“Icon” is one of the most egregiously overused words in the English language -- especially by overzealous media types like me, trying to turn mundane stories into front-page headlines by lionizing someone or something that doesn’t deserve it. Not everyone and everything can be an icon, or “iconic,” otherwise the meaning of the label gets diluted, and that's a crime against those people or creations deserving of it.
More SLS AMG Pictures
The original Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, for instance, is one such creation worthy of being called an icon. And I'm confident my assertion that the all-new 2011 SLS AMG, the Gullwing's spiritual successor, is set to follow in the 300SL's footsteps is no simple hyperbole.
One of the most recognizable (if not the most recognizable) automobiles ever built, the 300SL was revolutionary for its day in terms of both design and engineering. It is credited with single-handedly changing Mercedes' image in America, from that of a manufacturer of solid-but-staid autos to a producer of sporty, ultracapable machines that can tear up the asphalt.
Technically, the 300SL was a marvel of its time. Built by Daimler-Benz AG, the vehicle was best-known for doors that opened like bird wings and for being the first gasoline-powered car equipped with fuel injection directly into the combustion chamber. Though the doors look cool and give the car a distinctive flair, the latter was the innovation that allowed the 300SL to reach a top speed of 161 mph, making it the fastest production car of its time.
In addition, and unlike many of its peers at the time, the 300SL wasn’t a bear to pilot. Steering was relatively precise, and the 4-wheel independent suspension allowed for a reasonably comfortable ride with excellent overall handling.
Today, the 300SL -- with its unique doors, technological firsts and low production numbers (only 1,400 were built) -- is considered one of the most collectible Mercedes-Benz models of all time. As proof, the car typically fetches more than $700,000 at auction or in private sales. Enter the all-new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It is heralded by experts as “an ambitious ground-up effort” from the German automaker because it's the first vehicle ever to be engineered entirely by Mercedes' long-time in-house tuner, AMG.
The slinky SLS is powered by a 6.3-liter V8 engine producing a whopping 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 38 horses and 15 lb-ft compared with the automaker's current V8. It uses an aluminum body draped over an aluminum space-frame chassis -- a first for Mercedes-Benz. The extensive use of this lightweight metal helps the SLS keep curb weight down to a relatively light 3,571 pounds. When you crunch the power-to-weight numbers, the SLS has a better ratio than that of an Aston Martin DBS or Porsche 911 Turbo, and is close to that of a Ferrari 599 GTB.
The engine's power is transferred to a rear-mounted 7-speed dual clutch transaxle via a carbon-fiber driveshaft enclosed within an aluminum torque tube. The use of a rear transaxle helps the car achieve a nearly perfect 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution.
The chassis uses aluminum double wishbones at all four wheels and composite brakes -- or optional ceramic composite brakes, with telltale gold calipers -- to help keep the SLS on the road. Massive 265/35 R19 front and 295/30 R20 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sports tires provide the grip -- as much as 1.2G in lateral acceleration.
What does all this mean? The SLS will go like a bat out of hell. Car and Driver magazine clocked it at 3.5 seconds from zero to 60 mph, and 11.6 seconds in the quarter-mile. It has a top speed of 197 mph.
Wherever we took this looker, a crowd magically appeared to gawk and snap photos. But most passers-by simply smiled and nodded their approval. And everyone thought the car was a mechanized aphrodisiac; in fact, one of my female friends remarked, “I could pick up a lot of guys in this baby!”
Though entry and exit in the cockpit is quite a chore -- the door sills are high and wide -- once inside we were blown away. It didn’t feel tight or cramped; it fit more like fine leather glove, smooth and supple. Plus, the quality of the materials and gauges will impress even the most pampered of individuals. Driver and passenger are enveloped in soft leather, with tasteful aluminum or optional carbon-fiber accents placed all about.
Member: 5095 
Forum: 2322
News: 27
Blog: 16
Downloads: 18
Comments: 5