| Year |
2010 |
| Engine |
6.3
litre V8 |
| Transmission |
7-speed,
dual-clutch RWD |
| Max
speed |
- |
| 0-60
mph |
- |
| Horsepower |
- |
| weight |
- |
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
is one of the biggest supercar releases of the past year. But
the company isn't content with just making ultra luxurious supercars
for the rich and well dressed, they also plan on releasing a
fully homologated GT3 race version for the gentleman racer.
The GT3 racing version of the SLS AMG is powered by the same
mid-front mounted 6.3 litre V8 engine as the road car. There'll
probably be a few modifications for the race unit, but Mercedes
haven't yet announced final power outputs or specifications.
Or even a final weight figure. That's all for the FIA to decide
in the near future as part of the homologation process.
Power transmission in the SLS AMG GT3 is done through a six-speed
sequential racing transmission with steering wheel shift paddles
and an integrated multi-disc locking differential. As in the
SLS AMG road car, the transmission is located at the rear axle
for better weight distribution: the engine and transmission
are connected by a torque tube within which a carbon-fibre shaft
rotates at the engine speed.
The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 is instantly recognizable as belonging
to the SLS AMG family - as any GT3 racer is. The biggest visual
changes are a new front apron, new splitter, redesigned bonnet
with additional air intakes and vents, new sideskirts which
have air inlets for cooling the rear brakes, rear diffuser and
a prominent adjustable rear wing. The C-pillars provide housing
for the standardized filler pipes for the fast-refuel system.
As you'd expect the interior of the SLS AMG GT3 is far more
functional than the inside of the road car. It features a steel
rollover cage which not only ensures the driver's safety, but
also adds additional reinforcement to the aluminium spaceframe.
The driver gets a racing bucket seat and a six-point harness
with HANS system for head an neck support. The central instrument
display screen shows all the relevant information such as speed,
engine rpm, operating temperatures, lap times and the selected
gear.
Additional controls are located on the centre console. This
is where the driver can not only start the engine or adjust
the traction control, but also select reverse gear or - if the
worst comes to the worst - activate the integrated fire extinguisher
system. The adjustment control for the brake front/rear balance
is located on the center console.
Similar and related vehicles:
Mercedes SLS AMG
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