Mercedes-Benz shows off its electric SLS AMG

With Audi and BMW toying with the E-Tron and "i" electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has let in some info on its upcoming E-CELL.

Based on the SLS AMG which churns out 571 horses through its naturally aspirated 6.3-litre engine, the all electric E-Cell impresses with a 525bhp via four permanent all-wheel drive electric motors found close to the wheels, rotating to a maximum of 12,000 rpm each. Being an all electric car, the 880Nm of torque is instantly available, accelerating the car to 100km/h in four seconds - just 0.2 seconds slower than the standard model.

Despite the massive power, the E-Cell gurantees high driving dynamics with no compromise on safety. AMG developed its own torque controlling system which individually controlls the motors in each wheel to allow selective distribution of forces and be electrically driven depending on the driving conditions aiding in the vehicles cornering, handling, traction and minimises ESP intervention.

The E-Cell shares some biologic traits with its F1 parents. A liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery largely inspired by the KERS regenerative braking system is ported over. Its "spine" of the aluminium body are formed through the four batteries located within a carbon-fibre monocoque. Carbon-fibre is a common material again found in formula 1 for its rigid structure and weight savings of 30%. It has been proven so effective that even the aviation industry is practicing replacing aluminium with Carbon-fibre composites mainly in the Airbus A380 superjumbo and the Boeing 787. Though thin and light, the battery modules are well protected from deformation or damage by accident thanks to its space-age material.

The powerful and emission-free Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell is expected to be launched in limited numbers in 2013, providing another example of the innovative strength and development competence the AMG brand can offer.