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Sadly, footage of an SLS mule skittering and gargling around the Nürburgring has been taken down, but back in those early tests the AMG gullwing really did sound like “death on a stick,” as Robert put it. Now, in final production form, the SLS sounds a lot more . . . refined. Which makes sense for a Merc, but part of us still wishes that some of the mule’s TVR-esque hairyness were still evident. A small taste of that early-mule insanity can be found here at about 55 seconds in.
14 Comments on “Production SLS AMG Doesn’t Sound Like Death on a Stick...”
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Somebody wake up Herr Schneider, he’s sleeping behind the wheel again…
Now, it sounds like death on a rope.
Twotone
I liked it better when it had some TVR manners, now the driver is practically falling asleep.
the styling is worse then the noise its making
Keep in mind that many European countries have much tighter noise emission restrictions than the US does so that may also have had something to do with it.
Sorry, but it just sounds neutered, with a hint of whoopie cushion.
Phart machine with a torque converter automatic.
Come on MB!
carguy : That explains it. I was hoping for an angry fire-demon along the lines of an RS4.
I’m sure Kreis-Seig will fix the noise issue once they’re able to bang out a prototype exhaust system.
It sounds like they went for the Messerschmitt/Spitfire sound of the McLaren, but didn’t quite get there. That was the one thing about the SLR that worked for me.
I think a high flow cat swap would be in order if I could afford one of these. I have to say though, the sound of the auto flipping the gears will always ruin it in the end.
I’d like to see one of these in person. On the basis of the video, I think the original gullwing, from the 1950s, looked better.
Frankly – it makes me man wet.
@PeteMoran :
Phart machine with a torque converter automatic.
I’m pretty sure it is the first Mercedes with a dual clutch. But having a stick would obviously be the only way to do it right.
@ Mirko
Thanks – our motoring press here in Australia have been reporting the transmission as AMG “auto” carry-over. Maybe AMG will clear it up shortly.
No need for a stick; nothing wrong with dual-clutch, SMG or proper sequential in my book!
@PeteMoran
No need for a stick; nothing wrong with dual-clutch
I had a Carrera 2 convertible rental with the PDK last weekend and I have never been so annoyed with a transmission, ever. Not even in a Smart.
Thanks – our motoring press here in Australia have been reporting the transmission as AMG “auto” carry-over. Maybe AMG will clear it up shortly.
They already did.
The E-Class AMG has a planetary automatic with a wet clutch instead of the torque converter. This has a “proper” 7-speed dual-clutch.
Maybe it’s just me, but that’s one of the worst sounding V8’s in modern automobiles. It has nothing of the character of the SL55 or even a base Corvette. What’s up with that?