The 45th anniversary Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 is a V8 monster developed as a customer sports car and worth a staggering R5.1-million.
The auto giant is once again flaunting its prowess and expertise with the development of high-performance vehicles. The new Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 is a customer sports car released in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Mercedes-AMG brand.
Aimed exclusively at collectors who can afford first-class vehicles, the SLS AMG GT3 is a hand-built gem that will only be produced in a very limited capacity. So limited, in fact, that only five of the vehicles will be assembled at the Mercedes-AMG headquarters in Affalterbach near Stuttgart in Germany. Adding more credibility to the racer’s collectability is the fact that AMG brand ambassador and German Touring Car champ Bernd Schneider is helping the responsible AMG-fitter to fit each car’s 6.3-litre V8 engine. Each engine will bear both signatures. Schneider also carried out most of the testing for the AMG GT3.
The body of the AMG GT3 features the new graphite matte paint finish - previously exclusive to the 45th anniversary SL 65 AMG - as well as a “45 years of Driving Performance” logo framed in silver on the gullwing doors. The lightweight GT3 makes much use of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) with the doors, bonnet, mudguards, boot lid, front and rear apron, front splitter and rear diffuser all constructed from the substance.
Inside the AMG GT3 a functional, high-quality racing car atmosphere dominates, with the steel roll-over cage finished in the same graphite matte as the exterior. The dashboard and centre console sport a matte carbon fibre veneer. A unique badge with a “1 0f 5” logo refers to the limited production of the car and is placed on the seats as well as on the centre console. The six-point harness seatbelts and silver details on the steering wheel create effective and sporty contrasts in the car’s interior.
The suspension on the AMG GT3 has only been slightly tweaked to give the lowered, lightweight aluminium suspension with double wishbones the most efficient performance possible. Spring and damper setup, as well as track width, suspension height and stabilizers at both the front and rear axles can be easily adjusted to suit driving and performance conditions. In contrast to the standard model, the power from the naturally-aspirated V8 engine is transferred by a six-speed racing transmission with sequential gear-changes. The driver shifts gears by means of the two paddle-shifts located on the steering wheel.
The lucky few who are able to get their hands on the 45th anniversary SLS AMG GT3 will be given their keys at the Mercedes-AMG headquarters in Affalterbach at a special handover. Buyers will also be treated to a tour of the factory and detailed introduction to their vehicles by Bernd Schneider. They will also be able to request a race-track coaching session in order to learn how to handle their new baby.
At €446 250, the limited edition 45th anniversary SLS AMG GT3 will set buyers back the equivalent of about R5.1-million. Here’s to hoping we’ll be able to spot one on South African roads in the future!
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Image sourced from Mercedes Benz.