SLS AMG GT3 is the racing version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG super sport car. The new SLS AMG GT3 is the result of a cooperation between AMG and HWA, a sports and touring car partner for Mercedes-Benz. The HWA portfolio includes nine driver championship title in DTM and ITC races and two championship titles in the FIA GT racing series. The AMG-Mercedes cars has the most DTM race victories and DTM titles among the participating brands. The new SLS AMG GT3 can take part at all races complying with FIA GT3 regulations.
SLS AMG GT3 a genuine racing SLS
Compared with the Mercedes-Bens SLS AMG, the new SLS AMG GT3 has a lot of aerodynamic enhancements of which the first you are going to notice for sure is the huge rear spoiler. Another new feature that you might quickly notice compared with the regular SLS is the cooling air vent on the bonnet. Apart from these, there are also other aerodynamic features on the SLS AMG GT3 which include a new front apron with a splitter, enlarged front and rear wings, and a rear diffuser. What you can’t see is the smoothed underbody also designed to optimize the air flow. What seems impressive to the eye has a perfectly justified purpose. The SLS AMG GT3 has a low drag coefficient but still offering optimum cooling for the demanding components.
SLS AMG GT3 technical features
The SLS AMG GT3 is powered by the AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine. The maximum output of the engine will be determined by the FIA in order to ensure that all cars taking part to a race stand equal chances, and the classification phase will most likely be completed in the first quarter of 2011. The SLS GT3 has a sequential six speed racing transmission and shift paddles on the steering wheel, a locking differential with multi disc and a traction control system. The solution for the transmission is similar with the one in the road version of the SLS AMG, with a carbon fibre shaft rotating at engine speed placed in a torque tube. Double wishbone suspensions made of forged aluminium are used at the front and rear of the car. To improve handling in racing conditions the steering has a more direct ratio. The SLS GT3 has a racing braking system with steel braking discs and racing type ABS.
SLS AMG GT3 safety
Inside the SLS GT3 a steel roll cage has been fitted, providing both safety for the driver as well as extra rigidity for the aluminium spaceframe of the car. A high strength carbon fibre safety cell is bolted both to the roll cage and the spaceframe and it accommodates the seat shell of the driver. The seat shell integrates the Head and Neck Support system, also known as HANS, and a six point seat belt. The car also integrates its own fire extinguisher system.
SLS AMG GT3 already to race by late 2010
Racing tests are already performed at the Lausitz Eurospeedway, the Sachsenring circuit and the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Already in 2010 the SLS AMG GT3 will race in the VLN endurance championship.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 can be ordered immediately but deliveries will start in February 2011. The price of the SLS AMG GT3 is 334,000 Euros without any taxes.
