A retrospective of Mercedes Gullwing cars at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell made its official debut last year but it made its Detroit debut this past Monday amidst the massive Mercedes display in Cobo Hall. The E-Cell derives its power from a quartet of electric engines that combine to produce 526 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque with the aid of a liquid-cooled 400V lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 48 kWh.

Around the SLS AMG E-Cell were a spread of modern Benz’s including some more affordable electric and hybrid models and an original 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe. The SLS E-Cell is incredible in person and these photos struggle to capture the radiance of the bright green paint but to have this electric-powered, Gullwing-wearing supercar alongside the historic original Mercedes Gullwing Coupe made for an amazing photo opportunity. These two vehicles sitting side by side also offered an interesting and rare chance to sit in one of the most well-known models in the brand’s history and then sit in one of their most technologically advanced models; giving you an amazing look at the evolution of the Mercedes brand and the industry as a whole – although the original Gullwing Benz is just as cool now as it was over 50 years ago.

Check out the gallery below for a look at the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell and click here for a look at the 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

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