Hot on the heels of leaked images showcasing AMG’s Mercedes SLS GT3, Mercedes today has officially unveiled the model along with its list of attributes. According to the Mercedes, the SLS AMG GT3 has been designed to comply with the GT3 specifications of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), and it’s aimed at customers competing in sprints and long-distance races. It will be powered by AMG’s 6.3-liter V8 (not the new 5.5-liter V8 as previously thought), with total output to be determined by the FIA. Exterior enhancements include a new front apron with a splitter, a new bonnet with a central cooling vent, wider front and rear wings, side skirts with integrated cooling vents for the rear brakes, a smooth underbody and a rear diffuser with adjustable rear aerofoil (among other things).
Inside, a steel rollover cage has been added to increase driver safety while reinforcing the aluminum spaceframe. Racing bucket seats with a six-point seat belt and HANS system, a new central display and an open-top steering wheel with gearshift paddles are a few of the other interior additions, while a double-wishbone suspension system, a rack-and-pinion steering with a more direct ratio and speed-sensitive servo assistance and a a composite steel racing braking system with racing ABS all aid in the SLS GT3’s handling characteristics.
Commenting on the Mercedes SLS GT3, Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH had this to say: “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.”
To see more of the Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3 and view its complete list of features, you can view the official press release and full photo gallery immediately below.
