Mercedes has spilled the beans on the new AMG supercar it has secretly been developing over the last couple of years. New from the ground up, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG represents the ultimate in terms of driving dynamics and performance, according to AMG Chairman Volker Mornhinweg.

 The car is only slightly smaller than the McLaren-Mercedes SLR (which ceases production at the end of this year) but is over 130kg lighter thanks to an all new aluminium spaceframe and body.

Using a revised version of the current AMG 6.3litre V8, producing 571bhp at 6800rpm, the performance claims for the SLS are staggering with 0-100kph taking just 3.8 seconds and 0-200kph in 12 seconds, while top speed is limited to 315kph.

The engine is bolted directly to the rear 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (first seen in the SL63 AMG and located in the rear transaxle) via a torque tube to help increase stiffness and throttle response of the engine. This layout gives the SLS an ideal 48:52 front/rear weight split, helping to maximise traction as well as aiding handling. The engine is dry-sumped, allowing it to be fitted lower in the body and also to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. The most refreshing aspect of the SLS is the fact that AMG has simplified the car wherever possible, so a lot of the overly complicated Mercedes technology, previously seen on AMG cars, has been binned. There’s no brake-by-wire technology for instance, or adjustable spring platforms for the suspension. In their place are conventional coil springs, twin aluminium wishbones at each corner, massive steel discs (ceramic are an option) and a completely new philosophy for AMG sports cars.

Our loyal Middle East customers will experience with the SLS AMG the expertise of 40 years of motor racing, along with the kind of scintillating design that only a top athlete from the Mercedes-Benz stable can offer,’ said Frank Bernthaler, Director of Sales and Marketing for MB in the Middle East.The car will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in September and will then go on sale in 2010. Prices will be revealed nearer the time but expect it to cost at least $ 200k at today’s prices. We’ll be driving it for the first time at the start of 2010. Can’t wait.