Just add “GT!”
Forget about the SLS AMG for good. In fact, don’t even bother calling it that anymore. From now on it is to be called the “SLS AMG GT” or “SLS AMG GT Roadster” because Mercedes-Benz wants you to know that it is now more hardcore than ever before. Instead of coming out with a hotter performance model and jacking up the price, Mercedes-Benz has done all of us a favor and just upgraded the standard super car and named it the SLS AMG GT.
Those two extra letters mean more power, performance, and a refreshed interior for the German super car. The SLS AMG GT is more exciting, emotional, and engaging than ever before, unless of course you have an SLS AMG GT3 racecar in your garage. But for now, it’s the best SLS on the street.
Before the name change and upgrades, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG pumped out an impressive 563 bhp from its 6.2-liter, hand-built AMG V-8. Now that the “GT” moniker has been added to the nameplate, the engine has been pushed to 591 bhp at 6,800 RPM and 479 lb-ft. of torque at 4,750 RPM. The increase comes as the result of new dethrottling measures and an increase in peak pressure. The seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT transmission has also been revamped to provide quicker and more engaging shifts. Drivers are met with an exciting and the drivetrain offers a better and quicker throttle response and shifts are faster resulting in a 0-62 mph time of 3.7 seconds and 124 mph in 11.0 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 198.84 mph.
Even the handling is more dialed in and precise in the new SLS AMG GT. Mercedes-Benz developed the AMG Ride Control Performance Suspension system that utilizes twin aluminum wishbones and electronically variable dampers. The standard “Comfort” mode is gone for good and replaced with a standard “Sport” mode that is suggested for roads that require more suspension travel. The entire suspension system, is stiffer than before but still offers the same amount of comfort compared to the previous models. The new suspension system instantly alters the dampers to reduce body roll and can be controlled at the touch of a button on the AMG Drive unit. Contact with the road is made by a set of 19- and 20-inch ten-spoke forged AMG wheels in a high sheen matte black finish equipped with 265/35 R19 front and 295/30 R20 rear tires.
Much of the interior in the SLS AMG GT is refreshed with new materials and custom options thanks to the AMG designo Exclusive Style. Standard features include embossed logos on the headrests, alcantara seat inserts and door panels, red seat belts on AMG sport seats, an AMG performance steering wheel with flat bottom and alcantara grips, and black gauge cluster with seven LED shift indicator at the top. The AMG designo Exclusive Style leather is available as an option and includes single or two-tone upholstery with contrasting diamond stitching on the seats and door panels. Other options on the SLS AMG GT include the same designo leather throughout the interior, carbon fiber interior and exterior components, ceramic-composite brakes, and a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe and SLS AMG GT Roadster will be released in October of 2012 with German pricing starting at €204,680 for the Coupe and €213,010 for the Roadster. Pricing for the United States and other parts of the world have not been released.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Valves per Cylinder: 4
Bore x Stroke: 102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Maximum Horsepower: 591 bhp/435 kW at 6,800 RPM
Maximum Torque: 479 lb-ft./650 Nm at 4,750 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 308 g/km
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT dual-clutch
Drive: Rear wheel
Performance:
Acceleration: 0-62 mph: 3.7 s
Top Speed: 198.84 mph/320 km/h (electronically limited)
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Gallery
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
What do you think of the new SLS AMG GT with its new name and upgrades? Leave a comment and let us know!
