KresoF1:
BTW, for those who did not know it:
Mercedes SLS do NOT use proper DCT!!!!
It is using same old 7speed automatic but, without torque convertor. Instead it is using 6 wet clutches. I have in depth file about it, too big for upload here.
I have heard this, too. Not a real double clutch, but some sort of auto box with 7 gears. It blips the throttle on downshift.
Transmission has three settings as far as I remember.
ONUR
09 Audi TTS Ibis
07 997 Carrera S / 05 M3 Coupe / 03 M3 Coupe / 96 M3 Coupe EVO (ALL BUT HISTORY)
Bilal:
KresoF1 please tell us more, I am very intrigued by this...
File is in German. Just, that 7speed gearbox is not DCT a la PDK(Porsche), M DCT(BMW), DCT(Ferrari) or S Tronic(Audi). It is basically reworked AMG speedshift automatic without torque convertor. It is using wet clutches instead. BTW, fastes shif speed on SLS AMG is 100ms which is much slower then either PDK in Sport Plus mode or Ferrari DCT in fastest mode.
Kreso, with respect, I think you must be mistaking the SL63's Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT) with the DCT on the new SLS. The SL63's MCT does indeed use the standard auto gearbox with a new wet start-up clutch. However, the SLS has a pure DCT gearbox developed by Getrag. If you click the link above, you can read more about it.
In addition, I wouldn't worry too much shift speeds; apparently the DCT in my mum's Mk6 VW Golf takes just 8 milliseconds to perform an upshift, but there is still a noticeable delay when using the paddles. IMO, engineers should concentrate more on the smoothness of DCT's rather than shift speeds, which are quick enough, no?
Bilal:
Kreso, with respect, I think you must be mistaking the SL63's Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT) with the DCT on the new SLS. The SL63's MCT does indeed use the standard auto gearbox with a new wet start-up clutch. However, the SLS has a pure DCT gearbox developed by Getrag. If you click the link above, you can read more about it.
In addition, I wouldn't worry too much shift speeds; apparently the DCT in my mum's Mk6 VW Golf takes just 8 milliseconds to perform an upshift, but there is still a noticeable delay when using the paddles. IMO, engineers should concentrate more on the smoothness of DCT's rather than shift speeds, which are quick enough, no?
In that case problem is in AMG German press file.
For your info-if they are using Getrag gearbox that is the first time in history that MB is using OEM gearbox from some other manufacturer.
KresoF1:
Bilal:
Kreso, with respect, I think you must be mistaking the SL63's Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT) with the DCT on the new SLS. The SL63's MCT does indeed use the standard auto gearbox with a new wet start-up clutch. However, the SLS has a pure DCT gearbox developed by Getrag. If you click the link above, you can read more about it.
In addition, I wouldn't worry too much shift speeds; apparently the DCT in my mum's Mk6 VW Golf takes just 8 milliseconds to perform an upshift, but there is still a noticeable delay when using the paddles. IMO, engineers should concentrate more on the smoothness of DCT's rather than shift speeds, which are quick enough, no?
In that case problem is in AMG German press file.For your info-if they are using Getrag gearbox that is the first time in history that MB is using OEM gearbox from some other manufacturer.
That is strange. AMG is talking about a "newly developed 7speed-DCT" for the SLS, but the quickest shift time in mode M is "under 100 ms". Something is fishy if you ask me.
The secret of life is to admire without desiring.
Bilal:
In addition, I wouldn't worry too much shift speeds; apparently the DCT in my mum's Mk6 VW Golf takes just 8 milliseconds to perform an upshift, but there is still a noticeable delay when using the paddles. IMO, engineers should concentrate more on the smoothness of DCT's rather than shift speeds, which are quick enough, no?
I think you just contradicted yourself! If you noticed delays when using VW DCT paddles, then the shifts are clearly not quick enough... and having driven these as well, I fully agree. For me at least, VW's shifts are just too slow and too smooth...
But I wonder if auto enthusiasts like Rennteamers make this even more difficult, as we can never agree whether speed or smoothness is what we want! The result is a version of the Goldilocks fable ..... "this shifter is tooooo harsh!!" .. "no, this one is toooo smooth!!" (and maybe this is why BMW gives us 89 settings )
Present: 2005 STi, 2002 M Coupe
Future: 2010 Cayman S - pending order; 2010 Audi S5 - on order
But to take this back on topic... I have a funny feeling that this SLS will be way more fun than it has any right to be... a strange combination of high-tech to gain lightness, and retro features to give it some character. Only driving will tell...
Present: 2005 STi, 2002 M Coupe
Future: 2010 Cayman S - pending order; 2010 Audi S5 - on order
The review of the SLS in this month's Top Gear magazine in the UK is full of high praise for it after a test drive around the 'ring. The steering, handling and braking are giving particular praise and contrasted against the SLR which they say failed in all of these areas.
My dealer has been in touch to request a further deposit. It seems that Mercedes are adopting the same deposit strategy in the UK that Ferrari do. There are only going to be four cars per dealer sales territory area here and the number of authorised dealers is going to be limited I'm told.
First UK deliveries are anticipated in May '10 and the likely price here will be somewhere in the region of £150k - £160k. Prices will be confirmed once Mercedes Benz UK agrees on a basic spec for this market.
I am surprise at the estimated price. When we were being questioned regarding the car, they clearly stated it would be priced to compete with the Porsche TT and even gave us a number $169,999 for the coupe and $179,000 for the roadster. It may be the estimated price includes VAT but I doubt it. This car though limited in production is NOT a $225,000 car.
If it is priced at that level, I would run not walk away from it.
Nick,
German prices(with Mwst):
Ferrari 458 Italia 193851€(Ceramic brakes standard)
Mercedes SLS AMG 177310€(Ceramic brakes around 12K € option)
Porsche 997.2 Turbo PDK Coupe 149786,10€(Ceramic brakes 8710,80€ option)
Same options-458 Italia around 5K more expensive(!!!) then SLS AMG, 997.2 Turbo PDK 40K cheaper then 458 or 35K cheaper then SLS AMG.
Bespite Ferrari mythical image Turbo beetle(997.2 Turbo PDK) is true bargin in this class.
Nick,
The UK price excluding VAT equates to $206k at an exchange rate of £1 = $1.57979. It's some time since you went to the preview clinic and the exchange rates have altered dramatically so this has pushed prices upwards. The same issue awaits the 458 I would imagine for the US market.
Iain, I attended two sessions each a year apart with the last about one year ago. They were not preview session but rather critique meetings. For an example, during the first session two years ago we recommended certain styling changes to the car (albeit minor) and they complied.
They brought us back for the second session solicited our final recommendations. In both sessions they emphasized the price point of $169,000 and being competitive with the Porsche TT.
I do not know what caused them to change their minds but this much I know; they are out of their minds thinking this car is worth over $200,000. It does not look like a $200,000 car in the flesh.
Kreso, thanks for the numbers. I must agree the TT is a hell of a deal when compared to the SLS and 458. I honestly do not know whether I will buy the 458 when I get the call.
The SLS is now in the German configurator:
The secret of life is to admire without desiring.