auto Bild Sportscars gave their vote to the gullwing model. In a strong field of 15 vehicles in the “Production Saloon” category, the E 63 AMG gained 19.2 percent of votes to come top in its class for the second year running. The “Sports Car of the Year” awards are an annual event that took place in 2010 for the eighth time.

“These wins for the SLS AMG and E 63 AMG confirm the popularity of our sports cars’ with customers. Both models embody the very highest level of fascination and performance – and the readers of Auto Bild Sportscars clearly feel the same way, too”, commented Christoph Jung, Strategic Project Manager SLS AMG, who accepted the award on behalf of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Since its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2009 in Frankfurt/Main, the SLS AMG has won many major awards, most recently a gold Design Prize of the Federal Republic of Germany 2011. Here are just some of the other awards:

• “red dot design award”
• “iF product design award 2010″
• “Design Award 2010″ (Auto Bild)
• “Plus X Award”
• “Golden Steering Wheel 2009″ (Bild am Sonntag and Auto Bild)
• “The best cars”, super-sports category (auto motor und sport)
• Autonis “The most beautiful cars” (auto motor und sport)
• “Auto Trophy 2009″ and “Design Trophy” (Auto Zeitung)
• “Golden Classic Steering Wheel, Classic of the Future” (Auto Bild Klassik)
• “Most sporty cars of 2010″ (sport auto)
• “Internet Auto Award 2010″ (AutoScout24)
• “Best IAA New Product 2009“ (AutoScout24)
• “TOPauto 2010″ (Motor-Informations-Dienst)
• “GT Car of the Year” (Top Gear, GB)
• “Best Dream Machine” (MotorWeek TV’s Drivers’ Choice Award, USA)

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dazzles with its exciting design and stunning technology. This includes an aluminium spaceframe body shell, AMG 6.3-litre front mid-engine with dry sump lubrication and an output of 420 kW (571 hp) along with 650 newton metres of torque, seven-speed double-clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a responsive sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone axles. This unique combination of sophisticated technology helps to guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics. An AMG high-performance ceramic composite brake system is available as an option.

Characteristic features of the E 63 AMG include its powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with an output of 386 kW (525 hp) and 630 newton metres of torque, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and independent front axle. An AMG high-performance ceramic composite brake system is available as an option for both Saloon and Estate models of the E 63 AMG.

Daimler AG indicated in a press release that the company plans to discontinue their stock-exchange listing in New York (NYSE). According to Daimler, the delisting and deregistration is a consequence of changed investor behavior and consistently low trading volumes. Bodo Uebber, CFO of Daimler AG says,

“Daimler continues to place great importance on having an international shareholder base. At the same time, this step enhances our overall efficiency.”

AMG Market News/Source: Daimler AG – Stuttgart, May 14, 2010: The Supervisory Board and Board of Management of Daimler AG (stock – exchange symbol “ DAI ” ) have decided to apply for the discontinuation of the listing of its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Bodo Uebber, CFO of Daimler AG, said:

“Daimler continues to place great importance on having an international shareholder base. The trading center for our shares, however, clearly is Frankfurt – and that is also the case for our international investors. Furthermore, this step will enhance our overall efficiency. The American sales market and our activities in North America remain as important as ever for Daimler.”

Daimler informed the NYSE by letter today of its intention to discontinue the listing of its shares as well as the 8.50% notes due January 18, 2031 of Daimler Finance North America LLC and the related Daimler guarantee. Daimler will submit a request for delisting also to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). After the delisting has become effective, Daimler will also apply to the SEC for deregistration of all its securities registered with the SEC and termination of its reporting obligations under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The main reason for discontinuing the NYSE listing and registration with the SEC is a significant change in the behavior of international investors, who now primarily trade in Daimler shares in Germany and through electronic trading platforms. Daimler’s trading volumes in the United States on the contrary have been consistently low and , over a twelve month period, amounted to an average of well below 5% of the worldwide trading volume .

