AMG, the performance arm of Mercedes Benz has announced an all-electric version of the SLS model.
Image:Mercedes-AMG
The gull-wing supercar's usual 6.3-litre, V8 engine has been replaced by a 392kW (526hp) electric unit which pumps out 880Nm (649lb-ft) of torque, powering the car to 100kmh in just 4 seconds, only 0.2 of a second slower than the petrol-driven model.
Power is deliverred by a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a maximum load potential of 480kW. Traction comes from four synchornous electric motors, positioned near the wheels, which spin up to 12,000rpm. The biggest benefit of electric over a combustion engine is the instant delivery of maximum torque, offering supercar performance from virtually a standing start.
Additional driveshafts and changes to suspension, axles and aerodynamics are just some of the innovations required to put the AMG-SLS E-CELL on the road.