The New Gullwing: Mercedes Debuts 2013 SLS AMG GT

Content provided by BenzInsider.com

If the driving dynamics of the SLS AMG weren’t dynamic enough for you, then you’ll love the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT. Those two letters mark the arrival a new flagship for Mercedes. This isn’t a trim level for the SLS AMG, mind you. This is the car that’s replacing the SLS AMG. Those letter tacked on at the end of the name aren’t just for show either–improved driving dynamics and enhanced performance on the track are what the new SLS is all about.

The SLS AMG GT still packs Mercedes ubiquitous 6.3-liter V8 AMG engine, and churns out a maximum of 591 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, with max torque pegged at 650 Nm (around 480 lb.-ft.). The car has a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, and it takes a mere 11.2 seconds for the car to reach its top speed of 197 mph. That’s not a huge improvement over the outgoing model, but hey, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Besides, the bulk of the changes in the GT revolve around driveability, not burnout potential.

Some of those changes are in the drivetrain though. Increased compression means the big V8 is more responsive and the gearbox has been re-tuned to be faster and more visceral. Best of all, they’ve remapped the motor for more power… and more noise. Which is great news, because Mercedes builds the most brutal sounding V8 in existence.

That’s to say nothing of the new customizable AMG active suspension. While you can set it to handle specific types of terrain, it also has the ability to adapt to the road on the fly. That means no fiddling with the electronics when moving from the back-roads to the street. 

“The new SLS AMG GT demonstrates the sort of potential which lies in AMG’s super sports cars,” said Mercedes-AMG board member and Head of Overall Vehicle Development Tobias Moers. 

“With its even higher levels of performance, the SLS AMG GT excites out on the race track in particular by providing an emotionally enjoyable and passionate driving experience.”

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