The hand-built supercar that revived the legendary gullwing silhouette

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Developed with assistance from Formula One driver David Coulthard, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was the first vehicle designed and built entirely by the AMG division. It famously revived the iconic gullwing door style, using gas struts to swing upwards, while prioritizing weight reduction over luxury convenience.

Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the SLS AMG (C197 / R197) was a radical departure for Mercedes-Benz, marking the first time the AMG division designed and built a car from scratch. At its launch, the M159 engine—a 6.2-litre V8 modified with over 120 different changes—was described by AMG as the world's most powerful naturally aspirated production series engine, delivering 420 kW (563 hp). The vehicle's chassis and aluminium body shell were manufactured by Magna Steyr in Austria before being sent to Germany for final assembly. Its engine was also hand-built by AMG specialists in Affalterbach.

The car's design, led by Mark Fetherston between October 2006 and April 2007, was a modern revival of the classic 300SL Gullwing. To maintain a performance-oriented focus, engineers opted against an auto-closing system for the doors to avoid adding 41 kg (90 lb) of weight. Safety was addressed through a specialized mechanism: in a rollover, explosive bolts can detach the doors 10 to 15 milliseconds after detection to facilitate exit.

While the standard SLS AMG features a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle, the lineup expanded to include the SLS AMG Electric Drive, presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. This electric version utilizes four motors and a 48 kWh lithium battery. Production of the standard series concluded in 2014 with the introduction of the GT Final Edition, cementing the SLS AMG's legacy as a high-performance, track-oriented machine. For racing enthusiasts, the GT3 variant was developed to meet FIA regulations and features a sequential six-speed transmission. This competition model also includes a multi-disc locking differential and adjustable suspension settings.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The Mercedes-AMG GT: A high-performance evolution of German engineering and track-focused design
• The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: A High-Performance Collaboration That Redefined Grand Touring
• Why Mercedes-AMG is more than just a faster version of a luxury car
• The Mercedes 300 SL got gullwing doors because ordinary ones would not fit
• The world's most expensive car was once a designer's personal autobahn commuter
• The MG Midget was a badge-engineered sports car that evolved into a regulatory casualty.
• How 27 nations share sovereignty through a unique legal order
• How a former tech executive became the first tycoon of women's football
• The Australian football club that quit the elite league to protect its amateur soul
• From Glasgow's East End to the House of Lords
• The Australian football trophy that evolved from a three-grade championship to a modern prize
• Why the smallest possible software core can create the most robust operating systems

More in UK & Ireland: places · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics