Mercedes-Benz Gullwing Wins the "Golden Steering Wheel 2009" Award

STUTTGART, GERMANY - November 9, 2009: More than a quarter of a million readers have voted the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG the world's best super sports car – by significant margin.

"Bild am Sonntag", "Auto Bild" and 25 associated European publications awarded the new Gullwing model the "Golden Steering Wheel" – one of the most important automotive awards in Europe. This coveted award was officially presented to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars, in Berlin yesterday evening.

Eleven super sports cars competed in the large-scale reader's vote for the "Golden Steering Wheel" award, which "Bild am Sonntag" and the motoring magazine "Auto Bild" organised on a Europe-wide basis for the first time this year. Almost one third of all votes were cast in favour of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which therefore headed the readers' popularity list in the super sports car category by a wide margin over the runner-up.

This result not only acknowledged the unique aura and design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, whose gullwing doors evoke memories of the legendary 300 SL "Gullwing" sports car of the 1950s, but also its technical sophistication.

The super sports car excels with its uncompromising lightweight construction, superior driving dynamics and exemplary safety. These attributes are ensured by a unique technology package consisting of a lightweight aluminium spaceframe body with gullwing doors, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine with dry sump lubrication, a peak output of 420 kW and 650 Newton metres of torque, a seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones.

This combination guarantees dynamic performance at the very highest level.

The ideal weight distribution of 47:53 percent between the front and rear axles, as well as the low centre of gravity, further enhance this thoroughbred sports car design. The SLS AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 317 km/h.

The SLS AMG will make its eagerly awaited Australian debut in the second half of next year. November 2009. Local authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers already have 20 sizeable deposits from customers keen to take delivery of the stunning coupé, with many more expected as its release date approaches.

The new Gullwing model is continuing a fine tradition in winning the "Golden Steering Wheel" award: with a total of 18 victories to date, Mercedes-Benz is among the most successful car brands in the competition for the "Golden Steering Wheel".