Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing Spy Shots Emerge

More detailed spy photos of the long-rumored Mercedes Gullwing sportscar have broken cover, courtesy of admirably nutty Brit car site PistonHeads.  This replacement for the soon-departed Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will feature "gullwing" doors in honor of the famous 1950's 300SL Gullwing race car, with retrofuturistic styling to match.  Underneath, though, the SLS AMG will be a fully modern performance vehicle.

The press release cleverly disguised as spy photos tell us a bit about what to expect from the SLS.  The chassis is an all-aluminum space frame, for exceptional rigidity and reduced weight.  Power will come from a front-mounted aluminum V8 sitting mostly behind the front axle.  Based on the bespoke AMG 6.2L 32v V8 that sees duty in everything from the C-Class to the SL, the SLS will generate 535 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, with a 6,800rpm rev limit.  Power is sent to the rear wheels through a new 7-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox mounted in the rear, for improved weight distribution.  This dual-clutch gearbox will be a first for Benz, and will hopefully be replacing their easily-confused 7-speed traditional planetary-gearset automatic.

Weighing in at an estimated 1620kg (3571lbs), about 120kg lighter than the SLR McLaren, the SLS AMG will be a suitably rapid vehicle.  Mercedes-Benz states the car will be able to reach 100km/h in 3.8 seconds with a top speed right around 192mph.  The SLS will enjoy flawless jackrabbit starts, if you're so inclined, thanks to the ever-popular Launch Control software.  Braking duties are taken care of by sizable 15.4" ventilated discs in the front, and 14.2" in the rear - although carbon composite brakes will be available as well.

In fact, it seems like the only thing we don't yet know about the SLS AMG is how it's really going to look.  For that, you'll have to wait until the Frankfurt Auto Show this fall - although I'm certain we'll be seeing official pictures long before that.  You know how these things tend to just happen.