Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 Enters Dubai 24 Hours

What better way to put some facts behind the fancy words and titles used to describe the most exciting Mercedes-Benz model released this year, than to enter one version of it in one of the most demanding races of the season?

Three Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 vehicles have been entered in the 24-hour race in Dubai, which will take place on January 15, 2011, to prove that the model is more than the Playboy car of the year.

The cars, fielded by Black Falcon (two of them, the number 7 and the number 8) and Heico Motorsport (the number 9), will take their place on the grid just before the commencing of deliveries in February next year, after the FIA gives the green light.

The SLS AMG GT3 is powered by pretty much the same engine as the one used in the production version of the model, an AMG 6.3l V8. The difference is that for the GT3 version, the power is sent to the wheels via a six-speed racing transmission with sequential gear-changes.

The model is fully equipped for racing purposes, with the interior being fitted with a racing driver bucket seat with a six-point seat belt and the HANS system (Head and Neck Support). Additional safety is provided by the steel rollover cage, which also serves to reinforce the aluminum spaceframe.

Production of the model is already underway, with Mercedes-Benz expecting to begin deliveries, as said, in February. You will have to be a certified racing team and have at least EUR397,460 ($523,574) to be able to buy one though.