The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the replacement supercar for the Mercedes-Benz Mclaren SLR. However unlike the SLR which was futuristic in its design, the SLS AMG is distinctly retro and uses the 1955 300SL for inspiration - including the trademark 'gullwing' doors. However both the SLR and SLS share the same mid-front engine layout and the passenger compartment is pushed to the rear of the car. See the SLS AMG Production car.

"Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the guise of the new SLS AMG, which is bound to set the pulses of all car enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster. The SLS AMG is emotion pure and simple for the Mercedes-Benz brand and is set to become one of the most alluring sports cars of our era", says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. At the 2009 New York Motor Show Mercedes-Benz revealed the first sketches of the new car and also a set of photos revealing the interior in its production form.

The SLS AMG is the first Mercedes-Benz car with an aluminium chassis and body. This lightweight construction means that the overall curb weight of the vehicle is 1,620 kilograms (3,571 lbs).

Powering the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is an AMG developed, naturally aspirated, 6.3 litre V8 which produces 571 horsepower  6,800 rpm. Connected to the engine via a carbon fibre shaft is a rear mounted, dual-clutch, 7 speed, automatic transmission with four different settings for use depending on the driving conditions or driver preferences. The rear mounted transmission also helps the SLS AMG achieve a front/rear weight distribution of 48/52 percent. This drivetrain gives the car a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of just 3.8 seconds, and a top speed of 195 mph (315 km/h). The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the first car produced entirely in-house by Mercedes' performance division AMG.

As evidenced by the styling, Mercedes has jumped on the retro-design bandwagon in creating the SLS AMG. The shape and styling details are heavily influenced by the 300SL. But thankfully the technology underneath isn't.The chassis and bodywork of the SLS AMG are both formed from aluminium, a first for Mercedes. This construction method helps reduce the weight while retaining rigidity and strength. The aluminium spaceframe comprises of cast aluminium components and aluminum sections. Cast components are used wherever high forces need to be transferred or where large components, such as the gullwing doors or the dashboard, are attached.

Located in a front-mid position is the AMG developed 6.3 litre V8 engine which produces 571 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, and a peak torque output of 650 Nm @ 4,750 rpm. This engine, which bears the internal designation of 'M159', is connected to the seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission via a carbon-fibre driveshaft similar to those found on DTM Touring cars. The transmission features different ferocity settings ranging from comfortable, up to aggressive race-like modes.

In order to match the performance potential of the drivetrain the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is equipped with a suitably powerful braking system. All-round internally ventilated, grooved and perforated brake discs measuring 390 x 36 millimetres (front) and 360 x 26 millimetres (rear) provide ample stopping power when combined with the six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the rear. However if this doesn't sound like enough, then as an optional extra the SLS AMG can be fitted with ceramic composite brakes – instantly recognisable thanks to their gold-painted brake calipers with the "AMG Carbon Ceramic" logo.

In order to improve the SLS AMG's handling the car not only features an advanced double-wishbone suspension setup at all four corners, and speed sensitive power steering. It has also been designed to offer a centre of gravity which is as low as possible throughout the entire vehicle. The interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is designed to offer all the equipment and technology buyers would expect in a top-end luxury sports car. Fine materials such as nappa leather, solid metal and (optionally) genuine carbon-fibre facings underline the pronounced "custom-built" nature of the SLS interior, and show enormous attention to detail.

"The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is not only very special because of the exclusive swing-wing doors. The visible influence of aviation engineering, the high-grade materials and the practicality typical of a sports car will make the hearts of sports car enthusiasts beat faster. At the same time the new interior styling indicates the design philosophy for coming generations of Mercedes sports cars", says Gordon Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz.

The electrically adjustable sports seats feature integrated head restraints for added safety - to go along with the 8 airbags - and good lateral support for increased comfort. The seat backrests are made from magnesium, a high-tech material that combines light weight with high strength.The AMG Performance leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design has a 365-millimetre rim with a flattened lower section, shift paddles and a metal insert, underlining the authentic custom-built look in the same way as the attractive instrument cluster. As standard equipment the SLS features hand-stitched designo leather with a contrasting seam on the dashboard, sports seats, interior door panels and armrests.

Interior features and equipment of the SLS AMG include; cruise control, automated parking, rain sensor, keyless go, dvd player, media interface with a 7 inch screen, and a premium Bang&Olufsen audio system. The striking design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG immediately raises the pulse level: the SLS makes an unmistakable statement with its long bonnet, low greenhouse positioned well to the rear, short rear end with an extendable aerofoil, large wheels, wide track and long wheelbase. Opening the unique swing-doors attracts the eye to an equally sporty interior, creating immediate associations with the dominhant design theme, namely "aircraft engineering". The visionary interior style also represents a new design philosophy for future Mercedes sports cars.

When the swing-wing doors of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gently pivot upwards, the eye is drawn to a wide, wing-shaped dashboard  a clear reference to the aviation-based design. The four prominent air vents resemble the engines of a jet aircraft, while the centre console is in the style of a jet's operating console and the shape if the E-SELECT shift lever recalls the thrust control of a jet. These are perfectly complemented by the concave interior panels of the swing-wing doors, whose high waistlines make for an authentic cockpit feeling. Together with the roof-integrated doors, the high sills and the wide centre console extending well to the rear, they impart a feeling of safety and security. At the same time the interior of the new super-sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG impresses with its puristic functionality and design idiom.

The convex, muscular shape of the dashboard is reminiscent of an aircraft wing. Contrasting decorative seams and fine designo leather provide a high-class look and reinforce the "custom-built" impression. All surfaces such as the interior door panels and armrests are softly padded, with a pleasant feel. These contrast dramatically with the air vents, which have a metal bezel and an adjustable, cruciform nozzle, and also with the metal centre console. All the major function controls are grouped on this, and the AMG DRIVE UNIT inclined towards the driver with the dynamically designed E-SELECT lever for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT double-declutch transmission makes for perfect ergonomics. On request the centre console and other interior components are also available in genuine carbon fibre.

Finished in galvanised Silver Shadow, the instrument cluster has two dial instruments with white backlighting and an upshift indicator using seven LEDs. The silver dials have red needles and a 360 km/h speedometer scale. As a central feature of the cockpit, the multimedia system COMAND APS with its 7-inch screen is integrated between the two centre air vents. The modern short-stroke control keys require an operating force of only four newtons. All keys and switches are coated in Softtouch paint, which creates a silky sheen and a pleasant feel. Homogeneous illumination of the switch symbols with amber light ensures instant recognition and emphasises the exclusive appearance of the interior when driving at night.