2011 Formula 1 : Vettel wins Grand Prix de Monaco

S.A.S. Prince Albert II and Sebastian Vettel (GER), Red Bull Racing, RB7 race winner

MONTE CARLO, Monaco : May 29, 2011 - Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault) finally added the elusive Monaco Grand Prix to his tally of victories, scoring five wins from six this season.

After a big accident in qualifying, there was another in the race, resulting in Russian Vitaly Petrov being hospitalised after a multiple-car pileup at the Swimming Pool complex.

The Monaco GP once again proved that the three-way influence of rapidly-wearing Pirelli tyres, KERS and DRS have turned Formula One on its head and is providing consistently exciting races.

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) made up for the humiliation of being lapped last weekend in front of his home fans in Spain, by finishing second, with early race leader Jenson Button third - three world champions on the podium.

Mark Webber, who won at Monaco last year, set the fastest lap of the race - 1'16.234 - on the final lap to finish fourth and was followed by Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) and Lewis Hamilton (McLaren).

Vettel extended his lead in the drivers' championship with 143 points over Hamilton (85) and Webber (79). Red Bull also extended its lead in the constructors' title fight to 222 points over McLaren (161) with Ferrari falling away in third place on 93.

As the race got under way in the cramped streets of Monte Carlo, Vettel got away cleanly from pole into the lead, while further back in the pack, Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) got past ninth-placed Hamilton into the first corner. There was contact between the two cars and although both suffered damage, it did not appear to be critical.

Over the first few laps, Vettel made good use of an open track ahead of him to start to open up a lead.

Schumacher was holding up a clearly faster Hamilton for lap after lap before the 2008 world champion got alongside the seven-times champion down the main straight on lap 10 and got past into Ste Devote.

Two laps later, Rubens Barrichello (Williams-Cosworth) took delight in overtaking his former Ferrari team mate, muscling his way past Schumacher at Mirabeau. Schumacher pitted for fresh tyres on the next lap. He took on another set of super-soft tyres as well as a replacement front wing to replace the one he damaged when he drove into the back of Hamilton. Schumacher rejoined in 21st place.

Rosberg was holding up a high-speed train of cars as Felipe Massa (Ferrari), Pastor Maldonado (Williams-Cosworth), Vitaly Petrov (Renault) and Hamilton queued up behind him to try and get past. Massa made it just before the Swimming Pool complex and Maldonado cheekily followed him through.

On lap 15, Button pitted from second place and rejoined in fourth. A lap later, there was a mistake by the Red Bull crew as they fumbled in getting the wheels ready for Mark Webber's stop, costing him valuable seconds..

On lap 17, Button set a new fastest lap of 1'19.072 and after Vettel pitted for his fresh rubber, once again surprising the pit crew, Button went into the lead.

Hamilton was all over the back of Petrov trying to get past into sixth place. He pitted on lap 23 and similarly surprised his crew who were not ready for him, resulting in a nine-second pit stop.

Rookie Paul di Resta (Force India-Mercedes) made a very untidy pass on Sébastien Buemi (Toro Rosso-Ferrari), taking off his front wing. Di Resta was given a drive-through penalty for his transgression.

Meanwhile Schumacher wrong-footed team mate Rosberg and scythed past into 14th place.

On lap 30 there was a frustrating train of four cars held up behind fourth-placed Barrichello who had not yet pitted and was lapping on tyres well past their best.

On lap 33 there was right-rear suspension damage for Timo Glock (Virgin-Cosworth) who became the first retirement. Barrichello made his first pit stop and Button his second

There was contact between Massa and Hamilton on lap 34 as the latter tried to force his way past at the hairpin. Seconds later, Hamilton got up the inside of the Brazilian inside the tunnel. Massa was out on the marbles where he lost traction, and he smashed into the barriers on the outside and limped out of the tunnel with the left front wheel of his Ferrari askew. Seconds later, Schumacher's Mercedes came to a stop in the centre of the track and was pushed into the pit lane and retirement.

