Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Coinciding with the market
launch of the SLS AMG on 27 March 2010, Mercedes-AMG is presenting a GT3
variant. This racing version of the Gullwing model stands out with its
spectacular design and thoroughbred motor sports technology. Developed
to comply with the GT3 specifications of the FIA (Fédération
Internationale de l’Automobile), the SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a racing
sports car for customers competing in sprints and long-distance races.
These race series for near-series GT cars are noted for their very
varied participants and great excitement. Not least because of their
comparatively favourable cost structure, they are enjoying increasing
worldwide popularity.

AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz, is entering a new
business sector with the new SLS AMG GT3: the development, production
and marketing of sports racing cars intended for customer use. Sales of
these customer cars are expected to commence in autumn 2010, and
homologation of the GT3 variant will be completed in time for the 2011
racing season.

“Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior
handling dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a
highly competitive racing car. This exciting GT3 version is our response
to strong customer demand for a car designed for these attractive motor
sports series. Once again, it demonstrates AMG’s huge experience gained
in more than 40 years of motor sports, and its great expertise in the
development of unique high-performance cars,” says Volker
Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The new SLS AMG GT3 is an emphatic continuation of AMG’s commitment to
motor sports. AMG has been a pioneer in the motor sports world ever
since its foundation in 1967. The new racing version of the SLS AMG is
developed and produced by AMG in close cooperation with HWA AG. HWA is
responsible for the DTM racing team on behalf of Mercedes-Benz
Motorsports. The HWA team is one of the most successful in international
motor sports, as witness nine driver championships in the DTM and ITC,
as well as two championship titles in the FIA GT Championships.

The SLS AMG GT3 is set to write another chapter in this success story,
and harks back to the 300 SL racing sports car of 1952 which first
established the “gullwing” legend. Its historic victory in the
“Carrera Panamericana” long-distance race also made
Mercedes-Benz a household name in North and Central America, and
demonstrated the know-how and expertise of the Stuttgart-based
automobile company.

The new SLS AMG GT3 is wide, flat and has spectacular racing car looks.
The main focus when modifying the body of this gullwing model was on
aerodynamic performance – as is seen not only in the new front apron
with a splitter, the bonnet with its central cooling air vent and the
wider front and rear wings, but also in the the side wheel arch air
vents, the side-skirts with cooling ducts for the rear brakes, the
smooth under-body with a rear diffuser and the adjustable rear aerofoil.
All these features ensure a low drag coefficient and maximum down force
– while guaranteeing effective cooling of thermally highly stressed
components. The C-pillars accommodate the standardised filler pipes for
the fast-refuel system.

The FIA will determine the maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8
front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication on the “Balance of
Performance” principle. This is intended to ensure that all the
racing cars taking part have an equal chance. The classification
process, during which the kerb weight is also determined, will be
completed in 2010. Power transmission in the GT3 variant is by a
sequential six-speed racing transmission with steering wheel shift
paddles and an integrated multi-disc locking differential. As in the
standard SLS AMG, the transmission is located at the rear axle: the
engine and transmission are connected by a torque tube within which a
carbon-fibre shaft rotates at the engine speed, as in the road going
version.

The wheels are located by a double-wishbone suspension of forged
aluminium at the front and rear. Adjustment facilities for the springs
and shock absorbers, the suspension height, the stabilisers, the track
width and camber allow an individual setup for the racetrack.
Rack-and-pinion steering with a more direct ratio and speed-sensitive
servo assistance make for extremely agile handling. Behind the
central-locking AMG light-alloy wheels, a composite steel racing braking
system with racing ABS ensures outstanding deceleration.

The interior of the SLS AMG GT3 is dominated by a functional racing car
atmosphere: the steel rollover cage not only ensures the driver’s
safety, but also adds additional reinforcement to the aluminium space
frame. Another eye-catching feature is the racing bucket seat with a
six-point seat belt and HANS system (Head and Neck Support). The central
display is perfectly positioned in the driver’s field of vision, and
shows all the relevant information such as speed, engine rpm, operating
temperatures, lap times and the selected gear. The open-top racing
steering wheel with gearshift paddles makes perfect vehicle control
possible.

Additional controls are located on the centre console. This is where the
driver can not only start the AMG V8 engine or adjust the traction
control, but also select reverse gear or – if the worst comes to the
worst – activate the integrated fire extinguisher system. The adjustment
control for the brake balance is located on the torque tube tunnel.

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Related
Article:

RETURN OF THE MERCEDES  BENZ SLS AMG GULLWING

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