The rest is pure speculation, for instance guessing that the car would have a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 MPH (the SLS manages 3.8 seconds and 197 MPH), but it's probably a given that the SSK would use a version of the ubiquitous "6.3" badged 6.2-liter AMG V8.

The 1928 Mercedes SSK (for Super Sport Kurz or Super Sport Short).

The $200,000 (est) SLS is already being viewed as an incredible success for AMG, a brand that until now hadn't produced its own vehicle. It seems logical that the halo car will be followed up by a cut-price alternative for the merely moderately wealthy. [Autocar]

From the first moment you get into the SLS there's no escaping the improbably long nose. The nearest equivalent car I can think of that sits the driver so far from the front axle is the 2009 BMW Z4, but where that car's been described as a clown shoe, Pulitzer Prize-winning auto hack Dan Neil says the SLS looks like "a hairbrush." Unlike that car, the SLS is also wide (76 inches) so guiding it out of a parking lot is a daunting task, requiring placing the front wheels with guestimation versus vision. Open the hood and there's a good foot of clear space between the radiator and the airboxes mounted just in front of the engine. Good packaging this is not, but this long nose lends the understated super car the only visual drama it really has; the abbreviated cabin and low roof help to emphasize just what the big Merc is packing up front. The cabin is also further midship than it feels, with the relatively large 22-gallon tank sitting between the seats and the rear axle.

At speed, those awkward proportions cease to negatively impact the driving experience and the SLS actually manifests some steering feel, mostly felt over bumps and cat's eyes rather than in corners, but that's OK, because the car is heavily biased toward oversteer so it's only really the rear you need to feel. Actually, let's take a quick step back. The 9.5" wide front wheels wearing 265/35 low profiles and 11" rears with 295/30s don't really have an issue with grip. The problem is the 6.2-plus-change-liter (ignore the badges) V8 and its 571 HP just makes pushing the limits of what's possible way too easy.

Heavily modified over the standard AMG V8 that's in everything from the C63 to the S63, this M159 6.2-and-change (same capacity as all the other M156 engines) breathes much freer thanks to an all-new intake system, more aggressive valve timing, tubular steel headers and a de-throttled exhaust. It also switches to dry sump lubrication so the engine can be mounted lower in the chassis. In addition to that 571 HP at 6,800 RPM, it now develops 479 Lb-Ft of torque at 4,750 RPM, delivering the unique mix of high-revving power with low-RPM torque. That's also a healthy increase over the 525 HP the M156 normally develops and all it has to motivate is a 3,571 Lbs curb weight gull-winged bird of prey (703 Lbs lighter than the SL63 and 326 Lbs lighter than the SLR thanks to an aluminum chassis and body). Weight distribution is 47% front, 53% rear (unintuitive by look, but makes sense when you consider the aforementioned extra crumple zone space), aiding traction but still failing to overcome the fast-revving engine's ability to easily overcome the rear.

Driving an oversteer-biased car at a corner-biased track like Laguna Seca, like we did yesterday, is actually kind of refreshing. Where most cars would understeer into turn 2 and push the front around turn 11 and onto the back straight, the SLS is aggressively trying to step out the rear, even on a constant throttle. Credit for recovering the slides goes to the almost unbeatable stability control system. While you can push enough buttons to make it say "ESP-OFF", that doesn't fully shut down the system, with it still moderating acceleration-related wheelspin and re-engaging automatically the second you tap the brakes. While the SLS is a fast and engaging car even with all the nanny systems fully on, we of course mourn the loss of full driver control. My planned photo for the top of this review was a doors-up burnout, but sadly the car just wouldn't spin up the rear tires from a standstill.

That same system acts to control wheelspin on a hard launch, contributing to a manufacturer-reported 3.8-second 0-to-60 MPH time, eventually reaching a limited top speed of 197 MPH.

That engine also feels far more alive than in any other AMG application. It pops and burbles on the overrun and, mated to the seven speed dual clutch gearbox, is fast to rev and shift. It's also somewhat awkward in any of the three automatic modes, somehow always managing to be in the wrong gear, no matter the setting. The manual paddle shifter improves that, but compared to competitors, are a little slow to shift. Mercedes claims the transmission takes as little as 100 milliseconds to shift, but in practice it feels far slower, with a pronounced delay between a pull of the paddle and the transmission actually doing what you told it to.

