Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
Set to be released to select U.S. consumers in 2013, the Mercedes-Benz
SLS AMG E-Cell concept car debuted at the International North American
Auto Show and is a groundbreaking prototype that shatters traditional
skepticism about the feasibility and speed of electric cars.
Head of Mercedes-Benz, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, calls the SLS AMG E-Cell
"the most technically advanced super sports car" since
the advent of the automobile. He's got a point that's hard to argue
with. Here's the goods:
- 3 Settings - As if the car
itself isn't enough, Mercedes has pulled out all the stops by
allowing drivers to customize their cruising experience. Want
to roll through town with your girl? Fine; select the Comfort
setting, a smooth ride that uses less than half of the engine's
capacity. To step it up a notch, simply choose the Sport setting
and access 60-percent of the motor's power with more throttle
control. If you're brave enough, you can test out the Sport Plus
setting to tap into the car's full capability-526 hp and 649 lb-ft
at full throttle. Opt for the manual mode and take control of
the vehicle's full potential without the regenerative breaking
option.
- 4 Electric Motors - Mercedes opted
to use the latest in battery technology with four electric motors
charged with a 48 -kWh lithium ion battery pack, a lighter and
more compact alternative to the standard nickel metal hydride
(NiMH) batteries that power most of the existing hybrids today.
In three of the four modes, pressing the break automatically charges
the battery. From zero power, however, the battery can fully recharge
itself in two hours. Of course, the latest and greatest is overrated,
at least according to Mercedes as they hope to outdo themselves
by expanding the battery power even more before the car's release
in 2013.
- 90 miles of battery power - As
with all electric cars, the range is the rub. The E-cell prototype
allows drivers to go an acceptable 90 miles before recharging,
but acceptable just won't do it for a high-end Mercedes flagship.
Fortunately, the company hopes to up the driving capability to
130 miles by replacing the 48 kWh battery with a 60 kWh successor.
- 1 sweet LCD touch-screen - Situated
right above the console, the 9 -inch LCD touch-screen allows the
driver to access information about the car's battery, speed, and
climate stats at the touch of a button.
- 62 mph hour in a mere 4 seconds
- There's no doubt this car is fast. Although government regulations
cap its top speed at 155 mph, it can reach highway speed in an
instant and race-track momentum in a matter of seconds. This sprint
speed qualifies the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell as a supercar
along the likes of Lamborghinis, Maseratis and Bugattis.
Of course, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell will cost you almost
half a million dollars, but if you've got the cash, this car will
be SO worth it.
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