Mercedes Benz has announced a few changes to the high-performance AMG SLS supercar and created the SLS GT. The new model has all the good-stuff from the "normal" car (really, can you call an AMG SLS normal?) with a few additions. The 6.3-liter V8 engine has been massaged to increase horsepower to 591 and the drivetrain, including the seven-speed, dual-clutch, automanual transmission, have been upgraded to accept the additional power and get it to the road. Expect to get to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds. The AMG Ride Control Performance (adjustable) Suspension features stiffer springing and damping tuning and dispenses with the "Comfort" setting using just "Sport" and "Sport Plus" options. What's all this performance going to cost you? Well the "basic" AMG SLS GT Coupe will start at about $260,000 in today's dollars with the Roadster (above) starting at about $270,000. The "Designo" leather upgrade will set you back an additional $7,250 and there are other options to whet your performance car appetite and test your checkbook balance. Check with your local Mercedes Benz AMG retailer for availability. For more info check out the release after the jump.
Source: Mercedes Benz - Press release after the jump.
Press Release:
The new SLS AMG GT: Enhanced driving dynamics
The
new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT boasts enhanced driving dynamics and even
better race track performance. With a maximum output of 435 kW (591 hp),
the optimised AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and the
redeveloped AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension, the SLS AMG GT –
which is available both as a Coupé and a Roadster – has raised the bar
even higher. As a further highlight, the new high-quality AMG designo
Exclusive STYLE leather is now also available as an optional extra for
all SLS AMG models. According to Tobias Moers, Board Member and Head of
Overall Vehicle Development for Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "The new SLS AMG GT
demonstrates the sort of potential which lies in AMG's super sports
cars. With its even higher levels of performance, the SLS AMG GT excites
out on the race track in particular by providing an emotionally
enjoyable and passionate driving experience."
Masculine and decidedly athletic: with darkened
headlamps and tail lights as well as red-painted brake callipers, the
new SLS AMG GT also features a unique look. The wing-shaped cross fins
and the star recess in the radiator grille also retain a high-gloss
finish, as do the exterior mirrors and the fins on the bonnet and wings.
The AMG logo on the right of the boot lid also features the additional
letters "GT".
One look at the technical specifications
highlights the fact that AMG has succeeded in enhancing the dynamic
profile of the SLS AMG GT even further. The maximum output of the AMG
6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine is 435 kW (591 hp) at
6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The SLS AMG GT
accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and can reach a speed
of 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds.
The key data at a glance:
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
| |
Cylinder arrangement
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V8
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Valves per cylinder
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4
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Displacement
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6208 cc
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Bore x stroke
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102.2 x 94.6 mm
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Compression ratio
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11.3:1
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Output
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435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm
|
Max. torque
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650 Nm at 4750 rpm
|
Fuel consumption NEDC combined
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13.2 l/100 km
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CO2 emissions
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308 g/km
|
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
|
3.7 s
|
Top speed
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320 km/h*
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* electronically limited
Mercedes-AMG has achieved the output of 435 kW
(591 hp) through in-engine dethrottling measures in conjunction with an
increase in peak pressure. The GT version of the AMG 6.3-litre
eight-cylinder front mid-engine responds with even greater agility to
accelerator pedal movements and excites with even sportier-tuned
performance characteristics. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed sports
transmission located on the rear axle is more direct and spontaneous in
the manual "M" transmission mode: thanks to newly developed gear change
functions and optimised transmission control, it has been possible to
shorten reaction time significantly. When changing gears manually via
the real metal shift paddles on the AMG Performance steering wheel,
control commands right through to the noticeable gear change are
executed markedly quicker than previously – all of which is ideal when
striving to achieve some ambitious lap times on a closed-off race
circuit.
The reaction time experienced by the driver is
made even more emotional as a result of more distinct gear changes. The
automatic double-declutching function when shifting down is also more
pronounced in the SLS AMG GT. Due to an increase in engine torque in
manual mode, the shift procedure is even quicker than previously – and
is accompanied by some passionate acoustic feedback for the driver.
Overall, the optimisation of the dual clutch transmission complements
the sporty nature of the SLS AMG GT perfectly.
New AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension
But it is not just the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front
mid-engine and the optimised dual clutch transmission which are
responsible for increasing the driving dynamics of the SLS AMG GT. The
newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension also enhances
the vehicle's sportiness. In the case of the SLS AMG GT, Mercedes-AMG
has combined the sophisticated suspension layout with twin aluminium
wishbones all round and variable, electronically controlled damping.
Compared with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, the new AMG RIDE
CONTROL Performance suspension features basically stiffer spring/damper
tuning and dispenses with "Comfort" mode.
"Sport" mode is recommended as the optimum
setting for undulating road surfaces and routes requiring increased
suspension travel – such as found on rural roads or the legendary North
Loop of the Nürburgring, for example. The control algorithm of the AMG
RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension reacts best to fluctuations in the
road surface with a tendency towards lower damper force levels. The
resulting effect is the best possible performance by effectively
preventing rolling and pitching and providing excellent contact with the
road when adopting a sporty driving style. The enhanced driving
dynamics and even better race track performance are measureable: as part
of an internal comparison with the SLS AMG, the SLS AMG GT was able to
achieve faster lap times on a race track.
