New details have emerged today of the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz SLS Gullwing: according to AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg, the company is currently developing a plug-in electric version of the model. The Mercedes SLS eDrive, as its being called, is expected to be offered with the same lightweight aluminum body as the standard SLS (a model that will see it debut in Frankfurt this September), along with an interior that again remains largely unchanged from the non-electric Gullwing.
According to Mornhinweg: “The great thing is we haven’t had to alter the styling in any way,” who added “it’s completely original in appearance.” Volker then went on to note that “The very nature of the SLS, with its sizeable engine bay, sturdy torque tube running back along the backbone of the car and the mounting point for fuel tank, lends itself perfectly to adaptation for electrification.”
In total, it’s being said the Mercedes SLS eDrive will boast 392kW and 649 lb-ft of torque – this compared to the standard SLS Gullwing’s 571 hp and 470 lb-ft. While performance figures haven’t been finalized, the company is aiming for a 0-62mph time of less than 4 seconds (standard SLS: 3.8 seconds) and a top speed of 120mph (standard SLS: 196mph). Range is between 93 and 112 miles, depending on the load placed on the battery, and the recharging time sits around five hours on high-density charge or eight hours on conventional power.
As for hardware changes, Mercedes engineers have taken the route of replacing the standard SLS’ double-wishbone suspension up front with a new pushrod front suspension – one that features coil-over dampers mounted horizontally – thus freeing up space around the front axle. It is here that Mercedes will place two 98-kilowatt motors (there’s also two 98-kilowatt motors on the rear axle), making the SLS eDrive a four wheel drive vehicle. Energy for these motors will be supplied via a lithium-ion battery, mounted in the space usually filled by the standard SLS’ torque tube.
Unfortunately, there is one caveat of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS eDrive: if you’ve got your checkbook handy ready to be first in line to procure one, you’ve got a while to wait. The SLS eDrive is tentatively set for production in 2015, so if you’re looking to fill an immediate need for an electric supercar, you’ll have to look elsewhere. On a side note, there are rumors Audi could be debuting and electric R8 in Frankfurt…
We will of course keep you posted as new details of the Mercedes SLS eDrive become available.
