The vehicle is powered by four electric motors, two for each axle. The units are not mounted on the wheel hubs, but they are situated low and close to each wheel. The positioning of the front motors required that the double wishbone suspension of the gas-powered SLS was replaced with a multi-link setup that uses push-rod dampers.
The 12,000 rpm motors offer a combined output of 526 hp and a maximum torque of 649 lb-ft, allowing the vehicle to reach 60 mph in a sharp four seconds.
The energy for all this comes from a lithium polymer battery pack that can offer 480 kW (643 hp). The batteries have been placed in the center tunnel and behind the seats, with the splitting having the aim to offer a good weight distribution. Mercedes has installed two separate cooling circuits for the whole electric drive system, with the devices also being able to heat up the hardware if necessary.
The SLS AMG E-Cell seems to be proud of its electric drive, as it comes dressed in an eye-candy paint called AMG Lumilectric Mango and features several aerodynamic additions, including an extendable front splitter and a re-engineered splitter that offer superior downforce compared to the internal combustion version of the supercar.
The interior of the car has also been modified, as it has been adapted to the needs of an electric vehicle. The instrument cluster now features charge status & estimated range displays, while the center console features a ten-inch touch screen display that offers information about the electric power.
The SLS AMG E-Cell shown here is a drivable prototype, with the final model scheduled to enter the market in 2013.
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