RE: AMG SLS Gets Adaptive Damping

RE: AMG SLS Gets Adaptive Damping

Friday 9th September 2011

AMG SLS Gets Adaptive Damping

Roadster offers 'soft-option' in more ways than one



AMG has added an adaptive ride control system to the SLS as part of a package of upgrades timed to coincide with the new Roadster model's debut at Frankfurt next week.

Also on the SLS options list will be Blind Spot Assist, and a handful of new style items including 10-spoke forged alloys in matt black and red-painted brake callipers.

The SLS has previously made do with a 'classic' spring and damper set-up which was perfect for macho types like us, but presumably the new soft-top is aimed at a more refined audience who like to be able to select a 'comfort' setting. (No, you can't really say "man up" to a 60 year old peroxide blonde in Beverley Hills...)


The set-up gives you a button on the centre console, allowing drivers to select Comfort, Sport and Sport+. "Comfort is recommended for cruising at moderate speeds," says AMG, "but in most driving situations Sport mode provides the best compromise between satisfactory suspension comfort, low body movements and high agility."

"Sport+ is recommended for fast lap times on a race circuit: apart from higher damping forces, this mode has special control algorithms configured for a decidedly sporty driving style on uneven road surfaces," they say.

As it's optional, you'll still be able to get your SLS gullwing or roadster with standard suspension or the Sports suspension package, neither of which feature variable damping.

Apart from the new alloys and red brake callipers, there's a new interior trim available. It's called Espresso Brown, and has been designed to match a new exterior colour - Sepang Brown.







Author
Discussion

thewheelman

Original Poster:

2,194 posts

172 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
I'd rather they made it better looking, that is fugly!

toppstuff

13,698 posts

246 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
It is a lovely car in the flesh, the SLS. I approve.

But, really, what is it with Brown coming back into fashion?

Brown never looked good. Not in the 70's, not now.

kambites

67,460 posts

220 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
I like brown. It's certainly better to my eye than white, which was the last fad.

thewheelman

Original Poster:

2,194 posts

172 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
kambites said:
I like brown. It's certainly better to my eye than white, which was the last fad.
That's the sad thing though, it's just another fad. I actually think brown looks good on some cars, but soon there will be too many brown cars around, just like there are white cars now. Anyone remember the mid 90's fad of citrine yellow? I think it started out on the Mondeo, then the Max Power brigade killed it.

kambites

67,460 posts

220 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
Car colours are entirely about fashion and fads though. It's not as if it makes any practical difference to the car.

I just wish this fad for silver and grey would go away.

Scoobyshue

226 posts

161 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
Why forego the coolness of gullwing doors for this? Don't get it???

thewheelman

Original Poster:

2,194 posts

172 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
kambites said:
Car colours are entirely about fashion and fads though. It's not as if it makes any practical difference to the car.

I just wish this fad for silver and grey would go away.
Haha, i don't mind the silver/grey fad, it makes it easier to find my blue car in car parks wink

Scoobyshue

226 posts

161 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
thewheelman said:
soon there will be too many brown cars around, just like there are white cars now.
Hey..! It was cool when I got it. frown

kambites

67,460 posts

220 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
thewheelman said:
kambites said:
Car colours are entirely about fashion and fads though. It's not as if it makes any practical difference to the car.

I just wish this fad for silver and grey would go away.
Haha, i don't mind the silver/grey fad, it makes it easier to find my blue car in car parks wink
That's the one advantage yes. There aren't many other green and yellow cars to confuse mine with. hehe

Switch

3,455 posts

174 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
Scoobyshue said:
Why forego the coolness of gullwing doors for this? Don't get it???
People of diminutive stature (or people with dignity) can't close them when sitting in the car.

If you're smaller you have to grab the handle and pull the door down with you as you climb over the sill.

I'm a tall bugger so I can just reach out and grab it.
We tested this at CAL. A shorter person has to ethire hoist themselves up out of their seat to catch the door OR take it down with them when getting in, woe betide you if you wanted to get in with something on your lap and then close the door...

Fetchez la vache

5,568 posts

213 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
I know it shouldn't, but this car just leaves me cold. I really have no idea why...

PetrolAholic

141 posts

181 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
Has it got proper doors yet? Can't fit one in my garage!

Scoobyshue

226 posts

161 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
Switch said:
People of diminutive stature......
Have we met?

Switch said:
woe betide you if you wanted to get in with something on your lap and then close the door...
Surely, that's what my butler is for?

Switch

3,455 posts

174 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
Scoobyshue said:
Switch said:
People of diminutive stature......
Have we met?
No. But I was pointing out the case for having normal doors at all.
Personally I LOVE the Gull wing doors
Scoobyshue said:
Switch said:
woe betide you if you wanted to get in with something on your lap and then close the door...
Surely, that's what my butler is for?
Good point

Carnnoisseur

531 posts

153 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
I like it, but would also be intrigued to see it pictured next to an SLR roadster, just to see if the latter now looks dated

666 SVT

1,052 posts

239 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
Not brown enough.

Dagnut

3,515 posts

192 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
kambites said:
Car colours are entirely about fashion and fads though. It's not as if it makes any practical difference to the car.

I just wish this fad for silver and grey would go away.
I'm with you with white, can't stand it....but grey and silver?



MrGeoff

645 posts

171 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
Scoobyshue said:
Why forego the coolness of gullwing doors for this? Don't get it???
May as well buy a top spec SL? I see your point. But then again back in the day they made the gullwing and the roadster and both cars are stunning in their own right.

Mr Whippy

28,943 posts

240 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
At least BMW called their 'brown' sepang bronze...

sepang brown is just dumb.

V5, car colour: Brown... nice!

Dave

George H

14,706 posts

163 months

Friday 9th September 2011
quotequote all
I love this, I hope it is an improvement over the coupe I tested. I didn't like the gullwing doors (seem a bit of a gimmick to me), and found the cabin a bit too cramped. It seems like this has them cured. It did sound fantastic though, and with the roof off it must be brutal.