New SLS AMG Paint finish debuts in Dubai
Coveted 2010 iF design award goes to new SLS
Photography by Mercedes-Benz
Unique new “AMG Desert Gold” finish
Pre-empting the imminent push from aftermarket tuners to fiddle with their new supercar, Mercedes AMG has launched an SLS finished in a most unique “AMG Desert Gold.” And what better place to debut the aggressive new paint scheme than the Desert oasis of Dubai during this year’s Dubai International Motor Show.
SLS takes on somewhat of a radar evading military feel in the new AMG Desert Gold matte finish. The new Gullwing's clean 3/4 rear view is highlighted with stark paint tone and absence of wheel details distracting the eye.
Continuing the trend of mainstream manufacturers embracing elements of the hot rod and rat rod automotive subculture, the new paint has a very silky matte finish. Generally found on chopped ‘50 Mercury coupes cruising drive-ins around the United States, this cool finish is slowly creeping into more and more manufacturer’s show cars and optional finish selections. It all began 60 years ago with “flat black” paint, a cheap and quick way to paint your cut down ‘32 Ford Highboy.
Plenty of room to exercise the SLS's 571 hp in Dubai. How long will it be before we see a matte black SLS?
To further accent the unique flat finish, Mercedes and AMG have “blacked out” all the originally bright finished items on the car with a deep gloss black finish. Very cool. Think AMG 500SL in the early ’80s. The same treatment is back. It should do well in Dubai and appeal to US buyers that just might have a flat black ‘32 three window Ford in their garage.
SLS AMG wins 2010 iF Product Design Award
The accolades have only just begun for the SLR’s replacement. Last month it was the Golden Steering Wheel award and this month a prestigious design award from the International Forum Design in Hanover, Germany.
According to the press release, the new SLS has demonstrated outstanding design performance and offers high captivation potential. Ok, I get that but a notation of the new 6.3 liter Gullwing representing a “purist design” doesn’t ring totally true. At least to this purist. There are areas of the new shape that certainly lack harmony but maybe that is its appeal. I’m warming to the design but am beginning to feel it was not designed with a 55 year old hardcore automobile enthusiast with roots to ’60s era designs from the house of Pininfarina in mind. In other words, perhaps not me.
Posing at Abu Dhabi's surreal new Yas Island Marina Grand Prix circuit. There is no doubt this is a dramatic cutting edge design.
I’m sure my warming to the design will continue when I’m able to see one in the flesh. Oh, and a drive just might completely change my mind. There is no doubt, the new SLS is is one spectacular offering. And this time around Mercedes/AMG’s supercar is actually affordable, well somewhat.
Does this new Gullwing faithfully “reinterpret the breathtaking lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL?” What do you think?
Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Please add your comments below.
11 Responses to “Mercedes SLS AMG: Dubai Auto Show and 2010 iF product design award winner”
This is the Mercedes original owners of the 300SL’s have waited half a century for. This automobile gives me a rush of adrenaline I haven’t experienced since 1954!! I believe it will have been worth the wait.
Car is ugly. Rehashing the company’s good designs from years back was dead on arrival several years ago when Ford, Chevy, Jaguar, etc beat it to death. I think Mercedes screwed the pig on this design; either really make it look like a 300SL or go for something new altogether. Mercedes cars haven’t been particularly attractive for quite a while now, though, and they sell fine, so no doubt they won’t have any trouble selling this one.
Mechanically I think it’s advanced. Esthetically I think it’s not even entertainingly ugly- it’s just a bad design with a bunch of cheap tricks on it. Too bad.
I have owned and used a 300sl gullwing for over 25 years. A great car that has stood the test of time and will predictably always be a legacy collectable. I do not care for the SLS AMG styling and in many ways the elements borrowed from the 300sl don’t work so well as the integration falls far short. I’m sure its a great driving piece but I don’t see it being a classic five decades from now. I would rather have a 6.3 SL Amg.
I am not quite sure to make of this new automobile. While it is suppose to carry on the heritage of the famous 300SL Gullwing. Some how looking at it does not
give me the same feeling of appeal of the orginal 300SL Gullwing . I know it is more technologically advanced and superior in performance. But somehow I am not impressed. I would rather spend the one and a half million for the real car and live with old technology.
Bob Geco
Sadly….for those committed to an appreciation for the lines, grace, and beauty Mercedes demonstrated presenting us with their original Gullwing…there can be nothing but dissapointment in this, their latest development.
Fully realizing that this car, like it’s original, continues to represent the height of technology, quality of build, and exclusivity, it remains for the most part aesthetically incongruous.
And the matte finish?
I too would buy an original, restored Gullwing before ever considering this abomination of what inspired it’s creation.
Despite confessing to be a diehard Mercedes enthusiast…..there exist so many other new “exotic” cars that IMHO do possess (despite less engineering brilliance) such real beauty, that again, although perhaps less than skin deep, leave me wondering what were they thinking….how could they??!!
the ugliest car Mercedes has made ever. I also don´t like the re-styling of the SL. I think the 2000-2008 model looks much better.
Daniel
Looks sort of like a GTO, sort of like a 240Z sort of like about 14 other different cars. Someone needs to tell MBz rat rods are being built by 30 something gearheads not 55 year old German bond salesmen.
looks G R E A T………………..
I honestly want to like the SLS… The technology is, no doubt, cutting edge, but the body is awkward and disproportionate, and the flat gold paint treatment is something that will only sell in Dubai. MB has forced the issue with this retro styling effort, and, unfortunately, completely missed the mark.
Well, it does ‘evoke’ the original but it looks bloated, like the tank was filled with high fructose corn syrup during the design process.
The matte/black mash-up does not do any justice to the clarity of the original’s paint and chrome sensibility. There are folks out there who will sign up for that treatment – I doubt they care if it is a 300SL redux, except for the status factor.
Things evolve, and some things cannot be recreated. Case in point.
Rather sad that they had to reach back 50 years to get inspiration for a “new” car design. Couldn’t the design be based on contemporary trends and tastes?
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