Another objective is to reduce the complexity of financial reporting as well as administrative expenses and fees. The delisting is also the final step in Daimler’s efforts to reduce its number of stock-exchange listings.
Daimler AG will apply for delisting and deregistration in the near future. Independently of the delisting and deregistration, Daimler will maintain a high degree of transparency in its financial reporting and will continue to fulfill the requirements of international investors. “We remain in direct, close and open dialogue with our American investors, and our investor relations team and I will continue to be present on a regular basis in the U.S.,” stated Mr. Uebber.

Daimler has a strong presence in North America and will continue to work to further strengthen its market share and business operations there. In 2009, the region accounted for 25 percent of the Daimler Group’s worldwide revenue and almost every tenth Daimler employee worked in North America.

Daimler reserves the right to submit the aforementioned applications at a later date or to not to submit them at all or to change its plans in other ways. Daimler and Daimler Finance North America LLC have not arranged for the listing of the aforementioned securities on another U.S. securities exchange or for the quotation of such securities in a quotation medium in the United States.

Additional Resources

Detroit News – Daimler to delist from NYSE

The top-class awards were presented to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, and to Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales and Marketing, at a ceremony held last night in Berlin.

This marked the 22nd occasion on which "Auto Zeitung" opened up annual voting for the best cars of the year. No fewer than 104,442 readers cast their votes, carrying the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class to victory as the best car of the year in the luxury class. As the global leader in this segment, Mercedes-Benz easily fended off its 19 competitors.

Since its market premiere in spring 2009, the new E-Class has successfully made a name for itself with its dynamic design, setting new standards in terms of safety, comfort, environmental compatibility and economy. Contributing to this success is a new generation of engines which operate at previously unattained levels of efficiency.

The E 250 CDI, for example, is equipped with a 150 kW (204 hp) engine generating 500 Nm of torque, which is 25 percent greater than the previous V6 diesel engine. At the same time, it consumes around 23 percent less fuel – only 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (NEDC combined cycle), which corresponds to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In addition to superior comfort on long journeys, the new E-Class also provides a unique combination of driver assistance systems including drowsiness detection, Adaptive High beam Assist and adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking, which is activated if an acute risk of an accident is detected. These same E-Class features are also available on the luxury-class saloon’s other family members – the E-Class Coupé and the E‑Class Estate, which has just been launched in its third body variant.

When it came to selecting the best super sports car, the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG emerged significantly ahead of its 18 competitors to take first place. In doing so, the youngest member of the Mercedes-Benz sports car family has now already secured its second first place thanks to reader votes after receiving the Golden Steering Wheel Award. Its exciting design featuring the gullwing doors evokes memories of the legendary 300 SL sports car from the 1950′s. The new super sports car also dazzles with its exquisite technology which includes such highlights as: aluminum spaceframe body shell, AMG 6.3-liter V8 front mid engine with dry sump lubrication as well as a maximum power of 420 kW (571 PS) and 650 Nm of torque, seven-speed double-clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminum double-wishbone axles. This high-tech combination helps to guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics. The Gullwing accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 317 km/h. Combined fuel consumption is 13.2 liters per 100 kilometers (all figures are provisional).

Traditionally Mercedes-Benz vehicles always figure prominently in voting for the best cars in their age-group. In 2008 the Mercedes GLK was awarded the "Auto Trophy", while the year before this both the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the S-Class came away with top honors.

Daimler AG together with Aabar Investments PJSC will take over 75.1 per cent of the Brawn GP team, with Daimler taking 45.1 per cent and Aabar 30 per cent. The rest of the 24.9 per cent will remain with the current stakeholders. With 9.1 per cent, Aabar is the biggest single shareholder of Daimler AG. This transaction is subject to the approval of the EU and the Swiss cartel authorities.

The background to this decision are the new terms and conditions for Formula 1. The “Resource Restrictions” set by FOTA and FIA effectively limit expenditure for the design, construction and running of the racing cars. In addition, there will be a significantly higher income available for a Formula 1 team generated by the commercial rights of the racing series following the signing of the new Concorde Agreement.

The partnership between McLaren Mercedes has been in place since 1995 and ended its 15^th joint Formula 1 season in 2009. The change to the form of cooperation is taking place by mutual agreement. Mercedes-Benz and McLaren will continue to co-operate with each other and the supply of engines could continue until 2015.

