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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spreads its gullwings, flies to Frankfurt

We've received a batch of photos of Mercedes-Benz's revival of the 300SL Gullwing, the SLS AMG.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin

The SLS marks the return of roof-hinged wing doors.
Another supercar? What did we do to deserve this? Mercedes-Benz

The Frankfurt floodgates have opened and we find ourselves in the midst of a deluge of supercars. This time we've received a batch of photos of Mercedes-Benz's revival of the 300SL Gullwing, the SLS AMG.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG revealed--photos

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Under the SLS AMG's long hood is a version of the V-8 that we've seen powering every Merc of this generation with an AMG badge--although, this time the engine actually displaces 6.3-liters. Output has been tuned to 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The extra power comes partially from all-new intake and exhaust systems and a rejiggered valve train.

Power flows through a SpeedShift 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and down an exotic carbon fiber driveshaft before meeting the road at the rear wheels. The gearbox features three driving modes for Comfort, Sport, and Sport plus, as well as an automated manual mode. Sixty miles per hour happens in a blistering 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 197 mph.

The SLS AMG by Mercedes-Benz
Dispite its wing doors, the SLS AMG is more at home on the road than in the sky. Mercedes-Benz

Of course, the SLS' real draw is it's design homage to the 300SL Gullwing. In addition to the wingdoors that hinge upward from the roof, the also SLS features the classic long-hood, short overhang design of the sports cars of old, with a small passenger compartment mounted just ahead of the rear axle.

Check our continuing coverage of the 2009 Frankfurt auto show for more details as they emerge. In the meantime, enjoy the delicious photos.