Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

by David Kiley (RSS feed)
Jan 14th 2011 at 9:02PM

Mercedes Benz is among the German luxe cars that loves clean diesel, but it is also getting serious about electric sports cars as well.

At this week's North American International Auto show, the Stuttgart-based Mercedes showed the SLS AMG E-Cell, which is powered by four synchronous electric motors at each wheel. Those motors produce 525 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque.

Though Mercedes is mum about some of the performance numbers, we hear that the SLS AMG E-Cell can do 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The energy comes from Lithium-ion batteries, and regenerative braking helps keep the cells from draining too fast. There is a the temperature management system to make sure that charging and discharging occurs in the best environment possible.

Expected range was not part of the announcement, nor would the good folks at Mercedes commit to putting the car into production. But there is desire by Mercedes to offer it next year.

Mercedes is a share holder in Tesla Motors, the California company known for its electric roadster. Tesla has been sorting out the electrification of smart cars (Mercedes owns smart) but we venture a guess that the intellectual property sharing goes to sports cars, and specifically this baby, as well.

Tags: Electric car, Mercedes benz, North American International Auto Show, Tesla, tesla motors