New front axle design with pushrod damper struts
The additional front-wheel drive called for a newly designed front axle: unlike the series production vehicle with AMG V8 engine, which has a double wishbone axle, the SLS AMG E-CELL features an independent multilink suspension with pushrod damper struts. This is because the vertically-arranged damper struts in the series SLS had to make way for the additional drive shafts. As is usual in a wide variety of racing vehicles, horizontal damper struts are now used, which are operated via separate push rods and transfer levers. Thanks to this sophisticated front-axle design, which has already been tried and tested in the world of motor sport, the agility and driving dynamics of the electrically-powered SLS AMG attain the same high levels as the V8 variant. Another distinguishing feature is the speed-sensitive power steering with rack-and-pinion steering gear: the power assistance is implemented electrohydraulically rather than just hydraulically.
AMG ceramic composite brakes for perfect deceleration
The technology vehicle is slowed with the aid of AMG ceramic composite brakes, available as an optional extra for the series production model, which boast
extremely short stopping distances, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade resistance, even in extreme operating conditions. The over-sized discs – measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear – are made of carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic, feature an integral design all round and are connected to an aluminium bowl in a radially floating arrangement.
The ceramic brake discs are 40 percent lighter in weight than the conventional, grey cast iron brake discs. The reduction in unsprung masses not only improves handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and tyre grip. The lower rotating masses at the front axle also ensure a more direct steering response – which is particularly noticeable when taking motorway bends at high speed.
The ABS and ESP® systems have been adapted to match the special application spectrum of the permanent all-wheel drive.
Full-LED headlamps and automatically extending front splitter
The purist, exciting design of the technology vehicle boasts a number of minor yet extremely effective modifications. At the front, the dynamically shaped full-LED headlamps with integrated daytime driving lights immediately catch the eye: they help to optimise the vehicle's energy efficiency, since they require less power compared with regular bi-xenon light systems. The wider radiator grille also has a new look, and now comes with transverse slats instead of a diamond-pattern grille. The air outlet openings on the bonnet and the vehicle sides have also been modified for enhanced aerodynamics. All trim and detachable parts, which are finished in chrome or silver shadow on the standard SLS AMG, are now finished in matt black. The front apron has not only been brought further forward, but also helps to guarantee an optimised airflow in the area of the underbody. This improves air resistance while reducing downforce. An extendable front splitter enhances this effect: in parallel with the automatic rear spoiler, it extends downwards by seven centimetres at speeds above 120 km/h and helps to further accelerate the air which travels beneath the car. When it reaches the area of the rear axle, the air enters the rear diffusor which, due to the lack of an exhaust system, features a steeper angle, thus increasing downforce at the rear axle and in turn further enhancing the aerodynamic balance. The vehicle's AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels featuring a new, smooth-surfaced design are fitted with 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres.
Interior with new display instruments for electric drive
The transformation from petrol to electric super sports car also called for some specific changes to the interior. As a result, the AMG instrument cluster and
centre console in particular both feature a new design. The new AMG instrument cluster provides information on speed, charge status of the battery and the estimated range. The newly designed centre console now houses a 25 cm touchscreen, which driver and passenger can use to conveniently operate all of the audio, climate and navigation functions, and also obtain information on the flow of power from the four electric motors. The AMG Drive Unit, which is angled towards the driver, houses buttons for starting the motor, and the ESP® functions, the AMG memory function and the extendable front splitter and rear spoiler. Using three new buttons, the driver can switch simply between P, R and D. The park setting is also enabled automatically by switching the electric motors off. The interior appointments are dominated by high-quality nappa leather in a black/white colour combination – it has been used not only on the sports seats, the performance leather/alcantara steering wheel and the door linings, but also on the broad centre tunnel which runs towards the back of the vehicle between the seats.