Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3: First Look

Jay Williams - 01/April/2010

New York, United States - Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its SLS AMG GT3 at the New York International Auto Show today. The racing version of the SLS AMG will offer customers a sport vehicle for participation in race series based on FIA GT3 regulations, with competition beginning in 2011.

Engineers have worked vigorously to shed weight from the race going AMG GT3. Large amounts of carbon fibre are used to modify the car's exterior, while polycarbonate replaces glass used on the sides, rear and front windscreen, to help combat weight issues.

From the front of the car, the GT3 features a new front bumper with enlarged air intakes and wing-shaped horizontal fins, while the  wide opening beneath the radiator grille bears the large Mercedes badge.

The new front bumper also provides improved downforce on the front axle, courtesy of the four externally mounted side flics, as well as a carbon front splitter, that runs directly into the smooth underbody panel, which connects to the rear diffuser.

Meanwhile the bonnet features a central opening for the extraction of heat from the engine, while side openings in the front fenders provide better air flow through the wheel arches.

The fenders have been widened front and rear to accommodate the larger racing tyres, while the GT3 bodyshell is a good 2-inches wider than the series production SLS AMG.

Moving to the rear of the SLS AMG GT3, you will notice the imposing stance of the vehicle due to its width. Above the rear hatch sits a wide carbon fibre spoiler that can be adjusted to suit individual race track characteristics. The new rear bumper has two openings for extracting air from the rear wheel arches. A further visual highlight is the rear carbon fibre diffuser that rises from the smooth underbody, adding downforce to the rear wheels.

Rounding out the rear view is black exhaust pipes and regulation rain lamp is integrated into the rear hatch - it must be switched on by the driver in poor weather conditions.

Mercedes-Benz says that while there are many exterior changes the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine remains untouched. As defined in the FIA GT3 regulations, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has to remain identical to that of the series production vehicle.

But, thanks to its low weight, the GT3 is able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds and depending on gear ratios, top speed is around 300km/h.

Power is delivered to the wheels via a six-speed race transmission with sequential shift.

Better acceleration and a blistering top speed meant that engineers had to improve braking performance. Shortened stopping distances were achieved by the AMG race braking system. All four corners feature brake discs in motorsport-tested composite technology. Gray cast iron axial and radial floating discs are fixed to an aluminum hat via stainless steel composite elements. This sophisticated technology enables perfect heat dissipation and provides reliable stability.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 features AMG centre-locking alloy wheels – 12x18-inches for front and 13x18-inches for rear. Depending on the application, the tyres are available as profile-free slicks, intermediates or wet weather tyres. The classic multi-spoke design helps ventilation of the braking system.

Upon opening the gullwing doors, the SLS AMG GT3 displays a functional interior with a distinctly race car feel. The driver sits in a racing bucket seat fitted with a six-point harness and the HANS system (Head and Neck Support) that fixes the helmet in place in the event of an accident. For additional safety a steel roll cage has been added to stiffen the aluminum spaceframe.

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.

Delivery of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 will start at the beginning of 2011, with the order process starting up later this year.

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