With two dead cars on the track, the safety car was deployed while the cars were removed.

So on lap 37, with the filed circuiting slowly behind the safety car, Vettel was technically in the lead but had yet to make his second stop. He was followed by two drivers who had already stopped twice - Button, who was the virtual leader, and Alonso. Behind them came Sutil, Kobayashi, Webber, Hamilton and Maldonado who had all yet to make their second stops.

On lap 39, racing got back under way and the pack got back up to racing speed without incident.

Button had been out of position behind a number of back-markers, but he quickly caught up with Vettel and joined with the reigning world champion for a battle for the lead. Over the radio, Vettel's' team advised him to keep Button behind for a few laps after which the advantage of his newer, but faster-wearing, Pirellis would be negated.

Stewards then hit Hamilton with a drive-through penalty for causing an avoidable accident with Massa at the hairpin.

Di Resta had another incident at the hairpin, this time nerfing the back of Jerome d'Ambrosio's Virgin-Cosworth.

Vettel appeared to have blunted Button's charge, holding the gap between them at just under a second, with Alonso a further six seconds back.

Hamilton served his drive-through and rejoined in ninth place, 6.9 sec behind Petrov.

On lap 48, Button made his third and final stop, rejoining in third place and 19.9 seconds behind race leader Vettel, with a pit stop taking more than 20 seconds at this track. Team mate Hamilton made his third stop on the next lap.

Button set a new fastest lap of 1'17.894 on lap 51 of 78 and was lapping over a second a lap faster than Vettel, with the Red Bull pit yet to respond to the threat. On the next lap, Button improved the best lap still further by half a second, reducing Vettel's lead to 14.5 seconds.

Second-placed Alonso was the meat in the sandwich, but was also still due to stop one more time. Alonso was catching Vettel but was himself being overhauled by Button.

Webber pitted from seventh place on lap 56, and this time his crew was ready and waiting for him.

With 20 laps to go, Alonso was within a second of Vettel, with Button seven seconds behind and closing fast.

On lap 59, Alonso arrived on the tail of race leader Vettel, who had to start driving defensively, slowing the pair and allowing Button to catch them even faster.

With 15 laps to go, Button arrived behind Alonso and the top three cars, all driven by world champions, were covered by just 0.7 seconds as they closed in on slower traffic ahead!

The trio lapped nose-to-tail on the streets of Monte Carlo where, despite the aids of DRS and KERS, overtaking is all but impossible.

Alonso had the difficult job of trying to pass Vettel while simultaneously defending against Button. He made a mistake at the exit of the Tunnel and took a short cut across the chicane, but retained his position.

Adrian Sutil (Force India-Mercedes) and Petrov hit the wall at the Swimming Pool complex on lap 69 and in the melee, Hamilton was also tagged from behind by Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso-Ferrari) damaging the McLaren's rear wing.

Petrov remained in his car and there was concern that he had lost consciousness. Sergio Perez (Sauber) suffered a big accident at the exit of the Tunnel during qualifying and was hospitalised, keeping him out of the race.

The safety car was deployed and the remaining 18 drivers formed up behind it for a final seven-lap dash to the flag, but the race was red-flagged on lap 71 and the cars formed up on the dummy grid with an announcement from race control saying that the race would be resumed once the track was clear.

McLaren mechanics took the opportunity to replace Hamilton's rear wing, normally a lengthy procedure.

Meanwhile Petrov, reportedly conscious and talking, was extracted from his wrecked Renault and transferred to a waiting ambulance for transport to the medical facility. He was reported to be badly bruised but not injured.

Activity began to hot up on the dummy grid as McLaren mechanics worked with even more vigour to complete Hamilton's wing fitment. With three minutes to go to the restart, there were still a few panels lift to be replaced.

Engines were restarted and wheels replaced and the mechanics left the scene.

The cars moved off from the grid with Vettel leading Alonso, Button, Kobayashi, Webber, Maldonado, Hamilton, Sutil, Heidfeld and Barrichello. The safety car withdrew on the first lap and the race was resumed.

