http://images.gizmag.com/hero/slsamge-cell.jpg

"At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show Mercedes-Benz has announced that its SLS AMG E-Cell that was first unveiled as a prototype last year, will go into production. Part of Mercedes-AMG’s “AMG Performance 2015” strategy that aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the battery-electric drive gullwing super sports car, which generates 392 kW (525 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque via four compact electric motors positioned near the wheels, will be available to order from 2013."

http://www.gizmag.com/mercedes-all-electric-sls-amg-e-cell-gullwing/17560/

http://images.gizmag.com/hero/slsamge-cell.jpg

"At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show Mercedes-Benz has announced that its SLS AMG E-Cell that was first unveiled as a prototype last year, will go into production. Part of Mercedes-AMG’s “AMG Performance 2015” strategy that aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the battery-electric drive gullwing super sports car, which generates 392 kW (525 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque via four compact electric motors positioned near the wheels, will be available to order from 2013."

http://www.gizmag.com/mercedes-all-electric-sls-amg-e-cell-gullwing/17560/

Now here's a car that could give Tesla's Roadster some serious competition with 525hp/649lb-ft and 4WD! I haven't seen 0-60 times, but I'd expect high 3's. So almost any Porsche, Ferarri & even Veyron Bugatti autobahn drivers will need to keep an eye on their rear mirrors for the SLS AMG E-Cell ...which is probably why it needs that blinding chartreuse paint job! This car should cause the jaws of even the most unconvinced EV skeptics to drop wide open. I love that it's using wheel motors to put all that torque down through FOUR tire patches, not two. And who knows, other makers might wind up with FWD EREV designs, ala Volt, supplemented with 2 wheel motors on the rear for all-wheel drive. Or maybe even through-the-pavement EREVs, i.e., a conventional FWD car with 2 wheel-motor RWD electric drive. Fantastico!

Now here's a car that could give Tesla's Roadster some serious competition with 525hp/649lb-ft and 4WD! I haven't seen 0-60 times, but I'd expect high 3's. So almost any Porsche, Ferarri & even Veyron Bugatti autobahn drivers will need to keep an eye on their rear mirrors for the SLS AMG E-Cell ...which is probably why it needs that blinding chartreuse paint job! This car should cause the jaws of even the most unconvinced EV skeptics to drop wide open. I love that it's using wheel motors to put all that torque down through FOUR tire patches, not two. And who knows, other makers might wind up with FWD EREV designs, ala Volt, supplemented with 2 wheel motors on the rear for all-wheel drive. Or maybe even through-the-pavement EREVs, i.e., a conventional FWD car with 2 wheel-motor RWD electric drive. Fantastico!
Are they using wheel motors or shaft motors near the wheel? I believe near motors are a better solution for 4 motor all wheel drive. Remove the jerk and harsher elements that would exist at the wheel.

Are they using wheel motors or shaft motors near the wheel? I believe near motors are a better solution for 4 motor all wheel drive. Remove the jerk and harsher elements that would exist at the wheel.

You're right, Koz! Thanks for correcting this -- as Car & Driver explains it, "power in the SLS AMG E-Cell is routed through four electric motors, one at each wheel". This approach is superior in several ways, e.g., unsprung weight, than hub-mounted wheel motors.

Duplicate of #4

I believe this car (or one like it) will bring about a new age for the automobile. This will be the age of full, four wheel servo control. Each wheel will be able to be continuously controlled depending on what data the different on-board sensors provide. Accelerometers, gyroscopes, body speed (relative to the road surface), wheel spin, wheel temp, outdoor temp and humidity, etc.

Unheard of control over the vehicle dynamics will make even current race car drivers envious.

I hope the IBM and GM software guys can get a copy of this beauty (Dan, it would be a great investment!) so they can see what can be done. It is a dream project for any engineer that likes to dabble in all the various disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software, systems, robotics, aeronautics, etc.).