First Look: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Hamann Hawk

AUTO SHOWS:

March 01, 2011

By Evan McCausland

Think Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG needs a little extra power and some wild bodywork? German tuner Hamann shares your mindset, and its new Hawk model - which debuts at this week's Geneva Motor Show - promises to add a little cosmetic and mechanical flare to the already potent SLS.

At first glance, the Hawk resembles an SLS AMG GT3 hit with an ugly stick, and then bathed in carbon fiber. After starting with a stock SLS, Hamann adds a new front fascia with large air intakes, a ventilated carbon fiber hood, and a lip spoiler crafted from the same composite material. Taller side skirts are also par for the course, as is a rear bumper fascia that incorporates both a diffuser and four exhaust tips. The size of those exhaust ports may be substantial (at 3.5 inches in diameter, they're roughly the same caliber as an M1 anti-aircraft gun), but they're completely dwarfed by the giant fixed wing mounted to a carbon fiber deck lid.

That wing is designed to help keep the Hawk planted on terra firma, which may prove difficult thanks to some additional power. Hamann wisely kept the superb hand-built 6.2-liter V-8 underhood, but tweaked the air intake, exhaust manifolds, and engine computer. As a result, the eight-cylinder throws down 636 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque. That's a nice increase over the 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet offered by a stock SLS AMG, and it's reportedly enough to help the Hawk sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph.

Other modifications designed to help keep that power in line include an adjustable damper kit (which allows owners to lower the ride height by an inch), along with large 21-inch forged aluminum wheels. Hankook performance-rated 245/30 ZR 21 tires are wrapped around the front rims, while massive 345/25 ZR 21 rubber is applied to the 13-inch wide wheels fitted in back.

Inside, the Hawk's interior resembles that of a stock SLS, but Hamann bathes every surface in leather, suede, and carbon fiber. The latter is applied to trim pieces on the steering wheel, center console, door sills, instrument cluster, and HVAC vents. Recaro sport seats - like those offered as an option on the SLS - appear to be standard fare, and are trimmed in hand-stitched leather hides.

Hamann will be more than happy to tailor-make a Hawk to your tastes, but we'd recommend skipping the ungainly Everose Gold metallic shown here. Neither pricing nor production figures have been discussed, but seeing as procuring a stock SLS can prove both difficult and expensive (MSRP is $188,500, including destination), expect the Hawk to command a sizable chunk of change.
source: automobilemag.com