The New SLS AMG GT - Enhanced Driving Dynamics
MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – June 7, 2012: The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT boasts enhanced driving dynamics and even better race track performance. With a maximum output of 591 hp, the optimised AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and 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 athletic: with 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 591 hp at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The SLS AMG GT accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and can reach a speed of 125 mph in 11.2 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG has achieved the output of 591 hp through in-engine dethrottling measures in conjunction with an increase in peak pressure. The GT version of the front mid-engined AMG 6.3-litre V8 responds with even greater agility to accelerator pedal movements and excites with even sportier 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 steering wheel, control commands 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 suspension
But 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 with twin
aluminium wishbones all round and variable, electronically controlled
damping. Compared with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, the new AMG
RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension features stiffer spring/damper tuning
and dispenses with "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 with 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 with 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 with 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 with a level road surface - such as when trying to achieve fast lap times on a race circuit such as Hockenheim.
Selection of suspension modes via the AMG DRIVE UNIT
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 UNIT. The activated
suspension mode is shown by means of indicator lamps on the button and the
display in the AMG main menu.
As standard, the vehicle comes with 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 with a high-sheen finish. Three additional AMG light-alloy wheel designs are also available.
Interior with sporty highlights
The interior too features a
consistently sporty design: the SLS AMG GT combines the high-quality,
exclusive ambience of a true AMG model with 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, Alcantarais also found on the door centre panels. The
black interior appointments are combined with 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 flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel. The grip area is finished in Alcantara, while the upper part of the steering wheel has a red 12 o'clock marking. The AMG instrument cluster is fitted with a black faceplate – at the top it also features an upshift indicator with seven LEDs.
AMGdesigno 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 with a diamond design with 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 with porcelain leather edging, roof lining in Alcantaraporcelain, 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 such as the roof lining, carpet and centre console are perfectly matched to each other.
Other attractive optional extras for all SLS AMG models include
(extract):
The SLS AMG GT will launch in the UK in October 2012. UK pricing and specification are still to be confirmed.
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".