Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

New York/Affalterbach, USA/Germany, Apr 24, 2009

Design: Visionary style

The striking design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG immediately raises the pulse level: the SLS makes an unmistakable statement with its long bonnet, low greenhouse positioned well to the rear, short rear end with an extendable aerofoil, large wheels, wide track and long wheelbase. Opening the unique swing-doors attracts the eye to an equally sporty interior, creating immediate associations with the dominhant design theme, namely "aircraft engineering". The visionary interior style also represents a new design philosophy for future Mercedes sports cars.


When the swing-wing doors of the Mercedes-Benz SLSAMGgently pivot upwards, the eye is drawn to a wide, wing-shaped dashboard – a clear reference to the aviation-based design. The four prominent air vents resemble the engines of a jet aircraft, while the centre console is in the style of a jet's operating console and the shape if the E-SELECT shift lever recalls the thrust control of a jet. These are perfectly complemented by the concave interior panels of the swing-wing doors, whose high waistlines make for an authentic cockpit feeling. Together with the roof-integrated doors, the high sills and the wide centre console extending well to the rear, they impart a feeling of safety and security. At the same time the interior of the new super-sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG impresses with its puristic functionality and design idiom.

The convex, muscular shape of the dashboard is reminiscent of an aircraft wing. Contrasting decorative seams and fine designo leather provide a high-class look and reinforce the "custom-built" impression. All surfaces such as the interior
door panels and armrests are softly padded, with a pleasant feel. These contrast dramatically with the air vents, which have a metal bezel and an adjustable, cruciform nozzle, and also with the metal centre console. All the major function controls are grouped on this, and the AMGDRIVE UNITinclined towards the driver with the dynamically designed E-SELECT lever for the AMGSPEEDSHIFT double-declutch transmission makes for perfect ergonomics. On request the centre console and other interior components are also available in genuine carbon fibre.

Finished in galvanised Silver Shadow, the instrument cluster has two dial instruments with white backlighting and an upshift indicator using seven LEDs. The silver dials have red needles and a 360 km/h speedometer scale. As a central feature of the cockpit, the multimedia system COMAND APSwith its 7-inch screen is integrated between the two centre air vents. The modern short-stroke control keys require an operating force of only four newtons. All keys and switches are coated in Softtouch paint, which creates a silky sheen and a pleasant feel. Homogeneous illumination of the switch symbols with amber light ensures instant recognition and emphasises the exclusive appearance of the interior when driving at night.

Dynamic steering wheel design and leather in five different colours

An authentic racing car touch is provided by the Performance steering wheel, which has a diameter of only 365 millimetres. The rim has a flattened lower section and an oval cross-section for outstanding vehicle control. The shift paddles and lower insert are of metal. The unmistakable attention to detail for which Mercedes designers are known is very evident in the tasteful colour combinations of the SLSinterior. Five different designo leather colours are available to meet individual preferences: black, classic red, sand, porcelain and light brown. The sports seats with integrated head restraints and sporty transverse fluting are upholstered in designo leather – and two-tone seats are also available in classic red, sand and porcelain. If light brown is chosen as an interior colour, the sports seats are upholstered in natural leather with particularly high-quality woven leather on the centre seat panels. Depending on the colour combination, fluorescent or black piping provides another sporty touch.

The A-pillars, roof lining and parcel shelf are lined in anthracite Alcantara,
heightening the functional and puristic motor sports atmosphere. These surfaces are complemented with the sporty carpeting and cord floor mats with the AMG logo.






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