Mercedes all electric SLS AMG E-Cell Gullwing to enter production

By Darren Quick
Source: www.gizmag.com

At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show Mercedes-Benz has announced that its SLS AMG E-Cell, which was first unveiled as a prototype last year, will go into production. Part of Mercedes-AMG’s “AMG Performance 2015” strategy that aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the battery-electric drive gullwing super sports car, which generates 392 kW (525 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque via four compact electric motors positioned near the wheels, will be available to order from 2013.

The all-electric SLS AMG E-Cell can go from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4 seconds, which isn’t far off the pace of the 6.3-liter SLS AMG that does it in 3.8 seconds thanks to its 420 kW (571 hp) V8. The planned production model looks to be largely unchanged from the prototype with the same liquid-cooled, 48 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, redesigned instrument cluster and center console and multilink suspension with pushrod damper struts. The production version will also offer AMG ceramic composite brakes, which are 40 percent lighter than the conventional, grey cast iron brake discs, as an optional extra.

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t released all the details about the car just yet though – most notably, the range of the vehicle, how long it takes to charge and the price.