Wednesday 6th June 2012

SLS AMG GT revealed

20hp more and a whole lotta quilted leather for new SLS GT

---

Judging by our previous experiences with the mighty Mercedes SLS AMG, the one thing it doesn't need is more power. And yet that's exactly what Mercedes has done to create the new SLS AMG GT.

Also available in Roadster form

Headlines include a 20hp upgrade to 591hp, revised Ride Control suspension and tweaks to the dual-clutch DCT-7 gearbox, the new trim available on both coupe and roadster SLS variants.

That extra power comes from (and we quote the Mercedes press release directly here...) "in-engine dethrottling measures in conjunction with an increase in peak pressure." Nor us. There's no additional torque but it's enough to shave a tenth off the 0-62mph time - now 3.7 seconds - and raise the top speed a couple of mph to 199mph. AMG has also sharpened throttle responses, increased the speed of gearchanges and tweaked the traction control systems.

Visually, the SLS AMG GT gets darkened headlamps and tail lights, red brake calipers and a GT badge on the bootlid, which, on paper, makes it sound a vinyl roof away from being a 70s special edition Cortina! The quilted leather is definitely a bit kitsch too.

Red stitching an essential performance upgrade

If you fancy the GT version of the SLS AMG, it'll cost (in Germany, at least) 204,680 euros in coupe form and 213,010 euros without a roof. But we assume that UK prices will be a little higher, as that would make it cheaper than the standard SLS in its current form...

[The Obeast]

love the car. hate the wheels

[The Obeast]

mrclav said:

The Obeast said:

love the car. hate the wheels

There are other choices.

thats good then, unfortunately these particualr ones remind me of some hideous thing fitted to a corsa I once had the misfortune of having to drive at work.

Me personally I think some BBS LM type wheels would look good on this.

[The Obeast]

wtdoom said:

Johnboy Mac said:

Unhappy with it?

was very happy with it .
My biggest problem was I got carried away with the colour ( bought that bloody alubeam ) and it ended up looking bronze in certain lights so when I had a chance to get out of it I did .
If I had just got a black one Id still have it .
Its a beautifully built , surprisingly great to drive , big hearted , super car that looks different from the mid engined norm and is great for regular use .
With switchable damping and a more responsive gearbox and throttle I think it will be borderline perfect .

Edited by wtdoom on Wednesday 6th June 13:03

I have no idea what that colour is, care to share a pic? (ok more of a Would love to see a pic of your sls in that colour!! )

[The Obeast]

wtdoom said:

The Obeast said:

I have no idea what that colour is, care to share a pic? (ok more of a Would love to see a pic of your sls in that colour!! )

Heres a picture taken at Porsche at Stuttgart ( they were not amused ) , it looks silver and lovely there but mostly looked bronze .

Looks awesome in that photo, as ive said not keen on the wheels, but I love the fact it looks like the sort of car that would punch you in the nose and steal your lunch money!!

[The Obeast]

mrclav said:

The Obeast said:

thats good then, unfortunately these particualr ones remind me of some hideous thing fitted to a corsa I once had the misfortune of having to drive at work.

Me personally I think some BBS LM type wheels would look good on this.

I don't like those particular wheels either.

These are the best wheels of the three Mercedes offer I think.

Edited by mrclav on Wednesday 6th June 22:53

I prefer those wheels to the squashed Chernobyl spiders on the original car