While the intriguing SLS E-Cell is essentially a silent automobile, its fluorescent AMG lumilectric magno paint and clever technology compel us to take notice.
Zero emission SLS E-Cell
Silent, Socially responsible Supercar
The days of bellowing, shrieking supercars may be numbered if the newest exercise under AMG’s master “AMG Performance 2015” plan finds an audience.
Recognizing the growing expectation that high performance should not be synonymous with high fuel consumption and increasingly unfriendly exhaust emissions, Mercedes’ performance division has been tweaking their generally conventional drivetrain technology. (See June’s AMG 300SEL meets Eco-Friendly S63 article)
Their latest project, the E-Cell SLS, eschews a conventional drivetrain altogether – there isn’t a hint of an internal combustion engine in sight under that “fluorescent AMG lumilectric magno” bonnet.
Is the high performance market ready for a silent supecar? Maybe not quite yet but the SLS E-Cell’s time is coming.
AWD with 4 motors
With a compact electric motor positioned at each wheel, the E-Cell SLS gains four wheel drive grip and a new independent multi-link front suspension with pushrod damper units. Optional on the visceral, bellowing combustion engine SLS, massive ceramic composite brakes are a must for the slick E-Cell as its powertrain provides zero engine braking characteristics.
Silent, zero emissions SLS features modular 400v battery whose segments sit in the front of the firewall, in the center tunnel and behind the seats. The battery contains 324 lithium-ion polymer cells and maximum output is 392kW (about 526hp).
Grip and silence
AMG claims this new ‘technology vehicle’ exhibits similar handling dynamics and agility as the 571hp V-8 variant. While no curb weight was provided, this claim indicates overall weight, weight distribution and unsprung weight must be fairly close to the petrol based production car.
Competing platforms: Clever packaging of new high output battery modules and management software preserves weight distribution of ‘old-school’ fossil fueled V-8 SLS.
roy spencer/editor mercedesheritage
photography/daimler ag