Gullwing will be a rare bird

But two Australian buyers have already joined the queue for the Mercedes-Benz SLS gullwing, sight unseen, putting deposits on the $500,000-plus supercar. The SLS, which pays homage to the 1950s Gullwing 300SL, is expected to be unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Mercedes-Benz Australia expects global demand for the SLS to be greater than the planned production output. "We want to maintain exclusivity," Mercedes-Benz Australia managing director passenger cars, Horst von Sanden, says.

The SLS will not be as expensive as the million-dollar McLaren Mercedes, but its $500,000 plus price-tag will ensure it remains a rare sight on Australian roads.

Von Sanden expects the SLS, with its distinctive gullwing doors, to be a magnet for collectors. "It's that type of car," he says. "For many customers it is a collectors car and the build volume will be limited globally to reflect that." The SLS is the first supercar developed in-house by the AMG performance division.

More details about the Ferrari-beater are surfacing daily. It makes extensive use of alloy for its body and chassis to keep its weight down to around 1600kg.

The car's United States dealership guide shows it will feature a mid-front mounted 6.3-litre hand-built V8 AMG engine developing 420kW/650Nm. The engine's mid-front mounting position helps deliver a 48/52 front to rear weight balance.

The AMG tuned engine gives the car a top speed of 315km/h and it will rocket to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds. The V8 will be mated to a standard AMG seven-speed dual clutch transmission and limited slip differential.

Among the features expected are keyless-start, auto-dimming mirrors and dual zone climate control, rear view camera's, daytime running lights, six-disc CD changer with MP3 connectivity and a 40GB satellite navigation system. US buyers can also individualise their cars.

Several different standard leather trims will be available and carbon fibre trim is on the list for $5500. Throw carbon fibre side mirrors into the list and these will set you back $6200. A carbon fibre engine cover is $6600. If that is not enough, buyers can also spend another $11,000 to fit out the cabin with more carbon fibre for the sills and seat surrounds.

A comprehensive Bang & Olufsen 10 speaker, 1000 watt speaker system is also offered for $7800. Other options include an AMG suspension upgrade for $1900. Carbon ceramic brakes will cost $16,000.