Vettel held up the pack and then accelerated for the line, with Button caught napping

Hamilton got up the inside of sixth-placed Maldonado at Ste Devote at the end of the main straight and there was heavy contact between the two cars with the Williams punted off into the barriers. The incident came under the attention of the stewards.

Webber tried to get past Kobayashi as Hamilton closed up on them from behind. Webber banzaied the Japanese as they burst out of the dark Tunnel into the dazzling sunshine and forced Kobayashi to short-cut the chicane, thereby obliging himself to yield the position to the Australian.

Race result : 2001 Formula 1 - Grand Prix de Monaco

Pos	No	Driver	Team	Laps	Time/Retired	Grid	Pts
1	1	Sebastian Vettel	RBR-Renault	78	2:09:38.373	1	25
2	5	Fernando Alonso	Ferrari	78	+1.1 secs	4	18
3	4	Jenson Button	McLaren-Mercedes	78	+2.3 secs	2	15
4	2	Mark Webber	RBR-Renault	78	+23.1 secs	3	12
5	16	Kamui Kobayashi	Sauber-Ferrari	78	+26.9 secs	12	10
6	3	Lewis Hamilton	McLaren-Mercedes	78	+47.2 secs	9	8
7	14	Adrian Sutil	Force India-Mercedes	77	+1 Lap	14	6
8	9	Nick Heidfeld	Renault	77	+1 Lap	15	4
9	11	Rubens Barrichello	Williams-Cosworth	77	+1 Lap	11	2
10	18	Sebastien Buemi	STR-Ferrari	77	+1 Lap	16	1
11	8	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes	76	+2 Lap	7
12	15	Paul di Resta	Force India-Mercedes	76	+2 Lap	13
13	21	Jarno Trulli	Lotus-Renault	76	+2 Lap	18
14	20	Heikki Kovalainen	Lotus-Renault	76	+2 Lap	17
15	25	Jerome d'Ambrosio	Virgin-Cosworth	75	+3 Lap	21
16	23	Vitantonio Liuzzi	HRT-Cosworth	75	+3 Lap	23
17	22	Narain Karthikeyan	HRT-Cosworth	74	+4 Lap	22
18	12	Pastor Maldonado	Williams-Cosworth	73	Accident	8
Ret	10	Vitaly Petrov	Renault	67	Accident	10
Ret	19	Jaime Alguersuari	STR-Ferrari	66	Accident	19
Ret	6	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	32	Accident	6
Ret	7	Michael Schumacher	Mercedes	32	Airbox fire	5
Ret	24	Timo Glock	Virgin-Cosworth	30	Suspension	20
DNS	17	Sergio Perez	Sauber-Ferrari		-	-

2011 Formula 1 : Drivers championship standings

Pos	Driver	Nationality	Team	Points
1	Sebastian Vettel	German	RBR-Renault	143
2	Lewis Hamilton	British	McLaren-Mercedes	85
3	Mark Webber	Australian	RBR-Renault	79
4	Jenson Button	British	McLaren-Mercedes	76
5	Fernando Alonso	Spanish	Ferrari	69
6	Nick Heidfeld	German	Renault	29
7	Nico Rosberg	German	Mercedes	26
8	Felipe Massa	Brazilian	Ferrari	24
9	Vitaly Petrov	Russian	Renault	21
10	Kamui Kobayashi	Japanese	Sauber-Ferrari	19
11	Michael Schumacher	German	Mercedes	14
12	Adrian Sutil	German	Force India-Mercedes	8
13	Sebastien Buemi	Swiss	STR-Ferrari	7
14	Rubens Barrichello	Brazilian	Williams-Cosworth	2
15	Sergio Perez	Mexican	Sauber-Ferrari	2
16	Paul di Resta	British	Force India-Mercedes	2
17	Jaime Alguersuari	Spanish	STR-Ferrari	0
18	Jarno Trulli	Italian	Lotus-Renault	0
19	Heikki Kovalainen	Finnish	Lotus-Renault	0
20	Jerome d'Ambrosio	Belgian	Virgin-Cosworth	0
21	Pastor Maldonado	Venezuelan	Williams-Cosworth	0
22	Timo Glock	German	Virgin-Cosworth	0
23	Vitantonio Liuzzi	Italian	HRT-Cosworth	0
24	Narain Karthikeyan	Indian	HRT-Cosworth	0

