It was the first Mercedes-Benz designed and built from scratch entirely by AMG. Upon its introduction the SLS AMG's 571 PS (420 kW; 563 hp) M159 engine was according to AMG "the world's most powerful naturally aspirated production series engine ever produced. In fact the 6.2 liter engine (the engine was based on the M156 block).
was modified to such an extent that AMG gave it a separate engine code-M159-to signify the more than 120 different parts used in the SLS engine (as well as the addition of a dry-sump lubrication system to handle the car's high cornering speeds and racing capabilities.
The SLS AMG has also adapted the feature of wing doors that swing open upwards on gas struts and must be closed manually as AMG engineers decided against the 90 pounds (41 kg) that auto-closing systems would have added to the car. In case of a roll-over the doors can be fully detached to allow the occupants to leave the vehicle.