While some may wonder how Mercedes-Benz can improve upon the SLS AMG with its 6.2-liter V-8 and bold proportions, Motor Trend associate road test editor Carlos Lago has one idea. After bumping his head one too many times on the gullwing doors, Lago is relieved to find the SLS AMG roadster uses normal doors.
With the top down, Lago can hear the muscular V-8, which leads him to believe the SLS blurs the lines between American muscle and German sports car. Because of its massive engine, long nose, and plentiful power, Lago wonders whether AMG looked to the Dodge Viper as inspiration for the SLS. To find out if the SLS has more American traits, Lago takes it to the track.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster, which produces 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbo 6.2-liter V-8, accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, reaching the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds at 121 mph. Though the car weighs 100 pounds heavier than the coupe, it proves to be just as fast. Lago notes that if you look closer, you can see “little pieces of America seeping through the seams,” which becomes more apparent in the figure eight.
Find out what Lagos means by watching the latest episode of Ignition below.
