It's a bird... it's plane... it's a Mercedes SLS AMG!?
No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. Mercedes hoisted their new supercar to the roof terrace of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Resting 42 meters (137.8') above ground, the car is part of a new exhibit dedicated to the awe-inspiring SLS AMG.
According to the Museum's Managing Director, Michael Bock, "This super sports car stands for excitement, passion and high-tech. As museum for the past, present and future of the automobile, we provide an ideal setting for the exclusive presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG."
Despite appearances, Mercedes didn't modify the COMAND system to allow the gullwing doors to act as real wings. Instead, they hired a 120-ton hydraulic crane to do the heavy lifting.
As we have previously reported, the SLS AMG features a 6.3-liter V8 engine with 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque. Backed up by a seven-speed double clutch transmission, the V8 enables the car to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph).
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: A new Gullwing in the Mercedes-Benz Museum
Between the 6th and 16th of October 2009 the Mercedes-Benz Museum will have another attraction to show: the new Gullwing, which had its world premiere just recently at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, will land 42 metres up on the museum's roof terrace. For a few days visitors then can take in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in an open-air setting.
"This will be a very emotional experience for our visitors," says Michael Bock, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH. "This super sports car stands for excitement, passion and high-tech. As museum for the past. present and future of the automobile we provide an ideal setting for the exclusive presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG."
A unique vehicle calls for exceptional surroundings: the roof terrace of the Mercedes-Benz Museum normally is not open to visitors. The 465 square metre outdoor area can be accessed through Legend Room 1 on level 8. At a dizzy height one has a grandstand view of the surrounding vineyards and the Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim plant. To place the SLS on the stage set for it, a 120-ton hydraulic crane will let the car float down onto the roof terrace - an ultra-precision job.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has an exciting technology package to offer: aluminium spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with a maximum output of 420 kW/571 hp, 650 Newton metres of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones, and a DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms - this combination guarantees driving dynamics on the highest level.
The Gullwing accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically governed 317 km/h. The fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) ranks it at the top of the competitive field (all figures provisional).
The Mercedes-Benz Museum can be quickly and conveniently reached by public conveyance. Apart from the No. 56 bus line, which plies between the Bad Cannstatt train station and the "Mercedes-Benz Welt" bus stop, it is also possible to use the "Neckarpark (Mercedes-Benz)" suburban railway station. The multi-storey car park of the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the P4 car park are open to guests of the Mercedes-Benz Museum arriving by private car. The address of the Mercedes-Benz Museum: Mercedesstrasse 100, 70372 Stuttgart. Visitors can reach the Classic Customer Center by calling +49 (0)7 11 / 17 - 30 000. Further information is available at www.mercedes-benz.com/museum
p2c
October 7, 2009 5:00 PM
Argentine signs conditional USF1 race deal
Williams sells team share to Toto Wolff
De la Rosa, Villeneuve, Summerton linked to USF1
WRC options emerge for Raikkonen
Sauber waits while FIA considers Toyota penalty
Still no deal for 2010 British GP - Ecclestone
Neel Jani to test Force India at Jerez
Persistent Schu/Merc rumours played down again
Mercedes GP in no hurry to replace Button
Button switched for less money and 'new challenge'
