The SLS’ awesome 6.2-liter V-8 is replaced with an all-electric powertrain for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype. The new horsepower figure might be less than before but this SLS still has 526-horsepower and 649-pound-feet of torque which comes on board instantly to keep this SLS in supercar league. And with an electric motor driving each wheel, the E-Cell will accelerate to 60 mph in four seconds, according to AMG engineers.
Mercedes’ AMG Performance 2015 strategy, the goal of which is to “continually reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models in the coming years, while at the same time enhancing the core brand value of performance,” says Ola Kallenius, Mercedes-AMG GmbH’s new chairman.
The electric drivetrain allows AMG to place weight efficiently and required no modifications to the SLS’ aluminum spaceframe. The lithium-ionpolymer battery modules sit in front of the firewall, in the center tunnel, and behind the seats, aiding in both lowering the E-Cell’s center of gravity and better balancing its weight.
The motors, though not mounted on the wheel-hubs,are low in the chassis and close to each wheel. Each motor can achieve amaximum of 12,000 rpm.
The two motors up front did require AMG to redesign the front suspension. The present SLS has a double wishbone while the E-Cell employs an independent multilink suspension withpushrod damper struts. Still, Mercedes maintains that the E-Cell retains the handling characteristics of the petrol-powered SLS.
It should sure stop like one:The E-Cell wears the SLS’s optional ceramic composite brakes, sized 18.5-inchesfront and 14.2-inches rear. The rotors are 40-percent lighter than the standard set of binders, and they also charge the battery during braking.
Mercedes says the battery pack’s max load potential is an industry best at 480 kW. Delivering so much power requires substantial temperature monitoring, and a low-temperature circuit cools when need be, the air conditioning can help in extremely hot climates while, in cold conditions, an electric heater brings the battery up to operating temperature.
Two cooling circuits maintain the four electric motors and the power electronics. Best of all, this SLS AMG comes in its own weird yet wonderful colour, coded Lumilectric Mango.
