SLS AMG Mk1

July 2010 saw the release of one of the most anticipated sports cars in recent memory in the form of the Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing.

The Gullwing doors on the SLS paid homage to the 300SL from the mid-1950’s and helped the sporty Benz become one of the most desired supercars on the planet.

This was the first vehicle to be developed in-house by acclaimed Mercedes-AMG outfit, so it was always going to have a strong performance pedigree.

Powered by a 6.2-litre V8, the SLS produced 420kW of power and – with an aluminum body that helped reduce weight – raced to 100km/h from rest in just 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 317km/h.

Fuel economy for the big Merc was 13.2L/100km.

The two-seater was available only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but it did have a manual mode with paddles on the steering wheel.

Unlike other supercars, the SLS had sufficient leg and head room as well as a decent sized boot with the ability to take a couple of overnight bags.

A drop-top version – the SLS AMG Roadster – was added in January 2012 and proved to be just as fast, even though it was 40kg heavier than the hardtop.

Mercedes elected to go with a traditional fabric roof for the Roadster instead of a metal folding hardtop and it folded in just 11 seconds, even while travelling at up to 50km/h.

Boot space was not compromised in the Roadster as the folded roof was stored above the rear bulkhead.