AMG has been wholly owned by Mercedes since 2005, but the real romance between the two brands began 45 years ago. The adventure culminated in the creation of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in 2009 . That was only the beginning of the rest of the story.
The SLS AMG was the first car entirely designed by AMG, as opposed to “tuning” an existing Mercedes. When AMG built this car, they knew that the sky was the limit as far as versions, power numbers and racing was concerned.
Enter the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT, the first street-legal baby step in exploring the seemingly unlimited potential of this car.
The first element that makes this SLS a GT is its engine. The 6.2L (6,208 cc) V8 now develops 591 hp, up from 563. Torque remains identical at 479 lb-ft. The 0-100 km/h drops one-tenth of a second to 3.7 seconds. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed transmission, mounted on the rear axle, is unchanged physically.
What has been improved upon are the car’s electronic controls. Throttle is now even more responsive as are transmission shift reaction times. When in "M" manual mode, the DCT’s newly developed gear change functions and optimized transmission controls have made it possible to reduce upshift and downshift times. As well, each downshift comes with even more aural feedback.
The most important and novel feature of the new SLS AMG GT is its AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension. This adjustable sport suspension forgoes the Comfort mode available in the regular SLS for a Sport Plus setting that is specifically designed for smooth tracks.
The suspension itself revolves around twin aluminum wishbones at every corner, electronically controlled dampers and stiffer springs. From Normal, Sport caters to those that love to push their SLS AMGs hard on country roads. This setting provides increased suspension travel for less-than-perfect roads, thus limiting pitch and roll, but all the while maintaining ideal controlled contact with the surface.
As one would expect, only the best is offered when it comes to crafting the SLS GT’s interior. New top-end AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather is an option but all cars are swathed in the finest hides and high-quality woods.
What physically distinguishes the GT from the basic car are smoked headlights and taillights. Other stunning details include AMG forged, matte black 10-spoke wheels (19” front, 20” rear) which partially hide red brake callipers. Also, the hood, fenders and front grille fins along with side-view mirrors all have a glossy finish. The all-important AMG logo now features “GT” letters.
The 2013 Mercedes SLS AMG GT will launch in October of 2012. Canadian pricing has not yet been set; however, expect the base Coupe GT to retail for 10 to 15% more than the regular $206,900 Coupe.
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The SLS AMG was the first car entirely designed by AMG, as opposed to “tuning” an existing Mercedes. When AMG built this car, they knew that the sky was the limit as far as versions, power numbers and racing was concerned.
Enter the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT, the first street-legal baby step in exploring the seemingly unlimited potential of this car.
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| The SLS AMG was the first car entirely designed by AMG, as opposed to “tuning” an existing Mercedes. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
The first element that makes this SLS a GT is its engine. The 6.2L (6,208 cc) V8 now develops 591 hp, up from 563. Torque remains identical at 479 lb-ft. The 0-100 km/h drops one-tenth of a second to 3.7 seconds. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed transmission, mounted on the rear axle, is unchanged physically.
What has been improved upon are the car’s electronic controls. Throttle is now even more responsive as are transmission shift reaction times. When in "M" manual mode, the DCT’s newly developed gear change functions and optimized transmission controls have made it possible to reduce upshift and downshift times. As well, each downshift comes with even more aural feedback.
The most important and novel feature of the new SLS AMG GT is its AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension. This adjustable sport suspension forgoes the Comfort mode available in the regular SLS for a Sport Plus setting that is specifically designed for smooth tracks.
The suspension itself revolves around twin aluminum wishbones at every corner, electronically controlled dampers and stiffer springs. From Normal, Sport caters to those that love to push their SLS AMGs hard on country roads. This setting provides increased suspension travel for less-than-perfect roads, thus limiting pitch and roll, but all the while maintaining ideal controlled contact with the surface.
As one would expect, only the best is offered when it comes to crafting the SLS GT’s interior. New top-end AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather is an option but all cars are swathed in the finest hides and high-quality woods.
| |
| As one would expect, only the best is offered when it comes to crafting the SLS GT’s interior. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
What physically distinguishes the GT from the basic car are smoked headlights and taillights. Other stunning details include AMG forged, matte black 10-spoke wheels (19” front, 20” rear) which partially hide red brake callipers. Also, the hood, fenders and front grille fins along with side-view mirrors all have a glossy finish. The all-important AMG logo now features “GT” letters.
The 2013 Mercedes SLS AMG GT will launch in October of 2012. Canadian pricing has not yet been set; however, expect the base Coupe GT to retail for 10 to 15% more than the regular $206,900 Coupe.