Report: Mercedes Debuts Matte-Gold SLS AMG Supercar at Dubai Auto Show

Sure, you’ve probably seen the SLS AMG supercar from Mercedes before, but you haven’t seen it like this before. In true UAE-fashion, Mercedes revealed its new top-tier performer at the Dubai Auto Show painted in a brilliantly bling shade of matte-gold.

The paint is called “AMG Desert Gold” and is highlighted by gloss black detailing and a special set of black wheels. Mercedes has said that the gold color was initially just a one-off for the display purposes of the show car at the 2009 Dubai International Motor Show, but that if demand is significant enough, it could become available as a part of the AMG Performance Studio. Currently AMG already offers two matte colors, “AMG Monza grey magno” and “designo magno alanite grey,” as well as a chrome “AMG alubeam silver.”

Inspired by the 300SL Gullwing, the new SLS AMG is powered by AMG’s first “from scratch” engine. That engine, a 6.2-liter mill, makes 563-hp and 479 ft-lbs of torque in the SLS – enough to propel the company’s new flagship sports car all the way to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 196 mph. Helping achieve that low sprint time is a sophisticated double-clutch automatic transmission, that can be operated via paddle shifters. The SLS is the first production Mercedes to get double-clutch technology.

The engine uses a dry-sump lubrication system (great for serious abuse), as well as a transaxle. That transaxle layout means that the tranny is located out back (for an ideal weight balance of 48/52) and it attached to the engine by a carbon fiber driveshaft.

The curb weight is just 3,571 lbs, due mostly to the fact that this is the first model Mercedes has ever produced with an all aluminum chassis and body. Weight is also saved by using carbon ceramic brakes and light weight wheels, that measure 19×9.5-inches up front and 20×11-inches in the rear. Tires measure 265/35/19 front and 295/30/22 rear.