2011 Formula 1 : Team - Manufacturers' Championship Standings

Pos	Team	Points
1	RBR-Renault	222
2	McLaren-Mercedes	161
3	Ferrari	93
4	Renault	50
5	Mercedes	40
6	Sauber-Ferrari	21
7	Force India-Mercedes	10
8	STR-Ferrari	7
9	Williams-Cosworth	2
10	Lotus-Renault	0
11	Virgin-Cosworth	0
12	HRT-Cosworth	0

[Source : F1, CRASH.NET, Supersport]

New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster - Open sensuality: roadster performance in its perfect form

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

AFFALTERBACH : May 29, 2011 - The performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is presenting a new dream-car: the SLS AMG Roadster. This super sports car thrills with a perfect synthesis of open-top driving pleasure, outstanding driving dynamics and systematic lightweight construction. The overall visual appearance of the new two-seater is marked by its purist design.

The technological highlights of the SLS AMG Roadster read like an A-B-C of modern sports car engineering: the combination of an aluminium spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication developing a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 newton metres of torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones is guaranteed to make the hearts of sports car enthusiasts beat faster – while ensuring outstanding driving dynamics and roadster motoring pleasure.

The compact fabric soft top of the SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 50 km/h. The new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an attractive optional extra. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose his own suspension setup. Three modes are available: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus".
"AMG Performance Media" is a unique new feature: this innovative multimedia system inspired by motorsport offers an unrivalled combination of numerous telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various engine data and lap times on a racetrack, and also features high-speed mobile internet access.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one. It its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz."

Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The gull-wing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the open-top version is bound to cause a sensation."

Purist roadster design with perfect proportions

The new Roadster adds a second exciting dream-car to the AMG model family. Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener: "As in the gull-wing model, the purist, athletic design immediately captures the attention. Whether with the roof open or closed, the SLS AMG Roadster is an impressive visual delight!" The perfect proportions are particularly memorable: a long bonnet, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and a short rear end. Plus the automatically extending rear aerofoil, long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs – in short, the open-top SLS AMG likewise exudes effortless dynamism and an authentic charisma. The pronounced shoulder sections are reminiscent of tensed muscles, and suggest sheer power in combination with the large wheels in size 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear). The attractive metallic paint finish AMG Sepang brown and weight-optimised forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange, are available as new optional extras.

Features reminiscent of the 300 SL Roadster, the classic dream-car from the 1950s, include not only the wide radiator grille with its large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross-fin, but also the fins on the bonnet and on the vehicle flanks. Like the SLS AMG Roadster, the 300 SL Roadster appeared slightly later than the original gull-wing 300 SL, but unlike in the former case both AMG dream cars are available at the same time.

Interior atmosphere as in an aircraft cockpit

The interior continues the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and awakens associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent stylistic features include the dashboard in the shape of a wing section and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines. The extended centre console of matt, solid metal and the new E-SELECT lever in the shape of an aircraft's thrust control are also design features adopted from the world of aviation. Another discreet, fine detail is the embossed AMG emblem on the leather-lined selector lever.

The AMG DRIVE UNIT – which like numerous other interior features is available in real carbon-fibre – is the central control unit in the centre console: it allows the driver to choose a personal vehicle setup, including adjustment of the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension (optional). The AMG Performance steering wheel with its high-grade nappa leather lining and flattened lower rim section allows perfect vehicle control. The shift paddles and lower steering wheel bezel are of solid metal.

