Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 revealed
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Mercedes-Benz
2nd April, 2010
Coinciding with the overseas market launch of the exciting SLS AMG,
Mercedes-AMG is presenting a GT3 variant. This racing version of the gullwing model stands out with its spectacular
design and thoroughbred motor sports technology.
Developed to comply with the GT3 specifications of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the SLS
AMG GT3 is designed as a racing sports car for customers competing in sprints and long-distance races. These race
series for near-series GT cars are noted for their very varied participants and great excitement. Not least because
of their comparatively favourable cost structure, they are enjoying increasing worldwide popularity.
AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz, is entering a new business sector with the new SLS AMG GT3: the
development, production and marketing of sports racing cars intended for customer use. Sales of these customer cars
are expected to commence in the third quarter of this year, and racing homologation of the GT3 variant will be
completed in time for the 2011 racing season.
"Thanks to uncompromising light weight construction and superior handling dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an
outstanding basis for a highly competitive racing car,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer demand for a car designed for these attractive
motor sports series. Once again, it demonstrates AMG's huge experience gained in more than 40 years of motor sports,
and its great expertise in the development of unique high-performance cars."
The new SLS AMG GT3 is an emphatic continuation of AMG's commitment to motor sports. AMG has been a pioneer in the
motor sports world ever since its foundation in 1967. The new racing version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is developed
and produced by AMG in close cooperation with HWA AG. HWA is responsible for the DTM (German Touring Car Championship)
racing team on behalf of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports.
The HWA team is one of the most successful in international motor sports, evidenced by nine driver championships in
the DTM and ITC (International Tour Car Championship), as well as two championship titles in the FIA GT Championships.
The SLS AMG GT3 is set to write another chapter in this success story, and harks back to the 300 SL racing sports car
of 1952 which first established the "gullwing" legend. Its historic victory in the "Carrera Panamericana" long-distance
race also made Mercedes-Benz a household name in North and Central America, and demonstrated the know-how and expertise
of the Stuttgart-based automobile company.
Spectacular racing car looks and top-class performance
The purist design and breathtaking contours of this gullwing model are effectively emphasised by specific modifications
to the body work. The new components made mainly from carbon-fibre are an unmistakable testimony to the outstanding
race track performance and extensive aerodynamic development work.
At the front the GT3 racing car has a new front apron with larger air intakes: the wide aperture below the
characteristic radiator grille with a large Mercedes star and a wing-shaped transverse fin supplies the engine oil cooler
and brake discs with cooling air. The two air intakes below the vertically arranged bi-xenon headlamps have the same
function. Downforce at the front axle is provided by four externally mounted "flics" and the carbon-fibre front splitter:
this blends into the smooth underbody cladding which ends with the rear diffuser.
The bonnet has a central aperture to dissipate the engine heat. The hot air is vented in the wheel arches from side
vents in the front guards. Particularly light weight polycarbonate is used to glaze the side and rear windows, and this
is also available for the windscreen.
The front and rear guards have been widened to make space for the large racing tyres. With a width of 1,990 millimetres,
the body of the GT3 is a good 50 millimetres wider than that of the standard SLS AMG. The new side skirts have apertures
for cooling the rear brakes. The smooth underbody is visible at the lower edges of the side skirts. The standardised filler
pipe for the fast-refuel system is accommodated in the B-pillar. The 120 litre fuel tank is centrally located behind the
driver.
Wide rear apron of carbon-fibre
Viewed from the rear, the SLS AMG GT3 impresses with its sheer width. The boot lid is surmounted by a wide carbon-fibre
rear aerofoil, which has multiple adjustments and allows a perfect set-up for the type of race track concerned.
The new rear apron features two apertures designed to vent the rear wheel arches.
The carbon-fibre rear diffuser is another eye-catching feature: as an extension to the smooth underbody, it gradually
rises in the rear axle area and generates a downforce thanks to its shape. The overall aerodynamic concept of the SLS AMG
GT3 was refined and finalised in extensive wind tunnel and race track tests.
The black exhaust tailpipes emit a thrilling and very characteristic AMG eight-cylinder sound. The rain light prescribed
by the rulebook is integrated into the boot lid – it must remain permanently switched on if the weather conditions are poor.
Near-series AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine
As prescribed by the FIA GT3 rules, the AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine is practically identical to that in the standard model.
Thanks to its lower weight, the GT3 will easily better the already outstanding acceleration of the standard model – 3.8
seconds from zero to 100 km/h; depending on the final drive ratio, the top speed will exceed 300 km/h.
The AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine also has a dry sump lubrication system in the racing model. Using vacuum and pressure pumps,
as well as an external oil tank, makes it possible to dispense with a conventional sump. This technology ensures reliable
engine lubrication even under the high lateral acceleration forces encountered on the race track.
Dry sump lubrication also allows a low installed position for the V8 engine – one of the key technological highlights of
the SLS AMG. Installing the eight-cylinder engine in the lowest possible position behind the front axle in a front-mid
engine layout, and combining it with the transmission in a transaxle arrangement, produces a very favourable weight
distribution.
