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2011 Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Full Details and Photos

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The German carmaker finally pulled the wraps off the racing version of the gullwing model, the SLS AMG GT3, which has been developed to comply with the GT3 specifications of the FIA. The car is therefore fitted with a AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine almost identical to that in the standard model.

However, unlike in the standard model, power in the SLS AMG GT3 is transferred via a six-speed racing transmission with sequential gear-changes. The driver shifts the gears using two shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission is mounted directly on the rear axle, and connected to the V8 engine via a flexurally and torsionally rigid torque tube.

The car sits on size 12 x 18-inch (front) and 13 x 18-inch (rear) AMG light-alloy wheels with central locking that are shod with racing tyres 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. There is also a pneumatic jacking system integrated into the underbody: four pneumatic jacks lift the GT3 racing car by around 190 millimetres to allow quick wheel-changes by the pit crew.

Inside, the new gullwing racing car boasts a racing driver bucket seat with 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 spaceframe.

There is also a racing steering wheel with a diameter of 330 mm and with an open upper section of the rim. The central display provides information about speed, engine rpm, operating temperatures, lap times and the selected gear. Further controls are mounted on the centre console, for example the start/stop function, the traction control system, reverse gear and, just in case, the integrated fire extinguisher system.

The sports racing car will also be marketed for customer use, the carmaker says, with sales expected to begin in autumn 2010 and deliveries in spring 2011. Homologation for the FIA GT3 class will also be completed in time for the 2011 racing season. Pricing for the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 will be announced at a later date.
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