2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is an exceptional blend of top-shelf performance and iconic styling that comes along maybe once in a generation (gullwings don’t come cheap either).

This SLS AMG will make its debut on May 10 with a base retail price of $183,000. The destination charge hasn’t been finalized yet.

This is one of the most anticipated Mercedes in recent years, and it’s the first effort by the German carmaker to build a supercar after its partnership with McLaren ended.

The SLS, with the signature gullwing doors, has modern styling that reminds of the original 1954 classic 300SL Gullwing Coupe. The 2011 car draws power from a 6.3-liter V8 pumping out 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. That works with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle which is new for Mercedes. The car employs an aluminum space frame and an aluminum double-wishbone suspension.

Meantime, the company showed a racing version of the car, the SLS AMG GTS, at the New York auto show.

The new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar with its lofty sticker strengthens the fact that Mercedes is a “car royalty”.