The seven-speed rear-mounted transaxle is connected to the engine, as is the fashion these days, by a rigid torque tube containing a carbon fiber drive shaft. This arrangement maximizes the connection between the rear wheels and the engine, while minimizing the torque's impact on the handling and reciprocation mass.

I came into this drive expecting a luxury grand tourer that was also fast, but instead found a track-oriented super car that is also luxurious. On the road, the limitations of this incredibly fast car are relatively easy to reach, yet hard to live up to. It's also firmly sprung, always loud (both from road and engine noise) and fairly cramped. The SL63 would probably make an equally fast, yet more refined, spacious and comfortable road car, but the SLS would literally drive circles round that car on the track. Still, this combination of outright performance with extreme luxury is relatively rare. The 911 GT2 is harsh and edgy on the road, a 599 is way more expensive, as is the even-faster Lexus LFA. On the opposite end of the spectrum the Audi R8 does luxury a little better but track performance is a little less involving. At an estimate $200,000, the SLS carves a performance-oriented, luxury-capable niche all its own, something that's aided by the classy, restrained looks and the visual drama of the doors.

Is the Mercedes SLS AMG the fastest, most exciting super car on the market? No. Is it the most luxurious GT? Not by a long shot. Does it have significant flaws, most glaringly from the gearbox? Totally. But, fercrissakes, have you seen how sexy those Gullwing doors are when they pop open?

The big lift took a crane and a team of riggers, as well as a lot of short video cuts and generically corporate instrumental tunes. It's cute how they left the cars gullwing doors open for the entire "flight."

[Mercedes-Benz Passion]

Even though there hangs a faint air of retrograde desperation about the new Gullwing, with its signature design element a structural necessity on the 1952 racing original and a mere styling choice on the new car, it is a sight to behold in the flesh.

Yes, it may be nothing more than a sports car with a quirky door. But if you do shell out the quarter million dollars it will cost, you’ll end up with a Gullwing-ish car for half the price of a vintage 300SL.

With the added benefit of AMG’s fabulous 6.3-liter V8 and the relief of not having to care about what will soon be a 60-year-old car.

If you want to go for grungy race car looks, make sure you order yours with the matte black disguising elements seen on the leaked photos of test mules, complete with the bumps reminiscent of the skin of humpback whales.

And should you look real close at the picture on top, you will see yours truly in the Frankfurt mayhem, crammed up against the right door in a lobster red backpack, aiming a white telephoto lens at Lewis Hamilton and Dr. Z:

Hi Lewis!

Photo Credit: SASCHA SCHUERMANN/AFP/Getty Images, Mercedes-Benz, Gawid/autoscoop.biz, TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty Images

You already know the design's supposed to be a new take on the iconic 300SL Gullwing. You already know what's under the hood — the same venerable M159 6.2-liter V8 engine we've seen in everything from the 2006 E63 AMG to the 2008 SL 63 AMG. Basically, everything that's got a "63" in the name. In fact, this will be the first vehicle using the M159 that will not have an off-displacement numeric indicator. Isn't that special?

We've even talked at length about the SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission mated to the engine through a lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft. Heck, you've even seen the full interior before and know the spiritual successor to the most famous Merc ever does a 0-to-60 in about 3.7 seconds and it'll have a top speed of 197 MPH. What else is there left to show you? Oh right, the pictures. Check those out up top.

As for how it drives? You'll have to wait a wee bit longer for that.

So here's the scene. Mr. Siler's out on assignment in California and while awaiting a shuttle to the day's press event a quartet of camouflaged SLS's pull up and park, more or less begging to be photographed by the assembled press. Cue photographic onslaught. Most of what we can see has been widely publicized in the past. We've already seen official images of the interior and the first few shots of the car in it's entirety.

What's news here comes from a camouflage malfunction, which reveals one of the cars is in fact not a gullwing, but a convertible. Despite the zippered opening on the camo top, the fabric roof beneath is clearly visible. So in addition to the Frankfurt debut of the SLS Gullwing, we guess we're now expecting to see an SLS convertible as well. Those sneaky Germans.