The McLaren Group have set themselves new targets, especially in the automotive sector, and Daimler understands and respects these new strategic objectives. For this reason, it has been agreed that the buy-back by the McLaren Group of the 40 per cent McLaren share owned by Daimler AG will be completed by 2011.

By taking this decision, Mercedes-Benz resumes its marvellous motor racing history on the 75^th anniversary of the Silver Arrows, the world’s most unique racing cars. Mercedes wants to continue the tradition in the style of these flawless Silver Arrows, which put their stamp on each era by winning the majority of the races they competed in.

“Mercedes-Benz is the most valued and best-known premium automotive brand in the world. This brand looks for competition of the utmost quality in all relevant fields in order to continually improve its performance in the face of such new challenges”, explains Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“Due to the new Formula 1 environment, we will face the competition in future on the most important motor sports stage with our own Silver Arrow works team.

“Our new Silver Arrow Formula 1 team is a great sporting and technical challenge and we will tackle this with sporting spirit and full of enthusiasm.”

Mercedes-Benz will restructure their Formula 1 program and work hard to achieve further savings, going beyond the already completed steps for significant cost reductions and improved efficiency.

Since 1995, the beginning of the partnership, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have competed in 256 Grand Prix events and have achieved 60 victories. In 1998, 1999 and 2008, the British-German team won the drivers’ World Championships, as well as the World Constructors’ Championship in 1998. The McLaren Mercedes team became runner-up in the World Championships ten times, with five times in the drivers’ and constructors’ rankings respectively.

After winning the drivers’ title with Lewis Hamilton last year, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes finished third in the World Constructors’ Championships this year. The 2008 World Champion won two races with his current car, the MP4-24, achieving a first historic victory with the brake energy-recovery system, KERS Hybrid. No other driver scored more points in the last eight races from the season’s total of 17 races than Lewis Hamilton.

“I want to thank McLaren for a successful collaboration over the last decade and a half”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “For the benefit of both Mercedes and McLaren, we will continue our partnership cooperation in future. We will be rivals on-track but, off-track, we will cooperate with McLaren and the other teams in order to create the best possible product for spectators worldwide.”

“We look back on 15 successful years of great collaboration with McLaren; in that time, we won four world-championship titles and finished ten times as runner-up in the drivers’ and constructors’ rankings,” states Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. “Since the first victory in the 1997 Australian Grand Prix, the modern Silver Arrows have achieved a total of 60 victories in 223 races to ensure that our brand symbol, the star, stands for the greatest successes in Formula 1. We thank our partner and will continue to work with McLaren based on an excellent partnership.”

Mercedes Grand Prix, the management team of the former Brawn GP team, will continue to work under the leadership of Ross Brawn, who will continue in his well-known role. The Formula 1 team, as well as the engine team of Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, will be coordinated by Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, headed by their Vice-President, Norbert Haug.

“Brawn GP has been through an incredible journey over the last 12 months. From fighting for our survival to forging a strong relationship with Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, winning both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Championships, and now accepting Daimler and Aabar’s offer to buy our team, which will secure its future”, Team Principal Ross Brawn looks back on a difficult beginning of the year which eventually turned into an extremely successful season.

“Both I and my fellow Directors at Brawn GP are incredibly proud of our staff, drivers and everyone associated with our team and thank them for their commitment, outstanding teamwork and their focus on achieving results in sometimes difficult circumstances. The senior management group will remain in place to lead our team and on behalf of everyone at Brawn GP, we are honored to be representing such a prestigious brand as Mercedes-Benz in Formula One next year and will be working together to do our best to reward their faith in our team.”

The new Silver Arrow team, Mercedes Grand Prix, will compete in Formula 1 as a works team in its own right. Synergies between the 100 per cent Daimler-owned subsidiary Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines in Brixworth, UK, and the Mercedes Grand Prix team based about 28 miles from there in Brackley in the UK, will create even greater efficiency.

It is our target to develop a model for our Formula 1 activities which will initially be run with significantly reduced budgets by Mercedes-Benz and which, in the foreseeable future, will be self-financing”, comments Norbert Haug. “Furthermore, we naturally want to inspire our faithful spectators and TV viewers worldwide and maximize media coverage for our brand. With Formula 1, Mercedes-Benz can continue to clearly demonstrate its willingness to compete and win on the most important motor sports competition stage in the world.”

