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And speaking of bodies, the SLS’s breathtaking shape comes with just enough styling cues from the original Gullwing to acknowledge the parentage, but not too many to make it appear overly retro. I love the gaping front grille with its giant threepointed star, and those big, air-expunging side vents—both nods to the original SL. Ease yourself into the hip-hugging driver’s seat and the car seems to shrink around you. All-round vision is terrific. Taking cues from the original Gullwing, the cabin is a masterpiece of simplicity. There are just two dials set deep in a compact hooded binnacle, with a nav screen in the center of the dash and the stubbiest of shift levers. Yes, it’s a bit of a stretch to reach upward and haul down that gullwing door. Mercedes engineers did ponder making them poweroperated, but feared big electric motors would have added too much weight to the roof. That said, you quickly learn the technique of grabbing hold of the handle as you step into the car, pulling down the door as you drop into the seat. Prod the big “start” button on the center console and the AMG V8 fires up with the ferocity of Dale Junior’s Nascar stock car. It’s a rich, boomy, bellowy roar that, even at idle, will raise all those little hairs on the back of your neck. Pull back on the right-side paddle shifter controlling the new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic to engage “drive,” squeeze the throttle, and the SLS blasts away like it’s been released from some invisible catapult. This is simply one of the world’s most exhilarating, exciting and rewarding cars to drive. And while it’s in its element being thrashed around the racetrack, it’s also docile and tractable enough to make runs to the grocery store. Amazingly, this is just the first of a family of SLS models. Next up is a convertible roadster version, followed by an even more powerful Black Series model, followed by an all-electric version. With bigger winged doors, they might even be able to make one that flies. ◆
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