"Sport plus" provides higher damping forces and
features specific control algorithms which have been adjusted for a
decidedly sporty driving style on routes with a level road surface -
such as when trying to achieve ambitious lap times on a race circuit
such as Hockenheim.
Selection of suspension modes via the AMG DRIVE UNIT
Depending on the driving conditions, speed and
vehicle load, the AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension adjusts the
damping characteristics at lightning speed and automatically reduces the
roll angle of the body. The two modes can be selected via a button on
the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The activated suspension mode is indicated by means
of indicator lamps on the button and the display in the AMG main menu.
As standard, the vehicle comes with 265/35 R 19
tyres on the front and 295/30 R 20 tyres on the rear, fitted to
weight-optimised AMG forged light-alloy wheels featuring a 10-spoke
design and painted in matt black and with a high-sheen finish. Three
additional AMG light-alloy wheels are also available.
Interior with consistently sporty highlights
The interior too features a consistently sporty
design: the SLS AMG GT combines the high-quality, exclusive ambience of a
true AMG model with the functional atmosphere of a racing car. The
sports seats not only have an embossed badge on the head restraints, but
the centre sections are also finished in Alcantara ® . Continuing the
theme, Alcantara ® is also found on the door centre panels. The black
interior appointments are combined with red seat belts, plus all of the
contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats, the centre console and
the door panel lining is finished in red too. The floor mats also
feature red edging.
The high-gloss black AMG trim on the centre
console and door panel lining perfectly matches the high-gloss black
edging on the adjustable cross-shaped air vents and the high-gloss real
metal insert on the AMG Performance steering wheel with flattened lower
section. The grip area is finished in Alcantara®, while the upper part
of the steering wheel has a red 12 o'clock marking. The AMG instrument
cluster is fitted with a black faceplate – at the top it also features
an upshift indicator with seven LEDs.
AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather for all SLS AMG models
Also now available for all SLS AMG models is a
new, highly exclusive optional extra in the form of AMG designo
Exclusive STYLE leather. This high-quality extra is available in single
or two-tone finishes and comprises distinctive upholstery with a diamond
design with contrasting stitching. The lavishly finished diamond design
features not only on the AMG sports seats, but also on the door centre
panels.
Other highlights include a designo leather finish
for the entire dashboard, the beltlines and door armrests, the handrest
on the centre console, AMG floor mats in black with porcelain leather
edging, roof lining in Alcantara ® porcelain, and the parcel shelf
(Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster). Seams finished in contrasting
colours create exciting highlights and underscore the high-quality,
hand-finished nature of this new leather package. Available colour
combinations include mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey
pearl/porcelain and mystic red/porcelain. The colours of all of the
elements of the interior appointment such as the roof liner, carpet and
centre console are perfectly matched to each other.
Other attractive optional extras for all SLS AMG models include (extract):
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AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors
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AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover
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AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels)
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AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
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AMG Performance Media
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AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in other colour variants
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AMG carbon-fibre trim
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AIRSCARF (Roadster)
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Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system
The market launch of the SLS AMG GT will commence
in October 2012. An overview of the pricing for Germany is as follows
(incl. 19% VAT):
SLS AMG GT 204,680 euros
SLS AMG GT Roadster 213,010 euros
AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather 5771.50 euros
SLS AMG GT Roadster 213,010 euros
AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather 5771.50 euros
Six SLS AMG models
The SLS AMG Coupé presented in 2009 was the first
vehicle developed independently by Mercedes-AMG. The spectacular
gullwing model was followed in 2011 by the open-top SLS AMG Roadster as
well as the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports racing car. Having secured 26
victories and the FIA GT3 European championship title, the SLS AMG GT3
was the most successful newcomer to the world of motorsport in 2011.
With the new SLS AMG GT, available as a Coupé and Roadster, the model
range has now grown to five variants. The sixth model is expected to
follow in 2013 in the form of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL:
Mercedes-AMG is planning an exclusive series-production run of the
purely electric-driven super sports car.
The specific assembly area for the SLS AMG is
located in the largest Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen.
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine comes directly from the AMG engine workshop
in Affalterbach, where it is hand-assembled according to the traditional
"one man, one engine" philosophy.
40 significant awards for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The SLS AMG has succeeded in winning numerous comparison tests against
a host of international competitors conducted by the international specialist media – both as the gullwing model and the Roadster. Since its world premiere at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2009 and the presentation of the SLS AMG Roadster in May 2011, the super sports car from Mercedes-AMG has picked up a total of 40 awards – including such major prizes as the "German Design Award", the "Red Dot Design Award", the "Golden Steering Wheel 2009", "Classic of the Future", "Sports Car of the Year", "Best Performance Car" and "Legends on Wheels".
a host of international competitors conducted by the international specialist media – both as the gullwing model and the Roadster. Since its world premiere at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2009 and the presentation of the SLS AMG Roadster in May 2011, the super sports car from Mercedes-AMG has picked up a total of 40 awards – including such major prizes as the "German Design Award", the "Red Dot Design Award", the "Golden Steering Wheel 2009", "Classic of the Future", "Sports Car of the Year", "Best Performance Car" and "Legends on Wheels".


