2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Car News

Future cars: 2010 and beyond

What it is: A replacement for the rare and slow-selling Mercedes SLR McLaren supercar. The relationship with McLaren has ended, which makes the new car, code-named 197, purely a Mercedes AMG effort.

Why it’s important: It’s a 563-hp supercar from AMG that will go 0 to 60 in less than 3.8 seconds and hit a governed top speed of 196 mph. Plus, it has gullwing doors like the 1950s 300SL’s. Das ist gute!

Platform: An all-new aluminum space frame with an aluminum body. AMG promises a curb weight below 3600 pounds.

Powertrain: A high-powered version of AMG’s 6.2-liter V-8 with 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle with launch control will transfer the power to the wheels.

Competition: Aston Martin DBS, Chevy Corvette ZR1, Ferrari F500, Lamborghini LP560-4, McLaren P11, Porsche 911 GT2.

Estimated arrival: Look for real photos of the SLS to emerge this summer. Its official debut will occur at the Frankfurt show in September, and sales will start in the spring of 2010. It may cost about half of what the SLR cost, so about $200,000.