The engineers at Affalterbach just cannot stop. The quest for higher and higher standards of automotive excellence has now resulted in a faster, more throaty SLS AMG GT, to be available as a coupe and a roadster. Needless to say, both variants look stunning.
As you would expect in a ‘GT’ variant, the engine has been worked upon, with maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine now 591 hp, 20 more than the previous variant, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The SLS AMG GT Gullwing will accelerate to 100 in 3.7 seconds, 0.1 faster than before.
Mercedes-AMG says the increased output has been achieved “through in-engine dethrottling measures in conjunction with an increase in peak pressure”. When the throttle flap isn’t completely open, it restricts the flow of air in the intake system resulting in resistance and these losses are termed as throttle losses. Dethrottling involves a number of measures to ensure the throttle losses are minimum. These measures working together with the increase in peak pressure has resulted in increased output with minimal loss in fuel efficiency.
Mercedes AMG also says that with new gear change functions and optimised transmission control, the gear changes have become faster. The automatic double-declutching function when shifting down is also more pronounced in the SLS AMG GT. Mercedes AMG also claims that due to an increase in engine torque, in manual mode the shifting is faster, and sounds fantastic too.
Also now available for all SLS AMG models is a new, highly exclusive optional extra in the form of AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather. This high-quality extra is available in single or two-tone finishes and comprises distinctive upholstery with a diamond design with contrasting stitching. The lavishly finished diamond design features not only on the AMG sports seats, but also on the door centre panels.
There have been slight changes to the interior otherwise too, including the red 12 o’clock marking on the upper part of the steering wheel.
Now with the introduction of the SLS AMG GT, the number of SLS AMG models is five. The original SLS AMG Coupe, Roadster, the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports racing car, and new SLS AMG GT Roadster and Coupe will be accompanied by the sixth model, expected to follow in 2013 in the form of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL: Mercedes-AMG is planning an exclusive series-production run of the purely electric-driven super sports car.
While autoblog reports that the GT will replace existing SLS AMG variants in the US, Mercedes AMG has said in its press release that the two GT variants will increase the count in the SLS AMG stables to five. We will get back with updates once we have more information from Mercedes AMG on its plan for India.