Well ahead of the car’s launch at the Frankfurt auto Show this September, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG super car has been revealed by not one but two European sources. The first is respected German car magazine AutoBild and the second is the lesser-known Autowereld publication from the Netherlands.

The design of the 571hp, 6.2-liter super car is most certainly reminiscent of the iconic 300SL gullwing, something which isn’t surprising considering the new SLS was designed to pay homage to that great sports car by using the very same type of doors.

There is the possibility that both publications are using an identical artist’s rendering, but that seems unlikely.

GALLERY: Mercedes SLS AMG

[Source: Autowereld and AutoBild]

For many months now Mercedes has been teasing us with photos and details of its upcoming SLS supercar and now the German automaker has added a surprise twist. A while back it was made known that the SLS would come with a 6.2-liter V8 with 571 hp and 479 ft-lbs of torque. Now Volker Mornhinweg, the head of Mercedes’ high-performance AMG division, says another powerplant will also be available – an electric one.

Called the SLS eDrive, this green version of the SLS will make use of lithium-ion battery packs, powering an electric motor that will make 392 kW (or 526hp) and 649 ft-lbs of torque. The SLS eDrive will offer serious performance with a 0-60 mph time of under four seconds and a top speed of 120 mph – all with zero emissions. Range is expected to be between 93 and 112 miles.

The lithium-ion battery packs will be situated low in the car, where the gasoline-powered model’s torque-tube is located. The space where the gas tank would be will also be used.

While Mercedes recently began a partnership with U.S. electric sportscar maker Tesla, Mornhinweg says this project is independent of that and they are working with German battery-experts Evonik.

Outside the SLS eDrive will look identical to the gasoline powered model, but inside there will be some slight differences with special controls and gauges.

Suspension changes up front will have to be made, however, as the current front double-wishbone suspension doesn’t leave room for the electric motors that will power the front wheels. Don’t worry though, this isn’t a front-drive car, but rather an all-wheel drive model, as electric motors will also be located in the rear.

The SLS eDrive is still a long way off from production, especially as the standard gasoline-powered SLS won’t make it to market until late 2010 as a 2011 model. It is tentatively scheduled as a 2015 model.

[Source: Autoweek]

Mercedes is bringing its AMG Driving Academy to the U.S. this September, allowing participants to hone their driving skills and experience the thrill that an AMG can deliver.

Launched in Europe in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy lets you get behind the wheel of cars like the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series. And now for 2009, AMG has included the upcoming 2011 SLS supercar. On a racetrack the AMG driving instructors will help you develop your driving skills and get the most out of the amazing AMG machines.

A Stage 1 one day program teaches fundamentals in performance driving and car control and includes a “high speed” track drive. A Stage 2 class is more advanced and involves much more track driving with timed laps and a “competitive performance course competition.”

Priced at $1,895 per person for Stage 1 and $3,495 per person for Stage 2, the AMG Academy will be at Lime Rock Park in Lime Rock, CT from September 9-15; Palm Beach International Raceway in West Palm Beach, FL from September 22-27 and Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA from November 7-8 and 17-20th.

The AMG Driving Academy will also offer a special opportunity at Laguna Seca from November 17-20th to drive the upcoming 2011 SLS AMG supercar. The price for this one-day event is $2,295 and includes a one night stay at the InterContinental Hotel in Monterey.

For more information visit:

www.AMGacademy.com

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

MERCEDES AMG DRIVING ACADEMY RACES TO THE U.S.

06/24/09

MONTVALE – Mercedes AMG is offering driving enthusiasts a chance to fulfill their dreams of driving top performance vehicles and sharpening their racing skills with the U.S. launch of its AMG Driving Academy. The AMG Driving Academy is an advanced driver training program that allows enthusiasts, under the guidance of top professional instructors, to experience the excitement of motorsports and the track capabilities of Mercedes-AMG vehicles.

Originally founded by AMG in Affalterbach, Germany in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy arrives Stateside in September 2009 and offers an opportunity to get behind the wheel of several AMG models including the all new E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series. The program features custom-designed excercises that showcase the dynamic driving capabilitlies of these AMG vehicles across three premier tracks:

Lime Rock Park (Lime Rock, CT) – September 9-15, 2009
Few tracks are as well known and loved. This classic 1.53-mile, 7-turn course, nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of northwest Connecticut continues to challenge some of the world’s best drivers since 1957.

Palm Beach International Raceway (West Palm Beach, FL) – September 22-27, 2009
Boasting an 11-turn, 2.034-mile design, Palm Beach International Raceway road course features some of the fastest and most challenging corners and straightaway’s offered by any track in North America.

Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey, CA) – November 7-8 & 17-20, 2009
Located in one of North America’s best destination locations — the Monterey Peninsula, Laguna Seca features tremendous elevation changes, the famous Corkscrew complex, and 2.24 sinewy miles.

The AMG Driving Academy launches with two program levels:

• AMG Driving Academy Stage I: A one day program designed to teach the fundamentals of performance driving dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises that emphasize the power and handling capabilities of AMG vehicles. Drivers will also test their skills on the track at high speeds and during performance course competition. The AMG Driving Academy Stage I program fee is $1,895.00 per participant

• AMG Driving Academy Stage I SLS: Drivers attending the AMG Driving Academy Stage One at Laguna Seca Raceway from November 17-20 will have the opportunity to be among the very first to drive the most technologically advanced AMG ever – the all-new 2011 SLS AMG. The AMG Driving Academy Stage 1 SLS program fee is $2,295.00 per participant which includes a one night stay at the InterContinental Hotel in Monterey.

• AMG Driving Academy Stage II: A two-day program that provides a deep level of technical driver training both on and off the track. As an advanced program, Stage 2 is offered to drivers who have completed Stage I or an equivalent course. The program offers significantly more track driving over Stage 1 to extract a driver’s maximum potential in a performance driving setting. A unique feature of Stage II is the use of computer driver training and evaluation through advanced onboard diagnostics and in-car camera recordings of their laps. This program also includes a competitive performance course competition. The AMG Driving Academy Stage II program fee is $3,495.00 per participant.

All fees include a dinner reception and introductory briefing the evening before the program, track hospitality, AMG Driving Academy certificate of program completion and an AMG gift bag. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodations. Additional information and registration for the AMG Driving Academy is available at www.AMGacademy.com or by phone at 1-800-217-6916.