Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz working on electric SLS eDrive for 2015
Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS - Click above for high-res image gallery
Green-minded fans of the upcoming SLS supercar that Mercedes-Benz AMG has been working on for well over two years, rejoice. The rumormill is buzzing with word that an all-electric version of the gullwinged monster could enter limited production in 2015. That's a ways off, but considering the gestation period of the gas-chugging version, it's pretty much par for the course.
According to the gossip-happy blokes over at Autocar, the electric SLS will share its lightweight aluminum body, gullwing doors, and most of the interior with upcoming SLS. The changes for the SLS eDrive will mostly be contained in the powertrain, which will use four 98 kW motors (one at each wheel) for a total of 392 kW (532bhp) and 649 lb. ft. of torque. A rumored 0-62 mph time of under four seconds and a top speed of 120 mph would put it in the realm of the Tesla Roadster if the SLS eDrive were available today, albeit undoubtedly at a much higher price point.
Of course, nobody actually knows what the electric gullwing will be capable of – if indeed it reaches production at all. According to Autocar, the SLS eDrive figures to have a shorter range than the Tesla, somewhere between 93 and 112 miles from a full charge that takes eight hours from a standard outlet, or five to six from a more powerful outlet.
The gasoline-powered SLS is expected to debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
why not the LS2LS7? 11:39AM (7/10/2009)
It is incredibly unlikely this will charge in 8 hours from a standard US outlet. This must mean a European outlet.
100 mile range is a joke. Should keep the price down somewhat though.
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jeff 12:32PM (7/10/2009)
i agree about the charging time. 110V is a real handicap in charging EVs. Electricians will be making good business installing extra 220V outlets in garages all over North America.
jamie 11:49AM (7/10/2009)
The cross hair grill caught me off guard and I thought I was looking at some sort of Dodge mule.
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Bird 12:54PM (7/10/2009)
I think that's the point
Serge 2:17PM (7/10/2009)
guys... that looks like a classic MB grille to me... doesn't look like the one dodge uses anyway:
http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/87580,2782/1960-Mercedes-Benz-300-SL_photo.aspx
http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/244647,16039/2009-Dodge-Viper-SRT10_Photo.aspx
Art 2:50PM (7/10/2009)
very cool, 4 motors at each wheel. should help weight distribution A LOT
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dukeisduke 12:38PM (7/10/2009)
I think the tape down the middle hides a giant three-pointed star. Notice how the horizontal element starts to flare out close to where the tape crosses it.
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gslippy 3:02PM (7/10/2009)
People don't want an electric Mercedes. Nor do they want a hybrid Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini. When will these marques wake up to reality?
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evan 3:51PM (7/10/2009)
+1, I can't stand how they're all making EV versions of their sporty cars. Can you imagine how much this thing will weigh with 4 motors and a battery pack? And only 120 mph? I'll take the V8, thanks.