| 28 August |
No Faults With The SLS Design |
The SLS AMG is undoubtedly an amazing car and we had the chance to speak to its designer. It always makes us question how Volker Mornhinweg managed to transform the once high performance tuning company into a fully independent supercar manufacturer.
The enthusiasm for fast and dynamic cars was soon contagious amongst his team of outstanding engineers and designers during his five year stint with Mercedes AMG. Here he reflects on the creation of the SLS AMG.
We know about the electric SLS – will hybrids and alternative power sources play a key role in AMGs future?
Soon everyone will have hybrid tech. Those that dont will not succeed. AMG will differentiate itself by taking an even bigger step than everyone expects by going fully electric. I have driven the electric SLS and it is unbelievable. The performance, the dynamism – its amazing. Our electric cars like our petrol cars will be proper AMG cars on both emotional and performance levels. But you will also see some very exciting combustion-engine technology from us over the next decade. The petrol engine is a long way from dead let me tell you.
What’s the idea behind the SLS GT3?
It’s what our customers want, in a nutshell. In creating this car, we are creating a template – we are showing what we can do with less weight, greater performance and sharper focus.
Was the SLS always planned as the spiritual successor to the original 300SL Gullwing?
No! It was designed as a roadster first. We engineered it to be stiff enough without a roof because we were planning a roadster version of the car. Then I was looking at a model of the Gullwing and noticed how similar the cars were in mechanical layout and how far back the driver sat. So we tried a few different designs and it just worked as a Gullwing. It was luck, good fortune and coincidence all in one. Amazing.
We know a roadster version of the SLS is coming – when will we see a complete family of road-going AMG cars (as opposed to Mercedes-based AMG models)?
With the SLS we looked for a market segment where we were not represented. When it comes to expanding the AMG range we will have to look very carefully at the existing Mercedes line-up and ensure we don’t overlap. If we did a smaller model it might step on the toes of the SLK, for example. And we don’t have a heritage of a mid-engined supercar. So I think you will see a range of cars based around the SLS. And we have some great cars lined up. You won’t be disappointed.
And with such a prestige status, it is now wonder the SLS AMG is one of best cars around.