Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was a front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seat grand touring sports car developed by Mercedes-AMG. Coupe models used gullwing doors, while the Roadster used conventional doors and a folding soft top. Production versions used the AMG M159 naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 and a rear-mounted seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle.
Model Overview
The SLS AMG was the first series-production Mercedes-Benz road car developed independently by Mercedes-AMG. It was produced in coupe and roadster body styles and used an aluminum spaceframe structure with a front-mid-mounted engine, rear-mounted transmission, and rear-wheel drive.
The standard SLS AMG used the M159 6,208 cc naturally aspirated V8 rated at 571 PS / 563 hp and 650 Nm. Later versions included the SLS AMG GT, with increased output, and the SLS AMG Black Series, with further engine, weight, chassis, and aerodynamic changes.
Core Specifications
| Model | Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG |
|---|---|
| Platform / Codes | C197 Coupe; R197 Roadster |
| Model Years | 2010–2015, depending on market and version |
| Assembly | Sindelfingen, Germany |
| Body Style | Two-door coupe with gullwing doors; two-door roadster with soft top |
| Layout | Front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine | AMG M159 naturally aspirated V8 |
| Displacement | 6,208 cc |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 32 valves |
| Block / Head | Aluminum block, aluminum cylinder heads |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Lubrication | Dry-sump lubrication |
| Standard SLS AMG Output | 571 PS / 563 hp / 420 kW at 6,800 rpm; 650 Nm / 479 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm |
| SLS AMG GT Output | 591 PS / 583 hp / 435 kW at 6,800 rpm; 650 Nm / 479 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm |
| SLS AMG Black Series Output | 631 hp / 464 kW at 7,400 rpm; 635 Nm / 468 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm / 105.5 in |
| Length | 4,638 mm / 182.6 in |
| Width | 1,939 mm / 76.3 in; Black Series approximately 1,965 mm / 77.4 in |
| Height | Approximately 1,262 mm / 49.7 in, depending on version |
| Curb Weight | Approximately 1,620 kg / 3,571 lb for standard coupe; approximately 1,550 kg / 3,417 lb for Black Series |
Specification figures vary by market, model year, body style, and version. The SLS AMG GT, Black Series, Electric Drive, and GT3 should be treated as separate specifications when exact variant data is required.
Version Overview
| SLS AMG Coupe | C197 coupe body with gullwing doors, M159 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8, seven-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle, and rear-wheel drive. |
|---|---|
| SLS AMG Roadster | R197 roadster body with soft top and conventional doors. It retained the M159 V8, rear transaxle, and rear-wheel-drive layout. |
| SLS AMG GT | Updated road-car version with increased output to 591 PS / 583 hp and revised chassis and transmission calibration. |
| SLS AMG Black Series | Higher-output coupe version with 631 hp, reduced curb weight, wider bodywork, revised suspension, aerodynamic changes, and increased engine speed range. |
| SLS AMG Electric Drive | Battery-electric version using four electric motors. It should be treated as a separate drivetrain specification. |
| SLS AMG GT3 | Competition version developed for GT3 racing. Racing specifications differ from road-car specifications. |
Engineering Character
M159 V8
The SLS AMG used the AMG M159 V8, a 6,208 cc naturally aspirated engine derived from the M156 family but modified for the SLS application. Changes included dry-sump lubrication and application-specific intake, exhaust, and internal revisions.
Rear Transaxle
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was mounted at the rear as a transaxle. The engine and transaxle were connected through a torque tube and driveshaft.
Aluminum Structure
The SLS AMG used an aluminum spaceframe structure. The layout supported the front-mid-engine configuration and rear-mounted transmission.
Coupe And Roadster Bodies
The C197 coupe used gullwing doors. The R197 roadster used conventional doors and a folding soft top, with body-specific structural and packaging differences.
Model-Year And Production Notes
| 2010 | Initial SLS AMG coupe production period in many markets. The standard coupe used the 571 PS M159 V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle. |
|---|---|
| 2011–2012 | Continued coupe production and roadster introduction period. Roadster models used the same general drivetrain with body-specific equipment and structure. |
| 2012–2015 | SLS AMG GT version introduced with increased output and revised chassis and transmission calibration. |
| 2013–2015 | SLS AMG Black Series and Electric Drive versions introduced in limited-volume form, depending on market. |
Modern Enthusiast Relevance
- AMG-developed model with C197 coupe and R197 roadster body codes
- M159 6,208 cc naturally aspirated V8
- Dry-sump lubrication
- Front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
- Seven-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle
- Aluminum spaceframe structure
- Gullwing doors on coupe models
- Version range including standard coupe, roadster, GT, Black Series, Electric Drive, and GT3
Comparable Cars
Mercedes-AMG GT
Successor AMG sports-car line using a front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It uses a twin-turbocharged V8 rather than the naturally aspirated M159 engine.
Dodge Viper SRT-10
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive performance car with a large-displacement naturally aspirated engine and manual transmission, using a different chassis and powertrain layout.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand touring sports car with a naturally aspirated engine. It differs in cylinder count, gearbox arrangement, and body structure.
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive V12 grand touring car from the same broad period. It used a different engine layout, gearbox strategy, and market positioning.
Buying And Ownership Notes
Evaluation should identify exact version, model year, body style, service history, accident history, carbon-ceramic brake equipment if fitted, suspension condition, transmission operation, differential condition, and engine maintenance documentation.
Version-specific parts and trim should be confirmed before purchase. Coupe, Roadster, GT, Black Series, Electric Drive, and GT3-related components differ substantially in availability, cost, and interchangeability.
MSC Taxonomy
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a C197 / R197 AMG-developed two-seat sports car using the M159 6,208 cc naturally aspirated V8, a front-mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, and a seven-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle. The model family includes coupe, roadster, GT, Black Series, Electric Drive, and GT3 versions.