Fully automatic, weight-optimised soft top

The sensual experience in the SLS AMG Roadster is enhanced further when the soft top is open, and the powerful, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 newton metres of torque asserts itself and makes the heart beat faster with its typical AMG eight-cylinder sound. The fabric soft top can be opened and closed while on the move at up to 50 km/h; the fully automatic opening/closing process takes only eleven seconds. The driver only needs to operate the roof control unit conveniently integrated at the front of the centre armrest. When open, the soft top is space-savingly deposited behind the seats in a folded Z-configuration. Three soft top colours – black, red and beige – are available to suit the nine exterior and eight interior colours.

The three-layered fabric soft top is a weight-optimised magnesium/steel/ aluminium construction, and contributes greatly to the car's low centre of gravity. The soft top has a seamlessly bonded rear window of heated single-layer safety glass. The flush, gap-free transition between the outer roof skin and the rear window keeps wind noise at a low level. A continuous, flexible water pocket running under the soft top catches rainwater and directs it to the underbody via two apertures on each side. The boot capacity is 173 litres with the roof either open or closed, and therefore roughly equal to that of the SLS AMG Coupé (176 litres).

Outstanding material quality and standard of finish

The finest leather, matt-finished solid metal or optional, real carbon-fibre trim create an exclusive ambience and correspond with the authentic feel of the cockpit. Precisely executed decorative and contrasting stitching enhances the visual impression, heightens the hand-crafted look and reflects the attention to detail which is the hallmark of Mercedes design.

The standard appointments of the SLS AMG Roadster include black designo leather, AMG sports seats with heating, a slot-in glass draught-stop, COMAND APS with DVD player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring, THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control and the KEYLESS-GO starting function. The optionally available AIRSCARF® system exclusive to Mercedes-Benz acts like an invisible scarf warming the head and neck areas of the occupants. It is integrated into the backrests of the AMG sports seats, and blows warm air from vents in the head restraints. The airflow can be adapted for different occupant sizes by means of adjustable louvres, and the level of warmth can be selected in three stages at the touch of a button.

Leather-lined roll-over bars with integrated mesh in a "Silver Shadow" look are available in conjunction with the optional designo Exclusive leather to reduce turbulence in the cockpit. Ambient lighting is integrated into the optionally available, electrically folding exterior mirrors.
Single-tone or two-tone designo leather in espresso brown is available as a new interior colour – this dark shade of brown perfectly matches the new metallic paint finish AMG Sepang brown.

AMG Performance Media and Bang & Olufsen as optional highlights

Another optional highlight is available in addition to the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, which provides exclusive musical enjoyment at the highest level: AMG Performance Media. In an unprecedented way, this system inspired by motor racing combines numerous telemetric displays such as engine data, lateral and linear acceleration and lap times on a racetrack, as well as providing high-speed mobile internet access. AMG Performance Media is activated by pressing the AMG key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT, and operated using the COMAND Controller. Key functions at a glance:

• Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature
• Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator position
• Real-time display of individual tyre pressures
• Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-100 km/h (alternatively: quarter-mile)
• Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking performance and accelerator position, including memory function
• Recording of individual lap times on a closed-off racetrack, with sector times and memory function
• Integration of DRIVE UNIT functions to save setup data to memory and initiate RACE START

The different functions of AMG Performance Media are shown by the colour display integrated into the dashboard. Three displays are shown at any one time, with the most important information positioned in the centre. Digitally simulated dial instruments with red needles ensure outstanding legibility.

High-speed mobile internet access

AMG Performance Media also provides high-speed mobile internet access: when the car is stationary, the driver and passenger are able to surf the web, download and install apps, and send or receive emails – this unrivalled system has functions comparable to those of a PC, notebook or smartphone. AMG Performance Media uses the widespread, high-performance Android operating system. This exclusive new development will also be installed in other AMG high-performance cars in the future.

