The end of an era, for Mercedes-Benz.

Yes I'm afraid it's true, the Mercedes SLS AMG production is to end. But why I hear you cry, well it's mainly due to emissions. The SLS like many AMG's has a marvellous 6.2 litre V8 engine, which if you put your foot down, propels you like a rocket to your destination. However, this burns up fuel and lots of EU members, wearing expensive suits don't like that, which is why it's all being restricted and heavily regulated. Mercedes have been forced to react, it's unlikely there be as many V8 engine available from Mercedes in the future, except only the occasional special edition perhaps. According to AutoCar however, the SLS AMG will have several years still on sale. But the future of AMG's will be turbo power, much like the new generation A and CLA 45. So will they loose that tremendous sound? I'm afraid to report the answer is yes, a 2 litre turbo will never sound like a V8 engine. But fear not, the A45 has a good sound to it. It makes a burping kind of sound every time you change gear which isn't bad. I have one, and I must admit it's actually rather good. But it's nothing like the current engines in the SLS, C and E 63's. With these cars you have to be careful when you start it up. You can't for example turn up to an old people's home in a C63 because when you start up the engine to go home again, the burst from the exhaust is enough to give the residents a heart attack.

There is a final edition model of the SLS being launched at the Los Angles Motorshow to celebrate this wonderful car; it will mark the end of one of the greatest supercars ever made. It's certainly the greatest car in my opinion that Mercedes have ever made. It is expected to be limited edition, so if you want one, move fast. Specifications are not yet known, AMG are playing their cards very close to their chests. It's expected to be around the power of the current SLS Black Series.

The SLS is a very special car, not because it's fast, not because it has big show off gull-wing doors and not because it sounds like two planets colliding. It's special because of how it makes you feel. I was lent an SLS for a day last year, and picking up from the showroom was actually rather emotional. Starting the engine was immensely satisfying, driving away at a steady speed it sounded like I had a million cats under the bonnet, all purring at the same time. But it's then you push it, when you have short and twisty race track to yourself and you decide to nail it. That's when the SLS is at its best. You can unleash the power of the V8, it is quite simply remarkable. It hardly roles in the corners, it grips like its on rails and the smile on your face is as long as the Humber Bridge. The sound is biblically good, those cats turn into hungry lions and the big Benz hunts for fast lap times.

The replacement model is widely tipped to be called the SLC AMG. Mercedes decided wisely not to replace the SLS like-for-like, the SLC is expected to be smaller and more compact than the current SLS. Mercedes want to target the Porsche 911 head on; the SLC is a direct competitor. Many motoring insiders believe the SLC is shaping up become an iconic design for the Mercedes Brand. Unlike the SLS, the new SLC could potentially have more engine availability meaning a variant of ranges. That's a good thing; look at the SLK for example. It's a small two seater convertible sports car with a wide range. But the SLC could have a range including GT and Black Series editions to compete with the many 911's on the market.

It's sad to see the SLS AMG come to an end; one thing for sure is this. In the future they will be highly collectable. They are just the same as the classic 300 SL from the 1950s, keep one in great condition and you're sitting on a pot of gold.

You can read all my Formula 1 reports in the F1 Live section here at Driving For Pleasure. I'm on twitter too TomWilkinsonF1. Follow Drivin4Pleasure for all the latest motoring news and a wide range of fantastic road tours from around the world.