There have been a lot of rumors regarding the upcoming production end for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in the recent month or so and we even got on the bandwagon ourselves a couple of times.
That actually happened until we received some rather interesting spyshots with a camouflaged SLS AMG Coupe and then with an SLS AMG Roadster, both taken recently.
Corroborating what was rather evident from the spy images with some earlier rumors and pretty much common sense, we deducted that the modern Gullwing is actually not that close to retirement.
Instead, we put our money on the aluminium supercar to replace its epic M159 engine with the upcoming twin-turbocharged M177, whose various versions are set to gradually replace all current AMG V8s in the next three years.
Apparently, no one took us seriously and Auto, Motor und Sport is now reporting that Mercedes-Benz will launch a Final Edition version of the SLS AMG at the LA Auto Show. MB Passion is reporting pretty much the same thing, with the added information that the Stuttgart car manufacturer is no longer taking orders for the Coupe or the Roadster version of the SLS AMG.
After checking the two sources we went to the German Mercedes-Benz car configurator to see if part of the above info is true and guess what? It isn't. You can configure any type of SLS AMG you want. In conclusion, our original bet remains the same: the SLS AMG is not on its way out and its 2014 facelift will replace its 6.2-liter normally-aspirated monster V8 with a more efficient and twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. Time will tell who was right.
Corroborating what was rather evident from the spy images with some earlier rumors and pretty much common sense, we deducted that the modern Gullwing is actually not that close to retirement.
Instead, we put our money on the aluminium supercar to replace its epic M159 engine with the upcoming twin-turbocharged M177, whose various versions are set to gradually replace all current AMG V8s in the next three years.
Apparently, no one took us seriously and Auto, Motor und Sport is now reporting that Mercedes-Benz will launch a Final Edition version of the SLS AMG at the LA Auto Show. MB Passion is reporting pretty much the same thing, with the added information that the Stuttgart car manufacturer is no longer taking orders for the Coupe or the Roadster version of the SLS AMG.
After checking the two sources we went to the German Mercedes-Benz car configurator to see if part of the above info is true and guess what? It isn't. You can configure any type of SLS AMG you want. In conclusion, our original bet remains the same: the SLS AMG is not on its way out and its 2014 facelift will replace its 6.2-liter normally-aspirated monster V8 with a more efficient and twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. Time will tell who was right.