This Hammer conversion has the same 375 HP V8 under hood, but with seating for seven and just 27,000 miles. Given that we've seen these get offered for upwards of $50K with such low mileage, the asking price of just $25,000 seems to be more than reasonable when you consider the engine was worked over by a mechanic we're told, could "be on Mars, with one arm, and blind, and still be better than most of the engine builders out there."

Unfortunately, no one purchased the vehicle and the auction ended without a single bid. Perhaps this can be a fortunate occasion for some lucky bidder? The guy's email address is still on the page if someone is interested...

[eBay Motors via The Car Lounge]

So what is there to see in this leaked dealer guide we were handed by way of secure courier our tips e-mail? Well, from a performance perspective, the car will deliver as expected on the power front with a 6.3-liter V8 generating 563 HP and 479 lb-ft of torque, and it'll be mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transaxle. Stopping comes from standard two piece cross-drilled rotors clamped by four piston calipers or an optional set of six piston carbon ceramic discs. On the interior front there are plenty of goodies including both Napa and designo leathers, various kinds of technological doo-dads, and some outrageous carbon fiber options in the "Special Section." Peruse the slide show at your leisure, you impoverished troglodytes. Our favorite is the $10,000 "Liquid Metal" paint job, we're hoping it's some kind of obnoxious factory chrome body available only in the middle east.

While it's still not clear exactly when the electric Gullwing will debut, it does look as if Mercedes is dedicated to bringing it to market, possibly much sooner than 2015, the date that was originally indicated to us.

This official diagram indicates exactly how Mercedes is working to make the center of gravity as low as possible, is ensuring the best possible weight distribution and is including the added benefit of AWD. Four electric motors are placed near the individual wheels they power, while batteries and associated electronics are packed into the now obsolete transmission tunnel and in the behind-the-seat space formerly occupied by the fuel tank. This setup has the added benefit of necessitating zero modifications to the sexy Mercedes SLS Gullwing bodywork that also leaked last week.

No details on the battery pack other than 40Ah capacity at 400V, but since the Mercedes S400 Hybrid is the first mass-production hybrid to use Lithium Ion batteries, we'd bet on the Electric SLS getting that technology too. Li-ion batteries are good for more cycles with more stability than NiMh or Li-Po units while weighing less. That means they'll last for more miles and, possibly, the lifetime of the vehicle.

Press Release:

Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG is paving the way ahead: with the new SLS AMG with electric drive, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is developing an exciting super sports car with zero-emission high-tech drive. This model sees Mercedes-Benz and AMG displaying their expertise in the development of alternative drive solutions for high-performance super sports cars, delivering further proof of their pioneering status in this market segment.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGwith electric drive transforms the vision of powerful and locally emission-free super sports cars into reality thanks to an innovative drive system: powerful forwards thrust is provided by four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm. The four electric motors are positioned near the wheels, substantially reducing the unsprung masses compared to wheel-hub motors. One transmission per axle transmits the power. This intelligent all-wheel-drive system allows dynamically optimised power transmission without any losses by means of Torque Vectoring – in other words the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels. In its first pilot phase, the SLS AMG with electric drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery of modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.
Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds
When it comes to dynamics, the electrically driven SLS AMGdelivers an unequivocal statement: the swing-wing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds – putting it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with a 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp.
"With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car. For us, it is not just about responsibility. We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMGperformance," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity
The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the new swing-wing model was being developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned near the wheels and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-current battery, whose modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically powered SLS AMG shares with its petrol-driven sister model.
Key data at a glance:

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive
Max. output 392 kW
Torque 880 Nm
0-100 km/h Approx. 4 s
Rated capacity 40 Ah (at 400 V)
Energy content 3x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

The installation of the drive components required no changes whatsoever to the swing-wing model's aluminium spaceframe body. And there were just as few constraints when it came to maintaining the excellent level of passive safety and high degree of long-distance comfort that are hallmarks of Mercedes cars.
Strategic alliance for fast electrification of the car
The electrically powered SLS AMG sees Mercedes-Benz and AMGcontinuing to pursue their aim of minimising the amount of time it takes to bring about the electrification of the car. Their strategic involvement in Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG, will provide the battery technology required in future. Daimler has the leading role in this joint venture for the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications.

