AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: 2012 MERCEDES SLS AMG E-CELL

On The Cover Review: 2012 Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

With its low stance, gull wing doors, and pronounced three-pointed star, the Mercedes SLS AMG is hard to miss. So when Mercedes wanted to build one that stood out from the rest of them, they used drastic measures and painted it like a highlighter. The SLS AMG E-Cell gets this retina-searing hue to call attention to the powertrain, which includes four electric motors that zap out 526-hp and a chest-compressing 649-lb/ft of torque. It also features a sophisticated regenerative braking system to further optimize power and range. But don’t expect to see these cars on the road anytime soon. This is a prototype, meant to explore the performance possibilities of a true electric vehicle. The practicality of such a system for public consumption is still a bit out of range (so to speak). But with future gas mileage regulations, fuel price concerns, and a world hungry for alternative energy solutions, this car shows that Mercedes is at least working on it.