Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype Leaked

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype Leaked

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Just the Facts:

• The E-Cell reportedly goes from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.
• The SLS AMG E-Cell gets a multilink front suspension instead of double wishbones.
• The first SLS AMG E-Cell models are expected by 2013.

STUTTGART, Germany — The first official images of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell prototype have leaked onto the Web, days ahead of the first sanctioned test-drives.

The battery-powered sibling of the gasoline-powered gullwing coupe eschews the 563-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 in favor of four electric motors, one mounted near each wheel, and fed by a lithium-ion battery pack. The motors deliver a combined 526 hp and 649 pound-feet of torque, and are said to be capable of rocketing the SLS AMG E-Cell from rest to 60 in less than 4.0 seconds.

The AMG engineers made some significant modifications to accommodate the new powertrain, notably substituting a multilink front suspension for the gasoline model's double wishbones. The E-Cell also gets ceramic composite brakes, which help recharge the batteries during deceleration.

External changes include the addition of an extendable front apron and splitter, a wider grille, revised air intakes in the hood, LED headlamps, plus a luminescent yellow paint scheme with matte-black accents.