Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype: First Look

Jay Williams - 24/June/2010

Stuttgart, Germany - Mercedes-Benz has released details of its first electric powered supercar the SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype.

Based on the SLS AMG Gullwing the AMG E-Cell replaces the beefy V8 for a bank of batteries and four electric motors.

The SLS AMG E-Cell is fully powered by electricity through lithium-ion polymer battery modules that are located in the centre tunnel just behind the two seats.

Small adjustments were made to accommodate the new powertrain, including using an independent multilink front suspension with pushrod damper struts, instead of the double wishbone used by the V8 petrol model.

Four electric motors (two at each axle, meaning the electric Gullwing is all-wheel-drive) produce  392kW of maximum power and peak torque of 880Nm. The electric AMG E-Cell is said to be able to go from 0-100km in 4 seconds.
Mercedes are yet to comment about the vehicles range or battery recharge times .

Keeping all the electrics cool are a pair of separate cooling circuits, an extended front apron also assists airflow under the body, as well as an adjustable front splitter which can be activated by the driver through the press of a button. The SLS's also comes with the option of ceramic composite brakes with sizes 18.5-inches up front and 14.2-inches at the rear are fitted.

To help distinguish the electric from the V8 petrol model is a wider front grille, LED headlights, new air outlets on the bonnet, a bright yellow paintjob (officially called AMG Lumilectric Mango), 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels with 265/35 and 295/30 tyres respectively.

The interior features an AMG instrument cluster with displays for speed, charge status, the seats are covered in a mix of leather and Alcantara and a contemporary looking 10-inch touch screen.

Mercedes-Benz hopes the full electric supercar will be ready to go on sale in 2013.

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