Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 Premiere in New York

Automobile fascination paired with spectacular race car design – that is the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. The racing version of the SLS AMG has been conceived as a customer sport vehicle for participation in race series based on FIA GT3 regulations. Meticulous lightweight construction and optimized chassis, brakes and aerodynamics deliver uncompromising dynamics. The extra special SLS AMG will make its race track debut in 2011.

From the front, the GT3 race car boasts a new front skirt with enlarged air intakes. The wide opening beneath the characteristic radiator grille bearing the large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped horizontal fins supplies air to the engine oil cooler and brake discs. The same function is served by the two intakes below the vertical bi-xenon headlamps. Downforce on the front axle is provided courtesy of four externally mounted side flics, as well as a carbon front splitter; it runs directly into the smooth underbody panel, which connects to the rear diffuser.

The rear view of the SLS AMG GT3 is dominated by its imposing width. Above the rear hatch sits a wide carbon fiber spoiler; it is extensively adjustable and facilitates perfect setup to suit individual race track characteristics. The new rear skirt accommodates two openings for extracting air from the rear wheel arches. A further visual highlight is the rear carbon fiber diffuser; it rises smoothly from the rear axle area as a continuation of the smooth underbody, its form adding to the downforce. The overall aerodynamic concept of the SLS AMG GT3 was analyzed and defined through extensive wind tunnel and race track testing.

As defined in the FIA GT3 regulations, the AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine is virtually identical to that of the series production vehicle. Thanks to its low weight, the acceleration figures for the GT3 – 3.7 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 60 mph – are considerably below the already excellent figures for the series production vehicle. Depending on gear ratio, the top speed is more than 186 mph.

In contrast to the series production vehicle, the SLS AMG GT3 is equipped with a six-speed racing transmission with sequential shift. Thanks to its compact construction, the race-tested transmission offers considerable packaging benefits – ultimately, the GT3 version has less ground clearance than the series production vehicle. The driver shifts gear using two shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission is mounted directly on the rear axle and connected to the V8 engine via a torque tube, which has a very high degree of flexural and torsional stiffness. This delivers considerable benefits when it comes to dynamics, as this sophisticated solution enables the entire driveline to be laid out with significantly less play. Alongside the traction control, a multi-plate locking differential integrated into the transmission delivers outstanding acceleration characteristics. Inside the torque tube, a drive shaft rotates at engine speed. As in the series production model, and in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM touring car, the shaft is made from carbon fiber.

The new SLS AMG GT3 has been developed in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations and is entitled to participate in all GT3 race series – including the popular 24-hour races in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, and on the Nürburgring in Germany. Interested customers can order the vehicle starting in autumn 2010, with delivery scheduled prior to the start of the 2011 racing season. Homologation will be completed in March 2011.