The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG can now be ordered with the new AMG Ride Control sport suspension with adaptive damping, Blind Spot Assist, AMG ten-spoke forged wheels painted in matt black, red-painted brake callipers or AMG high-gloss black trim.
Depending on the driving situation, speed and road surface conditions, this optional AMG Ride Control system almost instantly varies the damping characteristics and automatically reduces the body roll angles. Pressing the shock absorber symbol allows individual adjustment of the damping characteristics. There is a choice of three modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport plus. The currently selected mode is shown in the AMG main menu. Alternatively the gull-wing model is available with the basic AMG suspension or the AMG Performance suspension, both without variable damping characteristics.
The new, optionally available Blind Spot Assist is able to increase active safety. This visual and acoustic warning system uses the close-range radar sensors of the standard Parktronic system to recognise vehicles in good time where visibility is restricted. When the system registers another vehicle in the blind spot, this is indicated to the driver by a red triangle lighting up in the relevant exterior mirror. An acoustic warning also sounds if the driver operates the indicators despite the visual warning.
Blind Spot Assist is operational from a speed of 30km/h. It monitors the area around the vehicle to a distance of around 3.5 meters on each side and three metres beyond the rear. Vehicles in the process of overtaking are shown immediately when they enter the monitored area of the difference in relative speeds between the two vehicles is not more than 16km/h. Vehicles that have just been overtaken are however shown with a delay of 1.5 seconds after entering the monitored area, thus preventing distraction by unnecessary warnings.
Available as an optional extra, the car’s visual appearance is enhanced by weight-optimised AMG 10-spoke forged wheels shod with tyres in size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear). Their matt black paint finish corresponds perfectly with the high-sheen rim flange. Optional red-painted brake callipers all-round are also on the option list.
Single-tone or two-tone designo leather in espresso brown is available as a new interior colour – this dark shade of brown matches the new metallic paint finish AMG Sepang brown. New AMG high-gloss black trim (optional) is an exclusive alternative to the standard center conslole in solid metal or the optional carbon fiber trim.
New upgrades will be on display at the IAA 2011 starting tomorrow.
