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.
2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz
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.
2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz
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.
2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz
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.
2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz
The communication of Daimler release says that “the AMG V8 engine with 6.3-liter is identical to that used in the serial sports car. With a low weight, however, sports car accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h for only 3.7 seconds (serial sprint for 3.9 seconds). The maximum speed was announced for 300 mph, but producers say they have more opportunities to raise her brakes are racing by AMG, as disks are ventilated. Front wheels are size 12×18, rear 13×18.
2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz
Powering this race car is a 6.3-Liter V8 engine that produces 600HP and controlling all this power is a six speed racing transmission system with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a racing sports car for customers competing in sprints and long-distance races.
"Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a highly competitive racing car. This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer demand for a car designed for these attractive motor sports car series," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz
The body of the 2011 SLS AMG GT3 is the most significant difference from the road car starting with the aggressive front fascia and splitter to the massive rear spoiler. The hood of the race model is also very different from the normal SLS AMG with a large center cooling vent that helps to move air to cool the engine and the braking system. Along the side of the car, vents have been added to cool the rear brakes without compromising aerodynamics and all of these improvements to the overall cooling effort of the car makes it ideal for long road races like the 12 Hours of Sebring.
2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz
The SLS AMG GT3 is equipped with a six-speed racing transmission with sequential shift. A steering wheel with a diameter of 13 inches facilitates perfect vehicle control. Because it is open at the top, the driver always has a perfect view of the central display, which provides all relevant information such as road speed, engine speed, operating temperatures, lap times and gear selection. The SLS AMG GT3 is also equipped with precisely calculated cooling channels – openings in the front skirt and ahead of the rear wheels direct cool airflow over the brake discs. All four brake discs are ventilated, slotted and drilled.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG race car is expected to delivery scheduled prior to the start of the 2011 racing season. However, interested customers can order this awesome vehicle starting in autumn 2010. The Mercedes-Benz display at the 2010 New York Auto Show, the 2011 SLS AMG will carry a starting price-tag of $183,000 when it goes on sale.
