Vehicle Overview
The Mercedes representative in the supercar market is the SLS AMG GT. This two-person supercar has standout features that include gull-wing doors and a 563-horsepower, 6.3-liter V-8 engine. Competitors include the Bentley Continental GT and Lamborghini Gallardo. It is available as a coupe or convertible (roadster).
New for 2013
Available as either a roadster or gull-wing coupe, the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG adds the GT to the end of the model name for 2013, as it becomes an even faster and more powerful supercar. The engine has been retuned to produce 583 horsepower (compared to last year’s 563), while the seven-speed automatic transmission has been recalibrated for quicker shifts. The 479 pounds-feet of torque remains unchanged.
The new SLS AMG GT features unique GT badging, smoked headlamps and taillights, red brake calipers, various red-colored interior pieces such as the seat belts, and a high-gloss black finishing for the front grille, side mirrors and hood/fender vents.
Exterior
Mercedes says the design of the SLS AMG GT is meant to reinterpret the 300 SL, an iconic car most people recognize for its gull-wing doors. It’s a design that features a long hood — nearly 6 feet long — and a short rear deck. The SLS AMG GT roadster’s top opens and closes in 11 seconds at speeds up to 30mph. Exterior features include:
- Gull-wing doors on coupe, traditional doors on roadster
- Black-colored hood/fender vents, front grille trim and side mirrors
- 19-inch front wheels, 20-inch rear wheels in either black or silver
- Body and chassis made of aluminum
- Power-folding soft-top
- Retractable rear spoiler
Interior
The interior is supposed to evoke the feel of an aircraft cockpit, and the numerous buttons on the center console certainly help with that. There is also a lot of metal and long, angular planes to carry over the aircraft theme. New for this year are red seat belts, red contrast stitching and Alcantara simulated suede upholstery. Interior features include:
- Seat backrests made of magnesium, which is lightweight and strong
- Airscarf system for roadster
- Optional leather and Alcantara AMG performance steering wheel
- Available 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Available carbon fiber or piano-black lacquer trim
- Available AMG Performance Media with real-time vehicle performance monitoring
Under the Hood
Mechanical features include:
- Standard 6.3-liter V-8 that produces 583 hp and 479 pounds-feet of torque
- Dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
- Expected to go from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds
- The coupe’s weight is distributed in a 47/53 front-to-rear ratio
- Available carbon fiber engine compartment cover
- Available AMG performance or adaptive suspension
Safety
Safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Available carbon ceramic high-performance brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Side-impact airbags integrated into the seats
- Side curtain airbags that deploy from the side doors
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