You've seen the spy photos. You've seen the red headers of fire. You've seen the engine exploded. You've seen the interior. You've heard the engine. You've even seen the exterior leak all over the internet... twice! Now the slow strip tease on the 2010 Mercedes SLS AMG continues with the first drive... of a pre-production gullwing. We've pulled quotes from the review in four key areas to give you an idea what Edmunds thought. Check that out below, and head over to Edmunds Inside Line for the full review here. You'll have to wait for our verdict on the super car until we've had a chance to drive it, but for the moment this is a decent way to whet your appetite.

Power:

"The modified AMG V8 has a whole new level of throttle response. You can sense the eagerness building from down low in the rpm range, which isn't much of a surprise given the sturdy 402 lb-ft of torque available at just 2,500 rpm.

On a flowing track like this, you're rarely using less than half the engine's available revs. And sure enough, it is through the midrange where the full extent of the changes made to the 6.2-liter V8 become evident. When your foot is heavy on the throttle pedal, the engine hauls with great enthusiasm, racing around to the 5,000-rpm sweet spot. But with the redline set at 7,200 rpm, there's a lot more to come."

[Edmunds Inside Line]

Photo Credit: Konstantin Tschovikov

Handling:

"Draw the left-hand shift paddle forward a couple of times to select a lower gear and the SLS peels into corners positively but without any unsettling weight transfer. The body remains resolutely flat, and even slight movements are well controlled. Once the car is committed, the chassis' reactions prove progressive and forgiving."

[Edmunds Inside Line]

Photo Credit: Konstantin Tschovikov

Interior:

"The driver plays a part, too. "We've attempted to set the driver's seat as far back within the wheelbase as possible," says Moers. "It is quite extreme for a road car." He draws parallels with Mercedes-Benz's front-engine DTM racing cars."

[Edmunds Inside Line]

Photo Credit: Konstantin Tschovikov

The Verdict:

"The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG might look like the SL Gullwing of the 1950s, but it's clearly meant to challenge the best of today's exotic sports cars, like the Audi R8, the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 Turbo."

[Edmunds Inside Line]

Photo Credit: Konstantin Tschovikov

Thanks to Autobild, we can now see the SLS Gullwing in profile with some of its interior shining through. For a fully detailed look at that gorgeous two-seat interior, check out our earlier coverage here and here. [autobild]

The original Mercedes 300SL was ahead of its time, offering peerless luxury and extreme performance that outpaced 1950s competitors. An electric SLS could perform a similar feat, becoming the first zero-emissions supercar to be produced by a major manufacturer.

Wolf Zimmerman, the engineer in charge of the vehicle's development, claims the SLS eDrive would accelerate to 62 MPH in less than four seconds and continue on to a top speed in excess of 120 MPH. Range will be between 93 and 112 miles depending on how it's driven.

Front suspension is being swapped from upright double wishbone to pushrods with coilovers to accommodate electric motors sitting close to each of the wheels. Each 133 HP motor will drive its own wheel, effectively mimicking the performance of a torque vectoring all-wheel drive system.

Off-the-line performance should compare favorably with the 571 HP, 479 Lb-Ft 6.2-liter V8 version, but the eDrive will obviously give up top speed to the gasoline-powered Mercedes SLS Gullwing.

Autocar suggests that the battery pack would be mounted in the transmission tunnel and behind the seats, where the fuel tank is located in the regular SLS. Sales could start as early as 2015. [via Autocar]

We'll update as soon as we hear more on the Brucegasmic modern throwback to the classic gullwing 300SL. [fourwheelnews]

Replacing the Mercedes AMG SLR as the top shelf offering from Mercedes, the SLS Gullwing is taking a page out of company history and aping the gull wing doors from the legendary 1954 Mercedes 300SL, but it's not looking back for much else. The interior takes inspiration from modern luxury jets, pretty much everything not covered in leather is raw carbon fiber or aluminum. We're really digging the row of buttons and knobs on the center console, though the 8000 RPM redline and 330 KPH (205 MPH) top speed marked out on the dials are pretty exciting too. The 571 HP V8 will mate to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with the option to row your own at the shifter or through the steering wheel paddles. The knob on the center console looks to be a suspension and tune control with four different setting. We can also see the doors will get a power close feature as their outfitted with a pair of linear actuators. Not too shabby a working environment if you ask us.