For the first time in AMG’s 40 year history, it is presenting a vehicle developed solely in-house without partnering with McLaren or its H.W.A. racing partner. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will bring a return to gullwing doors, although it is not expected to use the term gullwing in the name of the car. The SLS is expected to come in well below $200,000, while still pricey, it’s significantly less expensive than their previous model, the SLR.

The new SLS AMG will be powered by a 6.3 liter naturally aspirated and high revving V8, developing 563 hp at 6800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm. Expect a zero to 60 time of roughly 3.8 seconds with a top speed nearing 196 mph.

Power will be delivered through a seven speed dual-clutch gearbox, allowing for both automatic and manually selected shifts. To help balance the weight of the car, the transmission is mounted at the rear and linked with an ultra light carbon fiber driveshaft. The transmission boasts ultra fast shifts with no loss of tractive force between shifts. The driver will have a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to track ready.

Thanks to lightweight materials, a low slung engine mounted behind the front wheels, and a repositioned transmission, the SLS should have a front-rear weight distribution of 48/52. The all-aluminum chassis and body, which is a first in a Mercedes built car, should result in a curb weight of 3,570 lbs, excluding driver.

AMG is also making available high-performance composite brakes at all four corners to ensure short stopping distances under extreme loads. The newly developed composite brakes will reduce unsprung mass and perform reliably even with repeated braking at high temperatures due to their greater hardness. The car will be fitted with 19 inch wheels up front and 20 inch wheels in the back, with 265 mm tires up front and 295 mm for the rears.

Extensive vehicle testing should be completed by the end of the year, with the “Gullwing” to be scheduled for launch in the first half of 2010. We expect a soft-top convertible sometime in 2011.

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