Production SLS AMG Doesn't Sound Like Death on a Stick

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Sadly, footage of an SLS mule skittering and gargling around the Nürburgring has been taken down, but back in those early tests the AMG gullwing really did sound like “death on a stick,” as Robert put it. Now, in final production form, the SLS sounds a lot more . . . refined. Which makes sense for a Merc, but part of us still wishes that some of the mule’s TVR-esque hairyness were still evident. A small taste of that early-mule insanity can be found here at about 55 seconds in.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Mirko Reinhardt Mirko Reinhardt on Sep 15, 2009

    @PeteMoran : Phart machine with a torque converter automatic. I'm pretty sure it is the first Mercedes with a dual clutch. But having a stick would obviously be the only way to do it right.

  • PeteMoran PeteMoran on Sep 15, 2009

    @ Mirko Thanks - our motoring press here in Australia have been reporting the transmission as AMG "auto" carry-over. Maybe AMG will clear it up shortly. No need for a stick; nothing wrong with dual-clutch, SMG or proper sequential in my book!

  • Mirko Reinhardt Mirko Reinhardt on Sep 15, 2009

    @PeteMoran No need for a stick; nothing wrong with dual-clutch I had a Carrera 2 convertible rental with the PDK last weekend and I have never been so annoyed with a transmission, ever. Not even in a Smart. Thanks - our motoring press here in Australia have been reporting the transmission as AMG “auto” carry-over. Maybe AMG will clear it up shortly. They already did. The E-Class AMG has a planetary automatic with a wet clutch instead of the torque converter. This has a "proper" 7-speed dual-clutch.

  • Edgett Edgett on Sep 15, 2009

    Maybe it's just me, but that's one of the worst sounding V8's in modern automobiles. It has nothing of the character of the SL55 or even a base Corvette. What's up with that?

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