|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
6.3
liter V8 |
Weight |
-- |
|
Aspiration |
natural |
Torque |
479
lb-ft (stock) |
|
HP |
571
hp @ 6800 rpm (stock) |
HP/Weight |
-- |
|
HP/Liter |
90.6
hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
3.8
seconds |
Top Speed |
over
186 mph |
(from Daimler Press
Release) The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3: Thoroughbred motor
sports technology for the racetrack
Automotive fascination
combined with spectacular racing car design – the new Mercedes-Benz
SLS AMG GT3. This racing version of the gullwing model was designed
as customer sports car for competing in race series according to the
near-series FIA GT3 rulebook. Outstanding handling dynamics are
ensured by uncompromising lightweight construction and specific
modifications to the suspension, brakes and aerodynamics. This very
special gullwing model will deliver its debut performance on the
racetrack in 2011.
The purist design and
breathtaking contours of this gullwing model are effectively
emphasised by specific modifications to the bodywork. The new
components made mainly from carbon-fibre are an unmistakable
testimony to the outstanding racetrack 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 wings. Particularly
lightweight polycarbonate is used to glaze the side and rear
windows, and this is also available for the windscreen.
The front and rear wings
have been widened to make space for the large racing tyres. With a
width of 1990 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 setup for the type of racetrack
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 racetrack 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 racetrack.
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 as a front-mid engine, 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 sysem, 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 racetrack 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 racetrack performance: the lowered,
lightweight aluminium suspension with double wishbones all-round has
the ideal kinematics. Multiple adjustments allow the best possible
adaptation to the relevant racetrack 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 sopisticated 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 calipers at the front and
four-piston fixed calipers 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 pitstops 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, his
safety assured by a six-point seat belt and the HANS system (Head
and Neck Support), which fixes his helmet in a defined position
during an accident to minimise the risk of injury. Additional safety
is provided by the steel rollover 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 spring 2011
The new 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 Nürburgring. Interested customers are able to order the GT3 from
autumn 2010, and delivery will take place in time for the start of
the 2011 racing season. Homologation will be completed in March
2011.
