Detroit: Electric Gullwing two years from production

Mercedes-Benz performance arm AMG has announced plans to start production of the all-electric version of its SLS AMG Gullwing in 2013.

First revealed to the press in mid-2009, the SLS AMG E-CELL will use four compact synchronous electric motors producing a combined 392 kW of power and 880 Nm of torque, working at up to 12,000 rpm. To keep unsprung weight down, AMG has placed the motors on the axles close to but not on the wheels. Torque goes to the wheels through a single transmission on each axle.

Power comes from a liquid-cooled, 400V Li-ion 48 kWh battery pack. Comprising 324 Li-ion polymer cells, it will handle motor loads of up 480 kW. A combination of intelligent parallel switching between battery modules and targeted energy recuperation from braking maximises the efficiency of energy transactions, helping boost the power pack's safety and durability.

Benz designed the SLS from clean-sheet to accommodate an all-electric powertrain, with the two transmission units and the motors sitting as low as possible to keep its centre of gravity low, and the motors placed as close as possible to each corner. Battery components are distributed in a large H configuration, from in front of the firewall, down the centre tunnel to behind the seats.

As a result, the zero-emissions SLS not only keeps its weight low, but balances it out horizontally for a handling formula to match its petrol-engined sibling.

To make room for the extra drive-shafts up front, the petrol car's double wishbone front suspension gives way to an independent multi-link affair with pushrod damper struts. The conventional mechanical hydraulics in the rack-and-pinion steering box have been replaced by electro-hydraulic power assistance.

Benz hasn't yet confirmed it for standard production, but the E CELL prototype uses the two-piece carbonfibre ceramic brakes, offered as an option on the existing V8 model. It delivers extremely short stopping distances, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade resistance, even under extreme operating conditions. Hugely fade-resistant under the most extreme track conditions and 40 per cent lighter than the standard cast iron discs, they also improve handling qualities by reducing unsprung weight, with added benefits in ride comfort. Lighter front wheels also boost steering response, particularly in cornering at speed. AMG has also remapped the ABS and ESP systems to accommodate changes in vector dynamics that go with the shift from RWD to AWD.

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