Mercedes' AMG sports division has revealed what it claims to be the world's most powerful electric supercar.
The all-electric SLS AMG Image: Mercedes |
The smoothly-titled Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive boasts supercar performance from its four electric motors powered by 60kWh 400 volt batteries. With a total output of 553kW - equating to 740hp - the gull-wing doored Merc produces a maxiumum torque of 1000Nm.
Because electric power delivery is instant from the four synchronous motors - each weighing 45kg - the car can accelerate from a standing start to 62mph (100kph) in a searing 3.9 seconds. Top speed is restricted to 155mph (250kph) but would be capable of significantly more.
While video of the car would indicate that it is largely silent except for tyre noise, Mercedes claims the sound from the AMG is, in fact, "Powerful, voluminous, dynamic, emotional and authentic: the characteristic sound of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive embodies the sound of the 21st century."
The battery itself, which has an electric load potential of 600kW, weighs in at a hefty 548kg and is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion unit. Much of the technology has been developed in conjunction with Mercedes' Formula One team, including the KERS hybride technology which is now being used by all the F1 teams to boost acceleration at certain points in the race.
Mercedes are following a trend within the luxury car market for high-performance hybrids and electric vehicles. As reported by OATS, Audi recently broke the lap record at Germany's Nurburgring with the electric version of it's R8.
Buried amongst the lengthy technical details supplied by Mercedes on it's latest dream car is one very important fact that would indicate the need for an electric salary to go with your electric car. The SLS AMG comes with a hair-raising price tag of €461,500 ($536,000) on the road.