Khadem Al Qubaisi, Chairman, Aabar Investment PJSC comments: “Aabar is delighted to join forces with Daimler AG and its world leading brand Mercedes-Benz in order to create a new Formula One Team which follows in the footsteps of the longstanding and successful tradition of the famous ‘Silver Arrows’.

Ever since Aabar became the largest shareholder in Daimler AG, the cooperation between our two organizations has been exemplary, and we have already co-invested in Tesla. Aabar is confident that further successes will follow in this arena.

“Bearing in mind the recent outstanding success of the Abu Dhabi GP, which brought Formula One to the United Arab Emirates for the first time, it is especially exciting to realize that next year, our own cars will be in the field, with the genius of Ross Brawn, who is still deeply involved with the team, now backed by the unrivalled excellence of Mercedes-Benz across the entire spectrum of automotive technology. It is a fantastic prospect, which makes me both pleased and proud for my country.”

Laguna Seca (USA) – Automotive fascination and high-tech at the highest level: the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which is due to be launched in spring 2010. This Gullwing model captivates with a purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, and is bound to cause a sensation in the super sports car segment. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As the first independently developed vehicle, the super sports car is the highlight in the company’s more than 40-year history. It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order.

The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG makes for an alluring proposition with its unrivalled technology package: aluminum spaceframe body with Gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/ 571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones and a curb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order.  … Photo Gallery:

The front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The ‘Gullwing’ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). The fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometers (combined) puts it at the front of the competitive lineup.

Design: purist, distinctive and passionate

The purist design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG captivates by virtue of its passionate sportiness, and its reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL’s breathtaking design lines. The stylistic highlights are the striking gullwing doors, which lend an incomparable charisma to the SLS AMG. The long bonnet, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear end with its extendable rear aerofoil stand for dynamism, as do the long wheelbase, the wide track and large 19 and 20-inch wheels. It is not only the gullwing doors that are reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, as the wide radiator grille with its large Mercedes star, the wing-shaped cross fin and the fins on the bonnet and flanks also hark back to the legendary sports car of the 1950s.

Eye catching features of the side view include the accented wheel arches and the pronounced shoulder line, which extends from the front to the rear end like a taut muscle. Dynamism and power are also communicated by the rear view of the SLS AMG: the gentle slope of the boot lid with the automatically extending aerofoil accentuates the impression of width, as do the flat LED tail lights.

Interior with a touch of aircraft engineering

Mercedes-Benz designers took their inspiration from the aviation world when
designing the interior. The stylistic center piece is the dashboard, which ensures a visual impression of breadth with its muscular, wing-like profile. The four air vents with adjustable cruciform nozzles are prominently integrated into the dashboard – their shape is reminiscent of a jet engine. The design theme of an aircraft cockpit is also reflected in the long centre console of matt-finished, solid metal. Features integrated into this include the AMGDRIVE UNIT, which enables the driver of the SLS AMG to choose a personal vehicle setup. The AMGSPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is operated by the E-SELECT lever, which resembles the thrust control of a jet aircraft. Despite the low seating position typical of a sports car, the wide-opening gullwing doors allow easy access and egress. They require less opening space than conventional coupé doors, and can be fully opened in a standard-size garage.

Aluminum spaceframe for lightweight design and high strength

The SLS also breaks the mould when it comes to the body concept: for the first time, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are presenting a car with an aluminum chassis and body. Compared with the traditional steel design this results in a significant weight saving, as is clearly illustrated by the DIN curb weight of 1620 kilograms.

The newly developed bodyshell consists of an aluminum spaceframe. This exclusive design combines intelligent lightweight design with outstanding strength – thus delivering superlative driving dynamics. Lightweight aluminum sections connect the frame nodes to form a sturdy structure. The large, low-set cross-sections of these aluminum sections ensure high strength, and ensure the necessary, direct transfer of drive, braking and suspension forces. The structure prevents unwanted flexibility; the vehicle responds rigidly, directly and with practically no torsion.