Specifically reinforced aluminium spaceframe, low DIN kerb weight

In addition to a high level of occupant comfort, the key factor for driving pleasure in the new SLS AMG Roadster is of course the outstanding performance. The basis for this is the innovative body design: the chassis and body are of aluminium, a design combining intelligent lightweight construction with high strength. With a DIN kerb weight of 1660 kilograms, the Roadster is only 40 kilograms heavier than the Coupé. The result is a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 2.9 kilograms per hp.

To achieve the same level of driving dynamics despite the lack of a fixed roof, the SLS AMG Roadster has features specifically designed to rigidify the bodyshell, for example side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and more chambers. The dashboard cross-member is supported against the windscreen frame and centre tunnel by additional struts, and a curved strut between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear axle. The omission of the Coupé roof and gull-wing doors means that the open-top SLS AMG has a reinforcing cross-member behind the seats to support the fixed roll-over protection system. This also accommodates the 250 watt subwoofer of the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end sound system.

All this prevents unwanted vibrations right from the start, and makes it unnecessary to use the additional, weight-increasing vibration dampers that are often found in open-top sports cars. The weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe weighs 243 kilograms, tipping the scales at just two kilograms more than the gull-wing model.

Intelligent material mix and low centre of gravity

50 percent of the intelligently designed, weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe is of aluminium sections, 26 percent of sheet aluminium, 18 percent of cast aluminium and 6 percent of steel. Maximum occupant safety requires the use of ultra-high-strength, heat-formed steel in the A-pillars.

The entire vehicle concept has been designed to achieve the lowest possible centre of gravity. This applies both to the low connection of the powertrain and axles, as well as to the arrangement of the rigidity-conducive bodyshell structure, which has been kept as low as possible. Examples include the rigid flexural and torsional connections between the front and rear section and the safety passenger cell, which have been realised consistently using force paths that are as low as possible. This results not only in a low centre of gravity but also in a harmonious and therefore efficient force path in the vehicle structure.

Passive safety at a high level

The aluminium spaceframe provides the basis for outstanding passive safety. The extensive safety features include the fixed roll-over protection system, three-point seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and eight airbags: adaptive front airbags and kneebags, two seat-integrated sidebags and two windowbags deploying from the door beltlines.

The optionally available Blind Spot Assist helps the driver with a visual warning symbol and acoustic alert if the danger of a collision with another vehicle is detected when changing lanes.

Powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with 420 kW (571 hp)

The SLS AMG Roadster has the same, muscular engine as the gull-wing model. The 6.3-litre V8 with a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) at 6800 rpm makes the open-top SLS one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. Its power-to-weight ratio is 2.9 kg/hp. This naturally aspirated engine generates its maximum torque of 650 newton metres at 4750 rpm. The open-top SLS AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and the top speed is 317 km/h (electronically limited) – which means that the Roadster has a performance comparable to the gull-wing variant.

The high-revving V8 engine with a cubic capacity of 6208 cc has the typical characteristics of powerful racing engines. It responds immediately to accelerator movements and is extraordinarily willing. The use of a dry sump lubrication system makes for a considerably lower installed position in the vehicle. The resulting, lower centre of gravity allows high lateral acceleration and ensures thrilling driving dynamics.

Achievement of demanding fuel consumption targets

Despite its uncompromisingly sporty character, very ambitious fuel consumption targets have been met. The SLS AMG consumes 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 308 grams per kilometre. Efficiency-enhancing measures include the familiar AMG-exclusive, friction-optimised twin-wire arc-sprayed coating on the cylinder walls as well as the on-demand, map-optimised oil supply and intelligent generator management: during the engine's overrun phases, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather than being wasted by simply generating heat. Conversely, the generator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the engine. Sophisticated catalytic converter technology enables current and future emission standards such as Euro-5, LEV 2 and ULEV to be met.

