Detroit 2011: Mercedes-Benz SLS E-Cell; Faszination Mit Strom Und Gelb!
Thanks to Google Translate, we were able to whip up a wacky title for this article, but the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell is all business, aside from the Banana Popsicle Yellow paint.
Making 525 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque through all 4 wheels, the SLS E-Cell will hit 60 mpg in 3.9 seconds, a couple tenths slower than a gasoline SLS. The conversion to electric power necessitated minimal changes, as the battery and motor take up the same space as the gas engine and gearbox, although weight is up by 800 lbs due to the added mass of the electric drivetrain. The front suspension has been redesigned to accomodate the car’s conversion to electric power, with a multi-link setup and pushrods replacing the double-wishbone setup on the standard car.
Mercedes is committed to producing the SLS E-Cell for the 2012 model year, and expect it to cost more than the GNP of an African country when it comes to market. It will probably be worth it.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS E-Cell
More by Derek Kreindler
Comments
Join the conversation