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The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with a little help from the F1 World Champion. Lewis Hamilton was mobbed by photographers as he sat in Mercedes' latest supercar - but he wasn't the star, that award went to the doors. They are fantastic, taking inspiration from the legendary 300 SL of the 1950s.

Its hunkered-down proportions, large three-pointed-star Merc grille badge and the side vents on the front wings complete the retro look while the rear have similarities with the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren hypercar.

Power comes courtesy of a 6.3-litre AMG-developed V8 engine developing 571bhp and 479lb/ft of pulling power. This means the SLS can sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds - equal to the SLR - and hit a limited top speed of 197mph.

It boasts an aluminium chassis and body, said to be both lightweight and strong, giving the car an overall weight of 1,620kg. Together with the car's low centre of gravity, Mercedes reckons this is an "efficient transfer of force" within the structure - which we understand roughly as 'good handling'.

The new SLS boasts a thoroughly modern interior similarly inspired by aircraft design, with the seven-speed auto box 'E-Select' lever shaped like a jet's thrust regulator.

The seats are made of magnesium and offer four-way lumbar support, while you also get a 176-litre luggage compartment, probably for storing a jerry can - the SLS records 21.4mpg on the combined cycle.

The SLS will hit UK shores early in the summer of 2010, with pricing announced closer to the launch.

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