2011 Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Makes Track Debut

The racing version of the gullwing model, the new SLS AMG GT3 has had its racing debut the past weekend, on the four-hour race for the VLN Nurburgring endurance championship. The event formed part of the development and testing program of the SLS AMG GT3, which began in June 2010.

Developed according to the GT3 rules of the FIA, the SLS AMG GT3 was taken to the starting line for the VLN race in prototype class E1-XP.

Getting behind the wheel of the SLS AMG GT3 at its racetrack debut were Bernd Schneider (five DTM titles, one ITC championship and one FIA GT championship) and Thomas Jager (reigning Porsche Carrera Cup champion).

"The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 will start a new era in Mercedes-Benz customer motorsports. This car is an exciting and spectacular sporting tool for committed private teams and talented private drivers. Together with our well-proven sports and touring car partner HWA, AMG will establish a customer motorsports department, and ensure the usual high level of Mercedes service for its motorsports customers," Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Norbert Haug said in a statement.

Powered by an AMG 6.3l V8 engine coupled with a six-speed racing transmission with sequential gear-changes, the SLS AMG GT3 is suitable for all the race series that follow the FIA GT3 regulations, such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT-Masters, the endurance championship held by VLN and the 24-hour races at the Nurburgring or Spa-Francorchamps.

Further racing trials of the SLS AMG GT3 are planned in the final two VLN races to be held on October 16 and 30, 2010. Orders for the SLS AMG GT3 can be placed directly with Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Available only with left-hand drive, pricing starts at EUR334,000, with deliveries to begin in February 2011.