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.

[thewheelman]

I'd rather they made it better looking, that is fugly!

[thewheelman]

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.

[thewheelman]

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