|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
4
electric motors AWD |
Weight |
-- |
|
Aspiration |
-- |
Torque |
649
lb-ft |
|
HP |
526
hp |
HP/Weight |
-- |
|
HP/Liter |
-- |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
4
seconds |
Top Speed |
-- |
(from Mercedes-Benz
Press Release) Kristiansund (Norway) – Mercedes-AMG is accepting
the challenges of motoring of the future: the SLS AMG E-CELL is
evidence of the state-of-the-art development of an exciting super
sports car featuring a zero-emission high-tech drive. Boasting a
power output of 392 kW and 880 Nm of torque, the technology vehicle
from AMG is able to offer exceptional performance. The gullwing with
electric drive is part of the company strategy entitled "AMG
Performance 2015" which aims to continually reduce fuel consumption
and emissions.
With the SLS AMG E-CELL,
Mercedes-AMG is providing a glimpse of its latest development
project – a powerful and locally emission-free super sports car.
Finished in fluorescent "AMG lumilectric magno" paint, the gullwing
offers the prospect of a possible small series production run and at
the same time reflects the innovative strength and development
competence of the AMG performance brand.
"We take social
responsibility very seriously and with the SLS AMG E-CELL we are
demonstrating a further milestone in our "AMG Performance 2015"
strategy. It is our goal 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", explains Ola
Källenius, chairman of the board (from 1 July 2010) of Mercedes-AMG
GmbH. With the SLS AMG E-CELL, the performance brand of
Mercedes-Benz is launching a totally innovative drive solution for
super sports cars and as such is among the pioneers in this market
segment.
The ground-breaking
drive system of the technology vehicle boasts some outstanding
features: powerful traction is provided by four synchronous electric
motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of
880 Nm. The four compact electric motors each achieve a maximum rpm
of 12,000/rpm and are positioned near to the wheels. As a result,
compared with wheel-hub motors the unsprung masses are substantially
reduced. One transmission per axle transmits the power.
Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h
in 4 seconds
When it comes to
dynamics, the electrically-powered SLS AMG makes a statement: the
gullwing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds –
which almost puts it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with
6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW (571 hp), which can accelerate
to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Further exciting touches
are provided courtesy of the agile accelerator response and the
straight-line performance: unlike the combustion engine, torque
build-up with an electric motor is instantaneous – maximum torque is
available virtually from a standstill. The spontaneous torque
build-up and confident power delivery - which does not suffer from
any interruption of tractive power - are combined with engine
running characteristics which are totally free of vibration. Four
motors, four wheels: the intelligent and permanent all-wheel drive
of the electric SLS guarantees driving dynamics at the highest
level, while at the same time providing the best possible active
safety. Perfect traction is therefore ensured for all four driven
wheels, whatever the weather conditions.
This very special
gullwing is therefore able to "electrify" the driver with a
completely unique, effortlessly superior and emotional super sports
car driving sensation – and this is just at the prototype stage. In
brief: the SLS AMG E-CELL is a true AMG too.
High-voltage lithium-ion battery
provides 400 v and 40 Ah
The SLS AMG E-CELL drive
incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery
featuring a modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a
capacity of 40 Ah. The maximum electric load potential of the
battery, which consists of 324 lithium-ion polymer cells, is 480 kW,
which is an absolute best value in the automotive sector. Another
technical feature of this considerable performance is the
intelligent parallel circuit of the individual battery modules –
this also helps to maximise the safety, reliability and service life
of the battery. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted
recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.
Key data at a glance:
| SLS AMG
E-CELL |
|
Max Output |
392 kW |
|
Torque |
880 Nm |
|
0-100 km/h |
4 seconds |
|
Rated capacity |
40 Ah (at 400 V) |
|
Energy content |
3 x 16 kWh = 48 kWh |
High-performance electronic
control as well as effective cooling of all components
A high-performance
electronic control system converts the direct current from the
high-voltage battery into three-phase alternating current which is
required for the synchronous motors and regulates the energy flow
for all operating conditions. Two low-temperature cooling circuits
ensure that the four electric motors and the power electronics are
maintained at an even operating temperature.
A separate low-temperature circuit is responsible for cooling the
high-voltage lithium-ion battery. In low external temperatures, the
battery is quickly brought up to operating temperature with the aid
of an electric heating element. This helps to preserve the overall
service life of the battery. In extremely high external
temperatures, the cooling circuit for the battery can be
additionally boosted with the aid of the air conditioning system.
