Photo: mercedes
Mercedes-Benz today announced that the SLS AMG, in both coupe and roadster incarnations is being put to sleep. The vehicle will be replaced by a GT version, which will hit the US market in mid-November 2012.
So, what does the new SLS AMG GT have to offer? Well, we think we know what Mercedes did here: following what has recently became a trend in the auto industry, the carmaker has integrated a set of changers that used to be offered by tuners.
Thus, the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 now offers 583 hp instead of 563, with the maximum torque of 479 lb-ft staying the same, just like the sevens-peed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox. The supercar now hits 60 mph (96 km/h) 0.1 seconds quicker (in 3.6 seconds), but the 197 mph (317 km/h) electronically-limited top speed is unchanged.
The connection to the road has also been revamped, as the 2013 SLS AMG GT uses stiffer springs and dampers, riding on new 19-inch alloy rims with 265/35 tires up front, while power is delivered via 20-inch wheels with 295/30 tires.
The cabin has also received attention, with Mercedes-Benz introducing a new Designo style package that allows customers to choose between three color mixes. This brings quilted leather with contrasting stitching in single and two-tone finishes, for the doors and the seats. The list of optional features includes goodies such as ceramic brakes and carbon fiber parts for both the exterior and the interior, as well as a Bang & Olufsen sound systems.
With the exception of the stiffer suspension, which might not be a good idea in the pothole populated real world, it all sounds excellent.
PS: as a coincidence (or maybe not) McLaren also recently upgraded its MP4-12C in a pretty similar way.
Thus, the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 now offers 583 hp instead of 563, with the maximum torque of 479 lb-ft staying the same, just like the sevens-peed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox. The supercar now hits 60 mph (96 km/h) 0.1 seconds quicker (in 3.6 seconds), but the 197 mph (317 km/h) electronically-limited top speed is unchanged.
The connection to the road has also been revamped, as the 2013 SLS AMG GT uses stiffer springs and dampers, riding on new 19-inch alloy rims with 265/35 tires up front, while power is delivered via 20-inch wheels with 295/30 tires.
The cabin has also received attention, with Mercedes-Benz introducing a new Designo style package that allows customers to choose between three color mixes. This brings quilted leather with contrasting stitching in single and two-tone finishes, for the doors and the seats. The list of optional features includes goodies such as ceramic brakes and carbon fiber parts for both the exterior and the interior, as well as a Bang & Olufsen sound systems.
With the exception of the stiffer suspension, which might not be a good idea in the pothole populated real world, it all sounds excellent.
PS: as a coincidence (or maybe not) McLaren also recently upgraded its MP4-12C in a pretty similar way.
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