The vehicle concept of the SLS AMG is predestined for top-class racetrack performance, with a long wheelbase, a low center 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 lowered, lightweight aluminum 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 stabilizers at the front and rear axles can be adjusted.
The rack-and-pinion steering system with speed-sensitive servo assistance is basically 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 distances, 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 aluminum bowl via stainless steel connections in a radially and axially floating arrangement. This sophisticated technology allows perfect heat conduction, and therefore reliable fade-resistance. The SLS AMG GT3 also features 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 logo allow generous brake lining surfaces. An anti-lock braking system with a special racing configuration is standard. For space reasons, the AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system optionally available for the standard model is not compatible with the 18-inch wheels prescribed by the FIA rulebook.
The size 12 x 18-inch (front) and 13 x 18-inch (rear) AMG light-alloy wheels with central locking are shod with racing tires in size 287 x 682 mm (front) and 315 x 708 mm (rear). Depending on the conditions, untreaded slicks, intermediates or rain tires are used. The classic multi-spoke design assists ventilation of the braking system. Rapid pitstops and wheel-changes are assured by the pneumatic jacking system integrated into the underbody: four pneumatic jacks lift the GT3 racing car by around 190 millimeters 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 minimize the risk of injury. Additional safety is provided by the steel rollover cage, which also serves to reinforce the aluminum space-frame.
A racing steering wheel with a diameter of 330 millimeters 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 parameters 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 center 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 galvanized in "Silver Shadow" have adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of an air-craft'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 includes the popular 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) or the Nürburgring. Interested customers are able to order the GT3 from autumn 2010, and delivery will take place in time for the start of the 2011 rac-ing season. Homologation will be completed in March 2011.
