Mercedes-Benz has released the first TV commercial for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
“It’s the universal gesture, a way of telling the world you ‘did it’ without saying a word,” the narrator of this commercial says. And to prove his point, we’re treated to clips of people – some famous, some not so – raising their arms in a sign of victory and triumph. Yep, there’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, Michelle Kwan, and Roger Federer raising their arms in sheer joy.
Then, the video cuts to the Mercedes SLS AMG opening its gullwing doors. You don’t need to be Einstein to figure out what the symbolism behind that is.
It’s probably safe to say that most of us will never get to drive the Mercedes SLS AMG, yet 100 lucky contestants will get a chance to climb behind the wheel and take it for a spin.
As part of the SLS AMG Rare Experiences campaign, the company will setup a Gran Turismo 5 racing experience at Mercedes-Benz World in the UK. The people who post the 100 fastest laps times will get to “drive, drift and slide the SLS AMG around the Mercedes-Benz World track (after a training session with a professional driver).”
But it gets even better. as this GT5 event is part of the larger Rare Experiences campaign. This also offers an all-expenses paid tour of the AMG factory and a chance to drive the SLS AMG around the Top Gear test track. Clues will be released on the SLS’ Facebook and Twitter page, so check them out for additional information.
Mercedes-Benz has released some more promotional material of the upcoming 2010 SLS AMG. The earlier driving footage is now joined by a number of new clips including studio beauty shots. You’ll see close attention is paid to details like the open gullwing doors, LED daytime running lights and an engine bay cutaway. While the soundtrack of the engine is heard throughout the video, the interior and a number of its features are revealed.
The SLS AMG is a modern interpretation of the original 300 SL “Gullwing” produced between 1952 and 1963. It features a 6.3-litre (6208cc) naturally aspirated V8 making 420kW (571hp) and 650Nm of torque sent to the rear wheels by a 7-speed double clutch transmission. It will run from 0 - 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and top off at 315km/h.
Generally a roadster has a long bonnet, a very low profile, and a small boot. Only two people can sit in it. This new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG pretty much fits this definition. Already confirmed as a Frankfurt debutant, the video shows some of the SLS’ abilities on a track and on the road.
A main attraction is the sound trumpeting from the shiny twin tailpipes, urged on by the naturally aspirated 6.3-litre AMG V8 powerplant. You can hear a lot of the sound if you put up the volume as it accelerates into the straight or when cornering.
The V8 produces 571hp, which the driver can access through the 7-speed double clutch gearbox and the round 3-stage ESP knob which changes the suspension’s characteristics from everyday comfort to sharp and sporty.
The SLS will be in the showrooms before the end of the year and compete with supercars like the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Lamborghini Gallardo.
