October 2009 Archives

When Mercedes Benz unveiled the 2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, it reminded many of the 300SL of the 1950's. Like the vintage Benz, Mercedes' newest supercar features those familiar gull wing doors along with enough modern power to make it among the fastest production cars in the world. The gull wing doors are the most recognizable feature of the Mercedes Benz 300SL of the 1950's and 1960's, but a side by side comparison reveals more similarities. The chrome bumpers are gone, but the SLS AMG calls upon the classic for the overall shape and flow of the bodylines. The cabin is set back on the chassis, giving the SLS an elongated bonnet area and very short trunk, with a near-fastback design connecting the roofline with the area enclosing the exhaust tips. Along the side of the 2010 SLS AMG the gull wing doors open in a similar fashion, but chassis technology allows for an easier entry, as the door sills are much lower to the ground.