Mercedes’ GT3 version of the SLS AMG comes out

When the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG takes place on the 27th of March in Mexico, the German brand will also be presenting the GT3 version of the modern “Gullwing”. The SLS AMG GT3 was developed to comply with the GT3 specifications of FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) and designed specifically for customers competing in sprints and long-distance races.

With this GT3 variant, AMG, Mercedes-Benz performance brand, will enter the business sector of development, production and marketing of sports racing cars intended for customer use. With FIA’s homologation set to be completed for the 2011 season, the SLS AMG GT3 sales should start in autumn 2010

According to Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, "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 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."

Developed and produced in collaboration with HWA AG, responsible for the DTM racing team on behalf of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, the SLS AMG GT3 will try to write a new chapter in the history of motorsports, as successful as its ancestor, the 300 SL racing sports car of 1952.

Focusing on the aerodynamic performance the gullwing model suffered some modifications in the body. The GT3 version features a new front apron with a splitter, a bonnet with a central cooling air vent and a wider front and rear wings. The side wheel arch air vents, the sideskirts with cooling ducts for the rear brakes, the smooth underbody with a rear diffuser and the adjustable rear aerofoil were other modifications made to the SLS AMG model.

In terms of power, the maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication will be determined by FIA, with the GT3 variant using a sequential six-speed racing transmission with steering wheel shift paddles and an integrated multi-disc locking differential.