Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Becomes New F1 Safety Car. Gallery!

The 2010 season of Formula One racing will see a new safety car in the series, as the “gullwing” Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will replace the SL 63 AMG, formerly used by the championship in back-to-back seasons (2008 and 2009). In addition to that news, it was also confirmed that the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate will continue to be the series' official medical car for the 2010 season.

“Together with the entire AMG Team, I am very proud that the new SLS AMG is the official F1 safety car. I'm sure all Mercedes and AMG fans will be excited to see the gullwing model together with the new Mercedes GP Petronas Team at the F1 circuits," said Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

As in the previous years, the Formula One safety car will be driven by 38-year old German Bernd Mayländer – former DTM driver – who will himself be co-driven by FIA's Pete Tibbetts.

According to an official press release from Daimler AG, the new F1 safety car will benefit from the same engine, power transmission, suspension and brake system as the standard-production SLS AMG. That means it will be powered by the 6.3-litre AMG V8 naturally aspirated engine producing 420 kW (571 hp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm, and recording a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.

It will also feature the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with double-clutch technology and AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system, aimed at minimizing the brake distances.

As for the C 63 AMG Estate, the car will be driven by South African race driver Alan van de Merwe, joined by the official FIA Grand Prix Chief Medical Officer Dr Gary Hartstein.