Six-speed racing transmission with sequential gear-changes
Unlike in the standard model, power in the SLS AMG GT3 is transferred by a six-speed racing transmission with sequential
gear-changes. Thanks to its compact construction, this race-tested transmission has advantages in terms of packaging –
after all, the GT3 version has a smaller ground clearance than the standard model. The driver shifts the gears using two
shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The transmission is mounted directly on the rear axle, and connected to the V8 engine via a flexurally and torsionally
rigid torque tube. This has decisive advantages with respect to handling dynamics, as this sophisticated solution enables
the entire powertrain to be configured with far less free play. In conjunction with the traction control system, a multi-disc
locking differential integrated into the transmission ensures outstanding acceleration. A drive shaft rotates at the engine
speed within this torque tube. As in the standard model, and also the Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM racing cars, the shaft is
made from carbon-fibre.
The vehicle concept of the SLS AMG is predestined for top-class race track performance, with a long wheelbase, a low
centre of gravity and a wide track. Its strengths include precise over/understeer characteristics, first-class agility, low
inertia during fast changes of direction and high physical limits when cornering.
Very few modifications were required for perfect race track performance: the lowered, light weight aluminium suspension
with double wishbones all-round has the ideal kinematics. Multiple adjustments allow the best possible adaptation to the
relevant race track characteristics and prevailing weather conditions. Not only the spring and damper setups, but also the
track width and camber, the suspension height and the stabilisers at the front and rear axles can be adjusted.
The rack-and-pinion steering system with speed-sensitive servo assistance is basically the same as in the standard SLS
AMG. The more direct steering ratio makes for even more agile handling on the racetrack.
AMG motor sports braking system with composite technology
The AMG motor sports braking system ensures extremely short braking distances, outstanding fade-resistance and great
sensitivity: race-tested composite technology is used for all the brake discs. In this system, the grey cast-iron discs are
mounted on an aluminium bowl via stainless steel connections in a radially and axially floating arrangement. This
sophisticated technology allows perfect heat conduction, and therefore reliable fade-resistance. The SLS AMG GT3 also
features precisely configured cooling ducts: apertures in the front apron and in front of the rear wheels supply the brake
discs with cool air when on the move.
All four brake discs are ventilated, grooved and perforated. Six-piston fixed callipers at the front and four-piston
fixed callipers at the rear in anthracite with a white AMG logo allow generous brake lining surfaces. An anti-lock braking
system with a special racing configuration is standard. For space reasons, the AMG high-performance ceramic composite
braking system optionally available for the standard model is not compatible with the 18 inch wheels prescribed by the
FIA rulebook.
The size 12 x 18 inch (front) and 13 x 18-inch (rear) AMG light-alloy wheels with central locking are shod with racing
tyres in size 287 x 682 mm (front) and 315 x 708 mm (rear). Depending on the conditions, untreaded slicks, intermediates or
rain tyres are used. The classic multi-spoke design assists ventilation of the braking system.
Rapid pit stops and wheel-changes are assured by the pneumatic jacking system integrated into the underbody: four
pneumatic jacks lift the GT3 racing car by around 190 millimetres to allow very rapid wheel-changes by the pit crew.
Interior with racing bucket seat and racing steering wheel
Opening the gullwing doors of the SLS AMG GT3 reveals a functional interior with a racing car atmosphere. The driver is
seated in a racing bucket seat, their safety assured by a six-point seat belt and the HANS system (Head and
Neck Support), which fixes their helmet in a defined position during an accident to minimise the risk of
injury.
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Additional safety is provided by the steel roll over cage, which also serves to reinforce the aluminium spaceframe.
A racing steering wheel with a diameter of 330 millimetres allows perfect vehicle control. Thanks to the open upper
section of the rim, the driver always has a clear view of the central display. This keeps him informed about all the
relevant parameters such as speed, engine rpm, operating temperatures, lap times and the selected gear. The steering wheel
also has a quick-locking feature which allows much easier access and egress.
Switches on the steering wheel boss enable the driver to activate additional functions such as the radio link to the
pits, headlamp flasher or the drink function. Further controls are mounted on the centre console, for example the
start/stop function for the AMG V8 engine, the traction control system, reverse gear and – if the worst should happen –
the integrated fire extinguisher system.
The brake balance adjustment control is mounted on the tunnel of the torque tube.
The near-series specification of the GT3 version is reflected in the dashboard, whose powerfully arching wing section
gives an impression of width. Strikingly integrated into the dashboard, the air vents galvanised in "Silver Shadow" have
adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of an aircraft's jet engines.
Deliveries of customer vehicles will commence in mid-2011
The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 was developed to comply with the international FIA GT3 race rules, and is entitled
to take part in all GT3 race series – which, of course, includes the popular 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
or the Nurburgring. Interested customers are able to order the GT3 from quarter three this year, and delivery will take
place in time for the start of the 2011 racing season. Homologation will be completed in March 2011.
The road-going Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will arrive in Australia this coming July-August. The Australian price will be
announced closer to its date of release.
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