Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3
I have never been particularly fond of Mercedes-Benz.
You see, I’m too young to appreciate the comfort, safety and fastidious engineering for which products of the marque are renowned. As far as I’m concerned, that’s boring stuff – exactly the criterion an ageing pragmatist would have boldly underlined on his list of what to look out for in a new set of wheels.
My friends lament my anti-Merc stance, reciprocating the dislike I show for their beloved three-pointed star with snotty remarks about my favourite German car manufacturer, BMW – frequently saying that the acronym really stands for “Bring Mechanic With”, among other surprising speculations.
Although, after drooling over snapshots of the SLS AMG GT3, I’m forced to concede that Merc are capable of producing something desirable to those of us who are many years away from being eligible to receive a pension.
The GT3 is a racetrack-adapted version of the SLS AMG, aimed at generously-funded teams and wealthy privateers who really seek to cause a stir amidst competitors and spectators at FIA GT3 European Championship races.
To aid aerodynamics, a host of revisions were made to the exterior of the GT3. But those easily identifiable SLS traits are still there – the long hood, pert rear and large grille housing the Mercedes-Benz roundel. Its body is abound with little ducts and vents, which, combined with the rear diffuser and adjustable spoiler give the car a low drag coefficient.
Any observer of motorsport racing will know that every second counts – time can’t be squandered in lengthy re-fuelling and tyre-changing pit stops. The boffins at Mercedes have accommodated the need for speed in such situations, integrating an airjack system in the underbody allowing for brisk wheel changes.
As with any Merc, safety is paramount. A steel roll-cage has been employed in the SLS, as well as a foam-padded seat incorporating the HANS (Head and Neck Support) system, securing the driver in case of those inadvertent bumps and knocks that often take place between drivers comandeering their high-performance machines on the narrow, sinuous tracks. And there’s no going out in a ring of fire should things turn horrible behind the wheel of the SLS – the integrated fire extingusher system is activated by the mere flick of a switch, placed alongside the traction control and Start button on the centre console.
The SLS AMG GT3 is currently being subjected to a rigorous workout on the circuits like the Lausitz Eurospeedway, Sachsenring and the hallowed Nürburgring Nordschleife. The track-storming Mercedes will be delivered to owners timeous with the beginning of the motorsport season in February 2011. A list price of €397,460 guarantees exclusivity.
Brenwin Naidu
Photo Credit: Quickpic