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Mercedes gullwing flies back

THE legendary Mercedes gullwing is back - but this is no retro-car, it's a thoroughly modern supercar bristling with the latest technology.

Built entirely from aluminium and powered by a front-mounted 571bhp, AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will be on sale next summer priced at around £125,000.

High-tech features include dry sump lubrication; a seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox in a transaxle configuration and a sports chassis with aluminium double-wishbone suspension.

The car's low kerb weight of just 1,620 kilograms and ideal weight distribution between the front and rear axles (47 to 53 per cent respectively) plus its low centre of gravity guarantee supreme handling dynamics.

Provision figures credit the SLS with acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph.

Like the original Mercedes 300SL gullwing of the 1950's, the SLS AMG looks set to become a motoring icon.

Indeed according to Mercedes boss Dr. Dieter Zetsche, the new car 'will surely become one of the most alluring sports cars of our time.'

Adds Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-AMG: 'Our aim with this interpretation is to create the classic car of the future and put the most beautiful sports car of the 21st century on the road.'

It's not just the gullwing doors that awaken reminiscences of the 300 SL. The characteristic wide radiator grille with large Mercedes-Benz star and the wing-like fin are also reminiscent of the face of the legendary sports car.