45 percent of the intelligent, weight-optimized aluminum spaceframe is made
from aluminum sections, 31 percent from sheet aluminum, 20 percent from cast aluminum and 4 percent from steel. Maximum occupant safety requires the use of ultra-high-strength, heat-formed steel in the A-pillars. The bodyshell weighs 241 kilograms – an absolute benchmark in the super sports car segment in relation to the peak output of 420 kW/571 hp. With a DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms, the power-to-weight ratio is an extremely favorable 2.84 kilograms per hp.

Low centre of gravity and transverse reinforcing struts for superb
dynamism

The entire vehicle concept has been designed to achieve a centre of gravity that is as low as possible. This applies both to the low connection of the powertrain and axles as well as to the arrangement of the rigidity-related bodyshell structure. Examples include the rigid flexural and torque connections between the front and rear sections and the safety passenger cell, which have been realized using force paths that are consistently as low as possible. This results not only in a low centre of gravity, but also in a harmonious and therefore efficient force path in the vehicle structure.

Passive safety at a high level

The aluminum spaceframe provides the basis for outstanding passive safety. The extensive safety features include three-point seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and up to eight airbags: adaptive front airbags for the driver and passenger, a knee bag for each, two seat-integrated sidebags and two window bags deploying from the waistlines of the gullwing doors.

Fine-tuned AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp

A powerful eight-cylinder Mercedes-AMG engine forms the heart of the new SLS. The fine-tuned 6.3-liter V8 engine develops 420 kW/571 hp at 6800 rpm, making the SLS AMG one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. A power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes courtesy of the low vehicle weight. The naturally aspirated engine delivers its maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The SLS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 317 km/h. Bearing the internal designation M 159, the high-revving V8 engine with its displacement of 6208 cubic centimeters has been thoroughly reengineered compared to the basic M 156 engine, and boasts all the hallmarks of powerful racing engines.

The principal measures in increasing output include the all-new intake system, the reworked valve train and camshafts, the use of flow-optimized tubular steel headers and the de-throttling of the exhaust system. This results in much better cylinder charging, which feeds through into an increase in output by almost nine percent – 34 kW/46 hp. The eight-cylinder engine responds swiftly to movements of the accelerator pedal, demonstrating much more pronounced high-revving flexibility across the entire rev range. The switch to dry sump lubrication also translates into a much lower installed engine position. And lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity has also paved the way for high lateral acceleration and exhilarating driving dynamics.

Perfect synthesis of lightweight design and strength

The use of high-strength components compensates for the increased engine loads associated with the higher output. Forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft bearing, optimized crankcase structure, along with improved lubrication thanks to a demand-controlled, high-performance oil pump ensure optimum durability. Despite these higher loads, the engine weight for the M 159 has been further reduced. The forged pistons as oscillating masses play a particularly valuable role in this respect, resulting in a curb weight of 205 kilograms and, in turn, a power-to-weight ratio of 0.36 kg/hp – an unrivalled figure compared with the competition. Sophisticated catalytic converter technology enables current and future exhaust emission standards such as EU 5, LEV 2 and ULEV to be met.

Enables demanding fuel consumption targets to be met

Despite its uncompromisingly sporty character, very ambitious fuel consumption targets have been met. The SLS AMG consumes 13.2 liters per 100 kilometers (combined, provisional figure), earning it a place at the top of the competitive ranking. Efficiency-enhancing measures include the familiar AMG-exclusive, friction-optimized twin-wire arc-sprayed coating on the cylinder walls as well as the on-demand, map-optimized oil supply and intelligent generator management: during the engine’s overrun phases and braking, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery, rather than being wasted by simply generating heat. Conversely, the generator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the engine.

Double-declutch transmission with transaxle configuration and torque tube

The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine delivers its abundant power to the rear axle via an ultra-light carbon-fiber driveshaft – similar to the setup used in the DTM C‑Class racing touring car. The double-declutch transmission is mounted at the rear (transaxle principle), and connected to the engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fiber shaft rotates at engine speed in the torque tube. The advantages of this sophisticated solution lie in the rigid link between the engine and transmission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and torque generated.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission boasts fast gear changes with virtually no loss of tractive force – in as little as 100 milliseconds. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) or “M” (Manual). In the Sport, Sport plus and Manual modes the automatic double-declutching function is active; all the modes can be selected conveniently via the rotary control in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The RACE START function provides optimum traction — as does the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing.

