Boosting the beast.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a naturally-aspirated, hard-nosed grand touring super car from the factory that brings back memories of the iconic 300 SL Gullwing. But Kicherer wanted to increase power for the free-breathing model in a more aggressive way and reach the 700 horsepower mark. How were they going to accomplish that? With the SLS Supercharged GT program, of course!
The new SLS Supercharged GT is a force-fed monster draped in a satin-matte black skin. Under the hood of the AMG super car sits a modified 6.2-liter hand-built V-8 engine equipped with an in-house supercharger system. Kicherer was able to design and develop a new supercharger system that requires only a small number of additional parts and is barely visible from the top of the engine bay. No additional air deflections or drive belt guide pulleys are required in the upgrade and eliminate any interference and background noise that takes away from the overall driving experience.
The supercharger feeds charged air into each of the eight cylinders and can be monitored through a digital or analog display inside of the cockpit, or drivers can download an app to display more information and data. The supercharger works in conjunction with a retuned ECU and stainless steel flap-controlled exhaust system to reduce backpressure and create approximately 700 bhp and 620 lb-ft. of torque. The incredible power output helps rocket the SLS Supercharged GT to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 186 mph thanks to the removal of the electronic limiter.
Another eye-catching aspect of the Kicherer SLS AMG is the stunning exterior design. A new handcrafted front grille with numerous vertical fins was designed after the 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Carrera Panamerica and sits atop of a new carbon fiber lip spoiler. The hood of the super car sports new carbon fiber vents to cool the supercharged V-8 while each of the front fenders sport similar carbon fiber fins. After the addition of a rear diffuser, the entire SLS AMG was covered in a slick satin-matte black wrap.
Completing the transformation into the SLS Supercharged GT is a revised chassis designed for better dynamics. New Kicherer RS-1 forged wheels help to reduce weight at the wheel hub for better overall performance. The three-piece wheels were installed in a 10.0J x 20 front and 11.5J x 21 rear setup with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires for even more levels of grip. A new coilover system offers a lift function that travels 30 mm up or down and adjusts the hardness of the dampers for a precise setup for a given situation.
The Kicherer SLS Supercharged GT program is available with all of the featured upgrades along with a full carbon fiber interior trim set. The supercharger upgrade and installation will be undertaken at the company’s facilities in Germany. Pricing for the entire program has not been released.
Kicherer SLS Supercharged GT Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Supercharged
Maximum Horsepower: Approx. 700 bhp
Maximum Torque: 620 lb-ft. (840 Nm)
-Supercharger upgrade
-Stainless steel exhaust system
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.4 seconds
Top Speed: Over 186 mph
Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: Kicherer RS-1 three-piece forged
Front Wheels: 10.0J x 20
Rear Wheels: 11.5J x 21
Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Suspension: Adjustable coilovers with 30 mm height variation and damping hardness
Exterior:
-Satin-matte black wrap
-Handcrafted front grille with vertical inserts
-Carbon fiber front spoiler lip
-Carbon fiber engine hood and front fender inserts
-Rear diffuser
Interior:
-Full carbon fiber trim set
-Boost pressure gauge
-Optional app to display telemetry data
Kicherer SLS Supercharged GT Gallery
[Source: Kicherer]
What do you think of the 700 bhp output of the matte-satin black SLS Supercharged GT? Leave a comment and let us know!
