R8 or 911 to SLS?

[DMC2]

I've had several 911s, a V8 and V10 R8 as well as numerous other sports cars. Has anybody gone from one of these cars to an SLS? No cars within a couple hundred miles for me to test drive so was just trying to get some initial feedback before I travel to see one.

Do they feel big on British roads?
How does it compare drive wise to other sports cars? Much more of a GT car?
Is the ride harsh?
Is the gear change really that bad?

Thanks

D

[andy355]

Used to have a 997 tt few years back - I think sls is much more of an event to drive and fun

It is a big car - not so much on the move but width restrictors scare me and the bonnet is very long. Once driving though its light to drive, controls feel meaty buy not heavy and its very easy to drive

As to the ride its one of the most surprising features to me - its superb, handles bad roads very well

[vpr]

Just driven to Stuttgart and back in the SLS to visit AMG for a tour and gearbox software upgrade.....The car is truly epic.

Had a number of 911s previously inc 996 TT and 997 RS. My brother-in -law had an R8 and they don't even come close as far as drive and fit and finish etc etc.

Totally different from a 911...SLS is a mile munching hot rod capable of going anywhere in comfort. A wide car for sure but if my Wife can drive it to Tescos then I'm sure you'd be OK

[Ballistic]

vpr said:

Just driven to Stuttgart and back in the SLS to visit AMG for a tour and gearbox software upgrade.....The car is truly epic.

Had a number of 911s previously inc 996 TT and 997 RS. My brother-in -law had an R8 and they don't even come close as far as drive and fit and finish etc etc.

Totally different from a 911...SLS is a mile munching hot rod capable of going anywhere in comfort. A wide car for sure but if my Wife can drive it to Tescos then I'm sure you'd be OK

What's it like after the gearbox software upgrade?

[vpr]

Well for me it has absolutely transformed the car. If you're a stick it in auto kinda guy then the biggest improvement is the fact it pulls away cleaner and goes into reverse without having to wait 5 minutes.

BUT manual mode it what it's all about, clean sharp changes with a definite punch....no more soft splodgy delayed action here. Down changes have a bigger blip and hold the paddle and it'll take you either straight down to the optimum gear or go through them all on a blip down change sequence.

Awesome.

[Ballistic]

Hi vpr,

Thanks for the reply, it sounds like a worthwhile upgrade - do you still have to go to AMG Germany for this, or can it now be done at the new MB Brooklands Performance Centre?

I've just been looking at your current fleet of cars (to see if you had written any more thoughts on the SLS), that's some collection! - which is your favourite?

[vpr]

This upgrade can only be done at AMG Stuttgart at the moment, I don't know whether they plan to roll it out.

Yes...I am partial to a car for sure. My favourite depends on my mood and the weather but the last car to leave me when I eventually go skint is the Old Aston Vantage X pack.....My Boyhood dream car a poster of which sat next to Farah Fawecett on the bedroom wall.

[footsoldier]

I'm sure you've mentioned this before, but what was the cost of the upgrade? I'm wondering if its worth shipping my car down there, (but would first check it's not about to become available locally!)

I'm in Edinburgh, so in the end it might be cheaper/smarter to trade up for a GT later...

Thanks

[chiefski26]

It's approx £1550.