Mercedez SLS AMG Tunnel Loop

Driving upside down through a tunnel is only a matter of down force combined with g-forces created during the loop, verse gravity. The total pressure of down force when combined with the g-forces created by effectively circling the perimeter of the tunnel must exceed the total weight of the vehicle and driver. If this level of pressure can be reached, a vehicle can in theory drive upside down through a tunnel. The latest Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG video suggests that "practical testing" of their sports car allows it to drive upside down. Mercedes-Benz isn't the only one to claim this, the Gumpert Apollo previously stated that it's vehicle could also drive upside down through a tunnel. However, Gumpert failed to find a driver before Mercedes-Benz.

The question arises, is this real or fake? Certainly the CGI department with a Mercedes-Benz budget could afford a very realistic rendering of the stunt. Much better than Ford's skateboarding Mustang! Physics suggests that it could actually be performed and the car would stick to the wall if appropriate conditions are met that exceed the vehicles total weight. So, that leaves us questioning for the truth. Did the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG actually travel upside down through a tunnel? Or, is this just a couple frames of high priced CGI?

Mercedez Benz SLS AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a luxury grand tourer automobile developed by Mercedes-Benz AMG to replace the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The car is the first Mercedes automobile designed in-house by AMG and is described by Mercedes as a spiritual successor to the 300SL Gullwing.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Sales will begin in mid-2010 in Europe with MSRP of €177,310 (including taxes)and in the United States in mid-2011 for less than $200,000. It has a long bonnet, the passenger compartment is close to the rear axle and the rear of the car is short. The SLS AMG will also adapt the feature of wing doors that will swing open upwards on gas struts, not in a mix of upwards and forward like the SLR. The doors must be closed manually as AMG engineers decided against auto-closing systems because the systems would have added 90 pounds (41 kg) to the car. In case of a roll-over, the doors can be fully detached to allow the occupants to leave the vehicle. The designer is Gordon Wagener whose family once had a 300SL.

The SLS AMG will be made in at least 4 different versions. The first to launch is the coupe with gullwing doors. In 2009 a Desert Gold version debuted at the Dubai International Auto Show. For 2011-2013 Mercedes will also be releasing a roadster (with conventional doors and a soft top), an electric powered version (most likely to be a coupe), and there will be a Black Series version, which will see its weight being reduced by as much as 300 kg (661 lb).

The electric powered version, SLS-e will use electric powertrain components. It will include 4 electric motors (one on each wheel) with combined ratings of 392 kW (525 bhp) and 880 N·m (650 lb·ft), liquid-cooled 400V lithium-ion battery rated 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The battery will be supplied by Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG.

It was announced on the FIA GT3 European Championship website that a GT3-spec racing version of the SLS will be unveiled at the 2010 New York Auto Show. It is set to compete in national GT3 championships before being allowed race in the FIA GT3 Championship in 2011.

Source: Wikipedia



Basic Specifications

Class: Grand tourer (Front engine, rear wheel drive)
Body Style: 2-door coupe
Engine: 6.208 cc V8 Front mounted
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic
571 hp @ 6,800 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top Track Speed: 197mph
City/Higway: 13/21 mpg
MSRP $ 187,000.00 (Base Price)