Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG wins Goldenes Lenkrad award

We do not know yet if the SLS AMG will be a best-seller in the Middle East, but
in Germany and Europe it sure has a lot of fans already.
More than a quarter of a million readers took part, and voted the
new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG the world's best super sports car by a wide
margin. Accordingly a German car magazine and 25 associated European
publications awarded the new Gullwing model the "Golden Steering Wheel" -
one of the most important automotive awards in Europe. This coveted award was
officially presented to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of
Mercedes-Benz Cars, in Berlin yesterday (04.11.2009) evening.

Eleven super sports cars competed in the large-scale reader's vote for the "Golden
Steering Wheel" award, which was organised on a Europe-wide basis for the first time this year. Almost
one third of all votes were cast in favour of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG,
which therefore headed the readers' popularity list in the super sports car category
by a wide margin over the runner-up.

This result not only acknowledged the unique aura and design of the new
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, whose gullwing doors evoke memories of the legendary
300 SL "Gullwing" sports car of the 1950s, but also its technical sophistication.
The super sports car excels with its uncompromising lightweight construction,
superior driving dynamics and exemplary safety. These attributes are ensured by
a unique technology package consisting of a lightweight aluminium spaceframe
body with gullwing doors, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine with dry sump
lubrication, a peak output of 420 kW/571 hp and 650 newton metres of torque,
a seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a
sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones. This combination guarantees
dynamic performance at the very highest level. The ideal weight distribution
of 47:53 percent between the front and rear axles, as well as the low centre of
gravity, further enhance this thoroughbred sports car design. The SLS AMG
accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 317 km/h.

The SLS AMG can be ordered from Mercedes-Benz own-retail outlets and dealerships
in Germany from 16 November 2009. The purchase price is 177,310 EUR (incl. 19 % VAT);
the market launch commences in spring 2010.

The new Gullwing model is continuing a fine tradition in winning the "Golden Steering Wheel"
award: with a total of 18 victories to date, Mercedes-Benz is among the most successful car
brands in the competition for the "Golden Steering Wheel".

So, will the SLS be able to compete with the competitors Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche in the Middle East and Gulf region?
Well, as soon as we drive the SLS AMG we will be able to tell if this car will be convenient for the Middle Eastern customers and roads or not, and consequently be a best-seller in its class or not.