Optimum weight distribution and
low centre of gravity
The purely electric
drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept
phase when the gullwing model was being developed. It is ideally
packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission
technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two
transmissions can be positioned as close to the four wheels as
possible and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the
modular high-current battery, whose modules are located in front of
the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats. Advantages
of this solution include the vehicle's low centre of gravity and
balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum
handling, which the electrically-powered SLS AMG shares with its
petrol-driven sister model.
The installation of the
drive components required no changes whatsoever to the gullwing
model's weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe. And there were just
as few constraints when it came to maintaining the excellent level
of passive safety and high degree of long-distance comfort that are
hallmarks of Mercedes cars.
New front axle design with pushrod
damper struts
The additional
front-wheel drive called for a newly designed front axle: unlike the
series production vehicle with AMG V8 engine, which has a double
wishbone axle, the SLS AMG E-CELL features an independent multilink
suspension with pushrod damper struts. This is because the
vertically-arranged damper struts in the series SLS had to make way
for the additional drive shafts. As is usual in a wide variety of
racing vehicles, horizontal damper struts are now used, which are
operated via separate push rods and transfer levers.
Thanks to this
sophisticated front-axle design, which has already been tried and
tested in the world of motor sport, the agility and driving dynamics
of the electrically-powered SLS AMG attain the same high levels as
the V8 variant. Another distinguishing feature is the
speed-sensitive power steering with rack-and-pinion steering gear:
the power assistance is implemented electrohydraulically rather than
just hydraulically.
AMG ceramic composite brakes for
perfect deceleration
The technology vehicle
is slowed with the aid of AMG ceramic composite brakes, available as
an optional extra for the series production model, which boast
extremely short stopping distances, a precise actuation point and
outstanding fade resistance, even in extreme operating conditions.
The over-sized discs – measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x
32 mm at the rear – are made of carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic,
feature an integral design all round and are connected to an
aluminium bowl in a radially floating arrangement.
The ceramic brake discs
are 40 percent lighter in weight than the conventional, grey cast
iron brake discs. The reduction in unsprung masses not only improves
handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and tyre grip.
The lower rotating masses at the front axle also ensure a more
direct steering response – which is particularly noticeable when
taking motorway bends at high speed. The ABS and ESP® systems have
been adapted to match the special application spectrum of the
permanent all-wheel drive.
Full-LED headlamps and
automatically extending front splitter
The purist, exciting
design of the technology vehicle boasts a number of minor yet
extremely effective modifications. At the front, the dynamically
shaped full-LED headlamps with integrated daytime driving lights
immediately catch the eye: they help to optimise the vehicle's
energy efficiency, since they require less power compared with
regular bi-xenon light systems. The wider radiator grille also has a
new look, and now comes with transverse slats instead of a
diamond-pattern grille. The air outlet openings on the bonnet and
the vehicle sides have also been modified for enhanced aerodynamics.
All trim and detachable parts, which are finished in chrome or
silver shadow on the standard SLS AMG, are now finished in matt
black.
The front apron has not
only been brought further forward, but also helps to guarantee an
optimised airflow in the area of the underbody. This improves air
resistance while reducing downforce. An extendable front splitter
enhances this effect: in parallel with the automatic rear spoiler,
it extends downwards by seven centimetres at speeds above 120 km/h
and helps to further accelerate the air which travels beneath the
car. When it reaches the area of the rear axle, the air enters the
rear diffusor which, due to the lack of an exhaust system, features
a steeper angle, thus increasing downforce at the rear axle and in
turn further enhancing the aerodynamic balance. The vehicle's AMG
10-spoke light-alloy wheels featuring a new, smooth-surfaced design
are fitted with 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres.
Interior with new display
instruments for electric drive
The transformation from
petrol to electric super sports car also called for some specific
changes to the interior. As a result, the AMG instrument cluster and
centre console in particular both feature a new design. The new AMG
instrument cluster provides information on speed, charge status of
the battery and the estimated range. The newly designed centre
console now houses a 25 cm touchscreen, which driver and passenger
can use to conveniently operate all of the audio, climate and
navigation functions, and also obtain information on the flow of
power from the four electric motors.
The AMG Drive Unit,
which is angled towards the driver, houses buttons for starting the
motor, and the ESP® functions, the AMG memory function and the
extendable front splitter and rear spoiler. Using three new buttons,
the driver can switch simply between P, R and D. The park setting is
also enabled automatically by switching the electric motors off.
The interior
appointments are dominated by high-quality nappa leather in a
black/white colour combination – it has been used not only on the
sports seats, the performance leather/alcantara steering wheel and
the door linings, but also on the broad centre tunnel which runs
towards the back of the vehicle between the seats.
