Turbo News

Not only is the horsepower war not over - contrary to AMG’s own declaration last year - the latest reports say it has moved into a whole new range of armaments: electric vehicles. The latest development is a possible all-electric powertrain for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which has also been revealed undisguised for the first time today thanks to a German enthusiast magazine.

The photo, sourced via Jalopnik, reveals the details of the car’s front and rear styling treatments, with the SLS getting a fairly unique light treatment that goes its own way, setting it apart from the rest of the newest cars in Mercedes’ lineup. But the appearance isn’t the only thing that will set the SLS apart.

It’s supercar performance won’t hurt in standard 6.2L V8 trim, with 571hp to shred the rear tires and a 48-52% front-rear weight distribution. Routing the power to the ground is a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that will combine the performance of a manual with the smoothness of an auto, running the car to 62mph in 3.8 seconds.

But the real game-changer for AMG and Mercedes both will be the possible electric drive reported by AutoWeek. With output almost matching the brawny V8 at 526hp, the new system will be called ‘eDrive’ and will gain drive in the front wheels as well.

Top speed would be limited to about 120mph, and acceleration is expected be around 4.0 seconds to 62mph, however, somewhat short of the V8 SLS’s 3.8-second run and 196mph top speed.

Don’t get too excited about the electric supercar yet, however - it’s not expected to hit production until 2015.





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