Sophisticated suspension layout with double-wishbone axles

The chosen solution with a front-mid-engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for consummate driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low inertia with spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction. All four wheels are located on double wishbones with a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing right through to Formula 1. With a double-wishbone axle, the wheel location and suspension functions remain separate; the spring/damper struts are supported on the lower wishbone. The double-wishbone concept with its high camber and track rigidity positively locates the wheel with minimal elastic movements, providing the driver with an optimum sense of road contact when driving at the limits.

Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers at the front and rear are made entirely from forged aluminum – substantially reducing the un-sprung masses; this configuration also notably improves the suspension response. The long wheelbase of 2680 millimeters not only results in outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts, significantly reducing the vehicle’s tendency to dive and squat when braking and accelerating. The broad track width – front 1682, rear 1653 millimeters – ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tires to retain more grip.

Direct steering, differential lock and 3-stage ESP®

The rack-and-pinion steering gear provides a consistently direct steering feel with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1, in tune with the high expectations placed on a super sports car. The power steering provides speed-sensitive assistance and improves feedback for the driver as the road speed increases: an indispensable factor for high-speed straight-line driving. Mounting the steering gear in front of the engine on the integral subframe enables the engine to be set down very low. The Gullwing model comes with 3-stage ESP® as standard, and the driver can choose the three “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” modes at the touch of a button. In “ESP OFF” mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP® functions.

Acceleration skid is controlled in all three ESP® modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to improve traction significantly – especially in conjunction with the standard-fit mechanical multi-disc limited-slip differential. This means that the engine power is transferred to the road even more effectively when driving in a particularly dynamic style.

AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system available as an option

The AMG high-performance braking system with composite brake discs at the front ensures extremely short stopping distances even under high loads. The newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with even larger brake discs guarantee even better braking performance. The ceramic brake discs perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Reducing the un-sprung masses has further improved both comfort and grip, and the reduced rotating masses at the front axle ensure a more direct steering response.

Lightweight construction was also key when it came to the wheels: weight-optimized AMG light-alloy wheels – 9.5 x 19 inch (front) and 11.0 x 20 inch (rear) – based on the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the un-sprung masses while improving driving dynamics and suspension comfort. In addition to the standard-fit AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels, 5-twin-spoke wheels and weight-optimized 10-spoke forged wheels are available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tires developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure optimum performance. A tire pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard to permanently monitor tire pressure in all four wheels; individual tires are shown on the display.

The SLS AMG as a masterpiece in AMG‘s more than 40-year history

The new SLS AMG is a true masterpiece on the part of Mercedes-AMGGmbH.
As the first independently developed car, the super sports car is the highlight of the company’s more than 40-year history. With this car AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is not only entering a new era, but also demonstrating development expertise of the highest order.

AMG was established in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and is considered a pioneer in the field of vehicle tuning for motorsports. Following the cooperation agreement concluded in 1990 with Daimler-Benz AG, the company was gradually incorporated into what at the time was DaimlerChrysler AG in 1999. On 1 January 2005, DaimlerChrysler AG acquired 100 percent of the shares. Today Mercedes-AMG GmbH is a vehicle manufacturer in its own right, and AMG is the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars. This subsidiary of Daimler AG specializes in unique, high-performance vehicles; its sporty saloons, SUVs, coupés, cabriolets, roadsters and specially built one-off models constitute a product portfolio which meets its customers’ every wish. The product range encompasses a total of 16 AMG high-performance models with outputs ranging from 265 kW/360 hp to 450 kW/612 hp.

Mercedes-AMG has overall responsibility for developing the design, aerodynamics, interior as well as the powertrain, engine, suspension, brakes and electronics – right up to granting final approval for production of the complete AMG vehicle. The company is also in charge of all marketing and sales-related activities for its products.

Sales of the SLS AMG in Germany will commence on 16 November 2009

The SLS AMG can be ordered from Mercedes-Benz own-retail outlets and dealerships in Germany from 16 November 2009. The purchase price is 177,310 EUR (incl. 19 % VAT); the market launch commences in spring 2010.

