2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

(from Mercedes-Benz press release)

The new(2011) Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Automotive fascination combined with spectacular racing car design – the
new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. This racing version of the gullwing mo-
del was designed as customer sports car for competing in race series accord-
ing to the near-series FIA GT3 rulebook. Outstanding handling dynamics are
ensured by uncompromising lightweight construction and specific modifica-
tions to the suspension, brakes and aerodynamics. This very special gull-
wing model will deliver its debut performance on the racetrack in 2011.

The purist design and breathtaking contours of this gullwing model are effec-
tively emphasised by specific modifications to the bodywork. The new compo-
nents made mainly from carbon-fibre are an unmistakable testimony to the out-
standing 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 head-
lamps have the same function. Downforce at the front axle is provided by four ex-
ternally 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 ven-
ted in the wheel arches from side vents in the front wings. 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 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 millime-
tres 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 accom-
modated 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 ad-
justments 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 car-
bon-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 down-
force 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 i-
dentical 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 se-
conds 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 mo-
del. 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 en-
gine via a flexurally and torsionally rigid torque tube. This has decisive advan-
tages 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 perform-
ance, 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 low-
ered, 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 ba-
sically 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 dis-
tances, 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 fea-
tures 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 lo-
go allow generous brake lining surfaces. An anti-lock braking system with a spe-
cial racing configuration is standard. For space reasons, the AMG high-
performance ceramic composite braking system optionally available for the stan-
dard model is not compatible with the 18-inch wheels prescribed by the FIA rule-
book.

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 brak-
ing system. Rapid pitstops and wheel-changes are assured by the pneumatic jack-
ing system integrated into the underbody: four pneumatic jacks lift the GT3 rac-
ing 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 mi-
nimise 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 parame-
ters 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 in-
cludes the popular 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) or the Nürbur-
gring. Interested customers are able to order the GT3 from autumn 2010, and de-
livery will take place in time for the start of the 2011 racing season. Homologation
will be completed in March 2011.