 2012 SLS AMG | 2012 HAWK SLS AMG |
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Image credits: © Mercedes-Benz.
MSRP: $199,500-206,000
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT news, pictures, and information | ||
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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: wîth 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.
Mercedes-AMG has achieved the output of 435 kW (591 hp) through in-engine dethrottling measures in conjunction wîth an increase in peak pressure. The GT version of the AMG 6.3-litre eight-cylinder front mid-engine responds wîth even greater agility to accelerator pedal movements and excites wîth 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 §teering 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 suspensionBut 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 wîth twin aluminium wishbones all round and variable, electronically controlled damping. Compared wîth the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, the new AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension features basically stiffer spring/damper tuning and dispenses wîth '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 wîth 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 wîth 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 wîth 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 wîth a level road surface - such as when trying to achieve ambitious lap times on a race circuit such as Hockenheim.
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 6.2 L., 8-cylinder Power: 591 hp Torque: 479 ft-lbs | |
7-speed Automatic | |
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 ÚNIT. 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 wîth 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 wîth a high-sheen finish. Three additional AMG light-alloy wheels are also available.
Interior wîth consistently sporty highlightsThe interior too features a consistently sporty design: the SLS AMG GT combines the high-quality, exclusive ambience of a true AMG model wîth 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 wîth 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 §teering wheel wîth flattened lower section. The grip area is finished in Alcantara®, while the upper part of the §teering wheel has a red 12 o'clock marking. The AMG instrument cluster is fitted wîth a black faceplate – at the top it also features an upshift indicator wîth 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 wîth a diamond design wîth 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 wîth 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):• AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors
• AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover
• AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels)
• AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system• AMG Performance Media
• AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in other colour variants
• AMG carbon-fibre trim •AIRSCARF (Roadster)
• 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
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'.Source - Mercedes-Benz
Pricing and model info for the 2013 SLS AMG GT and 2013 GL63 AMG
Just in time for today's Los Angeles Auto Show press day, pricing and model info are available for the SLS AMG GT and GL63 AMG, which are making their Ú.S. Auto show debuts in addition to the world debuts of the SLS AMG Black Series (pricing TBA) and Vision Ener-G-Force concept vehicle.The SLS AMG GT Coupe and Roadster deliver stratospheric levels of performance without compromise. SLS AMG GT will arrive at Ú.S. Mercedes-Benz dealers by the end of 2012.
A newly expanded list of standard equipment is paired wîth the aggressive starting price of:
2013 SLS AMG GT Coupe MSRP: $199,500
2013 SLS AMG GT Roadster MSRP: $206,000
Gas Guzzler tax of $2,100
Excluding Destination & Delivery
The high-performance GL63 AMG wîth impressive 550 hp, and 560 lb.-ft is equipped wîth new direct-injection biturbo V8 engines and designo interior. Standalone options include Rear Seat Entertainment System, Performance Steering Wheel, Red Brake Calipers and Bang & Olufsen sound system. All other safety and convenience features are standard. GL63 AMG arrives at Ú.S. Mercedes-Benz dealers in the first quarter of 2013.2013 GL63 AMG MSRP: $116,925
Excluding Destination & DeliverySource - Mercedes-Benz
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| 2012 SLS AMG | 2012 HAWK SLS AMG |
