This year's F1 season will mark the debut of the most spectacular and powerful Official F1 Safety Car of all time - the 571hp SLS Gullwing, which will appear on track in almost production-standard trim.
According to AMG, there are no go-faster bits, but the exhaust has been tweaked for the benefit of track-side spectators and TV microphones. The car was revealed yesterday at the Geneva show and, compared to the standard-production SLS, is distinguishable on the outside by its prominent F1 logos, carbon-fibre exterior mirrors and roof light bar with integrated TV camera. It sits on an all-new carbon-fibre hood whose shape has been tested in the wind tunnel to ensure optimum airflow at the rear aerofoil. The aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 120 km/h and, together with the rear diffuser, provides the necessary rear downforce. LEDs are used for all light functions for the first time in the new, aerodynamically styled roof light bar.
The two centrally positioned green lights in the aerodynamically optimised light bar are illuminated when the car joins the field and has to overtake all the racing cars in front of it. Once the vehicle has assumed the leading position, the outer orange flashing lights are switched on to signal to the F1 drivers that no overtaking is allowed. The white stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights perform a general signalling function in that they always flash during the car's deployment.
AMG's E63 Estate will also be on duty as the F1 medical car at races this season.
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