Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS GT3

Now we're talkin'! As interesting a ride as the Mercedes new "Gullwing" is (OK, officially the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS) it sort of strikes me as being more of a GT than an outright sportscar. Look at its all up weight, for one thing. Ah, but making a racing version of it, as Mercedes has done with the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS GT3? Very interesting.

Yes, I know what some of you are saying. The Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS isn't even on the road yet. But pay that detail no mind. Mercedes-Benz is already thinking about racing the SLS AMG. And in this case we have here, Merc has adapted their gull-winged sportscar for the task of running in the FIA's GT3 class. Bitchin'!

The exterior styling re-do seems pretty clear-cut. There's a new splitter up on the nose, mondo-huge spoiler out the tail and a roll cage inside, of course. Mercedes has also modified that long-long hood with a big central exhaust for the radiator and on the front fenders there are sizeable vents behind the front wheel arches that are also used to disperse heat from the engine bay as well as the front brakes.

There are also deeper sills with nifty integrated cooling ducts. They're there to channel air to the rear brakes and the GT3's gearbox, which is hung out the back, transaxle style, just like on the road going SLS AMG.

They've also widened the front and rear fenders to accommodate larger tires (natch) than the new Mercedes-Benz's standard 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) wheels. The all up width of the GT3 now tapes in at 78.3-inches, the race car is nearly two-inches wider than the roadable SLS. And the fuel filler has been moved to the B-pillar in close proximity to the 120-liter tank, which is located behind the driver. And the fuel rig is just the last, way cool cherry on top.

Source: Inside Line