More than a quarter of a million readers took part, and voted the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG the world’s best super sports car by a wide margin. Accordingly “Bild am Sonntag”, “Auto Bild” and 25 associated European publications awarded the new Gullwing model the “Golden Steering Wheel” – one of the most important automotive awards in Europe. This coveted award was officially presented to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars, in Berlin yesterday evening.

Eleven super sports cars competed in the large-scale reader’s vote for the “Golden Steering Wheel” award, which “Bild am Sonntag” and the motoring magazine “Auto Bild” organized on a Europe-wide basis for the first time this year. Almost one third of all votes were cast in favor of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which therefore headed the readers’ popularity list in the super sports car category by a wide margin over the runner-up.

This result not only acknowledged the unique aura and design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, whose gullwing doors evoke memories of the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing” sports car of the 1950s, but also its technical sophistication. The super sports car excels with its uncompromising lightweight construction, superior driving dynamics and exemplary safety. These attributes are ensured by a unique technology package consisting of a lightweight aluminum spaceframe body with gullwing doors, the AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid-engine with dry sump lubrication, a peak output of 420 kW/571 hp and 650 newton meters of torque, a seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones. This combination guarantees dynamic performance at the very highest level. The ideal weight distribution of 47:53 percent between the front and rear axles, as well as the low centre of gravity, further enhance this thoroughbred sports car design. The SLS AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 317 km/h.

The SLS AMG can be ordered from Mercedes-Benz own-retail outlets and dealerships in Germany from 16 November 2009. The purchase price is 177,310 EUR (incl. 19 % VAT); the market launch commences in spring 2010.

The new Gullwing model is continuing a fine tradition in winning the “Golden Steering Wheel” award: with a total of 18 victories to date, Mercedes-Benz is among the most successful car brands in the competition for the “Golden Steering Wheel”.

This year at the 2009 International Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is allowing auto enthusiasts to take a behind-the-scenes look at how professional Mercedes-Benz designers create new cars.  From the first design sketch to the finished model, spectators can witness the design process first hand.

It is a great opportunity for show visitors to learn about auto design. The official press release from Daimler is below:

Official Press Release:

Stuttgart/Sept. 16: “Crossing boundaries and setting trends – that is emphatically what our design is all about”, says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. “We develop existing forms further, and take them to new, exciting dimensions.”

This year, visitors to the International Motor Show are able to see this exciting design process at first hand, and witness how familiar Mercedes features are reinterpreted using innovative design concepts to form a dramatic composition of tradition and progress. The designers of the premium automobile brand have allowed outsiders to gain an insight into their work. In numerous individual stages, they show how a new Mercedes-Benz model is created from an idea.

To provide this authentic experience, Mercedes-Benz has constructed a special bay on its stand at the show in Frankfurt. This is where the designers lend their personal, creative touch to the subject of “Mercedes-Benz Design” by demonstrating their work live at several display stations. At the drawing board, for example. Or during a live-tape event, where the designers magically project the 1:1-scale exterior of the AMG SLS Gullwing and the E-Class Coupé on the wall. To do this they use special, usually black adhesive tape in various thicknesses and transparent foils. This so-called “taping” is a flexible way of presenting design perspectives. In practice it is used as a first reconciliation between the proportions and the dimensional concept.

A number of clearly presented exhibits demonstrate aspects of the interior design work. In addition to styling, this is about functionality, materials, colour, touch or instrument design – to ensure that the aesthetics of the interior are in harmony with the exterior.

A film with authentic scenes from the design department also shows the development of the SLS from what amounts to a “backstage” perspective, something which is normally covered with a veil of secrecy for outsiders. Visitors to the stand are able to judge the quality with which the design ideas have been realised by displays of design icons such as the E-Class Coupé, CLS, CL, SL and SLK.

Direct communication with Mercedes-Benz designers heightens this first-hand experience. They describe their work, explain the secrets of the Mercedes-Benz strategy and design philosophy in a logical and clear way even for the layman, point out the characteristic design features of the Coupé and Roadster, and provide an insight into design thinking for the Mercedes-Benz sports cars.