Double-declutch transmission with transaxle configuration and torque tube

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers its abundant power to the rear axle via an ultra-light carbon-fibre driveshaft – similar to the setup used in the DTM C-Class racing touring car. The double-declutch transmission is mounted at the rear (transaxle principle), and connected to the engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fibre shaft rotates at engine speed in the torque tube. The advantages of this sophisticated solution lie in the rigid link between the engine and transmission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and torque generated.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force – in as little as 100 milliseconds. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) or "M" (Manual). In the Sport, Sport plus and Manual modes the automatic double-declutching function is active; all the modes can be selected conveniently via the rotary control in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The RACE START function provides optimum traction -- as does the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing.

Sophisticated suspension layout with double-wishbone axles

The chosen solution with a front-mid-engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for consummate driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low inertia with spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction. All four wheels are located on double wishbones with a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing right through to Formula 1. With a double-wishbone axle, the wheel location and suspension functions remain separate; the spring/damper struts are supported on the lower wishbone. The double-wishbone concept with its high camber and track rigidity positively locates the wheel with minimal elastic movements, providing the driver with an optimum sense of road contact when driving at the limits.

Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers at the front and rear are made entirely from forged aluminium – substantially reducing the unsprung masses; this configuration also notably improves the suspension response. The long wheelbase of 2680 millimetres not only results in outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts, significantly reducing the vehicle's tendency to dive and squat when braking and accelerating. The broad track width – front 1682, rear 1653 millimetres – ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tyres to retain more grip.

New AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension on request

The new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an attractive optional alternative to the AMG sports suspension. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using a button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose his own suspension setup. Three modes are available: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus". The current mode is shown in the instrument cluster.
"Comfort" delivers a sensitive response with soft damping characteristics, while in "Sport" mode the shock absorbers have a much stiffer response depending on the driving situation. This not leads to better road contact, but also effectively suppresses body roll and pitching. "Sport plus" is ideal for challenging laps on a racetrack: in addition to the higher damping force, this mode comes with specific control algorithms that have been tailor-made for a decidedly sporty driving style on level road surfaces. The new, variable suspension will also be optionally available for the SLS AMG Coupé in future.

Direct steering, differential lock and 3-stage ESP^®

The rack-and-pinion steering gear provides a consistently direct steering feel with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1, in tune with the high expectations placed on a super sports car. The power steering provides speed-sensitive assistance and improves feedback for the driver as the road speed increases: an indispensable factor for high-speed straight-line driving. Mounting the steering gear in front of the engine on the integral subframe enables the engine to be set down very low. The SLS AMG comes with 3-stage ESP® as standard, providing the driver with access to the three "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" modes at the touch of a button. In "ESP OFF" mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP® functions.

The acceleration skid control (ASR) system's traction logic is active in all three ESP® modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to improve traction significantly – especially in conjunction with the standard-fit mechanical multi-disc limited-slip differential. This means that the engine power is transferred to the road even more effectively when driving in a particularly dynamic style.

AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system available as an option

The AMG high-performance braking system with composite brake discs at the front ensures extremely short stopping distances even under enormous loads. From now on, red-painted brake callipers all-round are available on request. The newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with even larger brake discs guarantee even better braking performance. The ceramic brake discs perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Reducing the unsprung masses has further improved both comfort and grip, and the reduced rotating masses at the front axle ensure a more direct steering response.

Lightweight construction was also key when it came to the wheels: AMG light-alloy wheels based on the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the unsprung masses while improving driving dynamics and suspension comfort. In addition to the standard-fit AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels, 5-twin-spoke wheels and weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels are available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure optimum performance. A tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard to permanently monitor tyre pressure in all four wheels, with an individual display for each tyre.

Production in Sindelfingen, market launch in autumn 2011

The SLS AMG Roadster was designed and developed in parallel with the Coupé under the autonomous aegis of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The open-top super sports car will be produced at the largest Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine comes directly from the AMG engine workshop in Affalterbach, where it is hand-assembled according to the traditional "One man, one engine" philosophy.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster can be ordered from 1 June 2011, and its market launch commences in autumn 2011. The selling price is € 195,160 (incl. 19% VAT).

Images : 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

[Source : DAIMLER]