Although it was not car-maker Mercedes’ intention, the unveiling of its new SLS AMG E-Cell electric supercar is expected to rival – and maybe upstage – the battery-powered Tesla Roadster 2.5.
The SLS model alone can put out 650Nm and 450kW of torque with its 6.2 litre V8, but combined with the E-Cell, which can power each wheel using a synchronous electric motor, the new supercar has a total output of 392kW, as well as 880Nm of torque.
That superspeed driving force is available right off the bat, enabling the car to go from zero to a hundred kilometers per hour in just four seconds. The car is set for release in 2012 at an expected cost of about $600,000.
The E-cell is powered by liquid-cooled lithium ion batteries, which are located by the firewall, the center tunnel and behind the car’s seats. The car is equipped with 402mm carbon-ceramic energy-recuperating brakes, energy-saving LED head lights, a front air dam that extends automatically, and a wider grille. The car’s interior also comes complete with a 25cm touchscreen panel instead of the usual dashboard buttons.
