If you’ve been lusting after the new Mercedes SLS AMG Gulllwing but wish it had the raw brazen performance of a fighter jet, you may very well get your wish.
The clean design and breathtaking form of the SLS AMG have been effectively accentuated by targeted modifications to the bodyshell. The new components, made largely from lightweight carbon fiber offer a clear indication of extraordinary race track performance and extensive aerodynamic development work.
From the front, the GT3 race car boasts a new front skirt with enlarged air intakes. The wide opening beneath the characteristic radiator grille bearing the large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped horizontal fins supplies air to the engine oil cooler and brake discs. The same function is served by the two intakes below the vertical bi-xenon headlamps. Downforce on the front axle is provided courtesy of four externally mounted side flics, as well as a carbon front splitter; it runs directly into the smooth underbody panel, which connects to the rear diffuser.
The hood features a central opening for the extraction of heat from the engine, while side openings in the front fenders facilitate air flow through the wheel arches. Weight optimization measures include the application of extremely lightweight polycarbonate for the side and rear windows and, if desired, for the front windshield as well.
The fenders have been widened front and rear to accommodate the large racing tires. With a breadth of 78.3 inches, the GT3 bodyshell is a good 2 inches wider than the series production SLS AMG. The new sills feature openings for cooling the rear brakes, with the smooth underbody visible along the underside of the sills. The B-pillar houses the standardized fuel tank adapter for the rapid refueling system. The 31.7 gallon fuel tank is located centrally behind the driver.
Wide rear carbon spoiler
The rear view of the SLS AMG GT3 is dominated by its imposing width. Above the rear hatch sits a wide carbon fiber spoiler; it is extensively adjustable and facilitates perfect setup to suit individual race track characteristics. The new rear skirt accommodates two openings for extracting air from the rear wheel arches. A further visual highlight is the rear carbon fiber diffuser; it rises smoothly from the rear axle area as a continuation of the smooth underbody, its form adding to the downforce. The overall aerodynamic concept of the SLS AMG GT3 was analyzed and defined through extensive wind tunnel and race track testing.
The black exhaust end pipes deliver a fascinating and, at the same time, characteristic AMG eight-cylinder sound. The regulation rain lamp is integrated into the rear hatch – it must be switched on by the driver in poor weather conditions.
Close to series production AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine
As defined in the FIA GT3 regulations, the AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine is virtually identical to that of the series production vehicle. Thanks to its low weight, the acceleration figures for the GT3 – 3.7 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 60 mph – are considerably below the already excellent figures for the series production vehicle. Depending on gear ratio, the top speed is more than 186 mph.
The AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine uses dry sump lubrication in the racing vehicle, too. The application of a suction and pressure pump, as well as an external oil tank means that the conventional oil sump can be omitted. This technology ensures reliable lubrication of the engine under high lateral acceleration, of the kind usually experienced on the race track.
Dry sump lubrication also facilitates a low mounting position for the V8 power unit – one of the key technological highlights of the SLS AMG. The solution – installing the eight-cylinder as low as possible and as a front mid engine behind the front axle, combined with a transaxle transmission layout – results in excellent weight distribution.
Six-speed racing transmission with sequential shift
In contrast to the series production vehicle, the SLS AMG GT3 is equipped with a six-speed racing transmission with sequential shift. Thanks to its compact construction, the race-tested transmission offers considerable packaging benefits – ultimately, the GT3 version has less ground clearance than the series production vehicle. The driver shifts gear 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 torque tube, which has a very high degree of flexural and torsional stiffness. This delivers considerable benefits when it comes to dynamics, as this sophisticated solution enables the entire driveline to be laid out with significantly less play. Alongside the traction control, a multi-plate locking differential integrated into the transmission delivers outstanding acceleration characteristics. Inside the torque tube, a drive shaft rotates at engine speed. As in the series production model, and in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM touring car, the shaft is made from carbon fiber.
With its long wheelbase, low center of gravity and wide track, the SLS AMG vehicle concept was predestined for the race track – its strengths include precise turn-in characteristics, first-class agility, low inertia under sudden changes of direction and a high cornering limit.
It required only minimal modification for perfect race track performance. The lightweight aluminum chassis with double wishbone suspension at all four corners has modified kinematics to take into account the lower vehicle height. The array of adjustability options facilitates optimal modification to suit individual race track characteristics and varying weather conditions. As well as the ability to vary the spring and damper setup, there is also the freedom to adjust track and camber, vehicle height and the stabilizers on the front and rear axles.
Like the series production SLS AMG, the GT3 version is also equipped with rack and pinion steering with speed-dependent power assistance. The more direct input ratio facilitates even greater handling agility on the race track.
The new SLS AMG GT3 has been developed in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations and is entitled to participate in all GT3 race series – including the popular 24-hour races in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, and on the Nürburgring in Germany. Interested customers can order the vehicle starting in autumn 2010, with delivery scheduled prior to the start of the 2011 racing season. Homologation will be completed in March 2011.
