A Look at the New 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe

Mercedes

If you are a fan of the Mercedes-Benz, we shouldn’t have to remind you how quick and sporty the SLS AMG is. But when you compare the SLS AMG to the SLS AMG GT, the SLS AMG looks like a snail! This new GT model was Mercedes way of making the SLS coupe and convertible more prepared for the racetrack. But how much more prepared do they need to be? The regular grade SLS offered a 6.2 V8 engine with 563 horsepower. When tested, the vehicle could reach 60 miles per hour in as little as 3.5 seconds. The newer version takes it up a notch, with a total of 583 horsepower! How can you tell if the Mercedes is rocking these extra 20 hp? Slight distinctions such as the matte-black trimmed wheels and the GT lettering on the decklid logo distinguish the SLS AMG from the SLS AMG GT.

The sad news is that the 6.2 liter engine is not expected to be around much longer. As of today, the SLS and the C63 are the only remaining models with this powerful of an engine. All of the other AMG vehicles have been forced to switch to a 5.5 liter V8 engine as a way to pass all emissions regulations and reduce fuel consumption. Of course, this is a huge upset to many as the power behind the 6.2 engine was unlike anything most of us have ever seen before.

But before we stray too far off topic, let’s get back to our discussion about the SLS GT. The top speed of the SLS GT is 197 miles per hour and the vehicle can still reach 0 to 60 mph in a very impressive time frame. Of course, because of speed limit restrictions in most areas, this information is hardly relevant – but still great to know! One place that these statistics do matter, however, is in Germany where the GT was raced around the Hockenheim track.

When raced, there were a few distinctions that set the SLS GT apart from the regular SLS model. Many of these differences were found in the transmission and suspension. In relation to the suspension, this vehicle adopted the Adaptive Performance Suspension, leaving it feeling a bit stiffer than the previous suspension. In addition, the 7 speed dual clutch gearbox has been changed from Normal mode to the Sport Plus mode, making the gear changes super easy and quick.

Inside the vehicle, you can choose standard appointments in 8 different colors. Alternatively, you can check out the GT Interior package that incorporates black and red accents for a sexy interior design. Of course, you always have the option of adding extras to your vehicle including onboard telemetry ($2500), carbon-fiber engine dressing ($5400), carbon-ceramic brakes ($12 500), and a thousand watt sound system ($6400).

And the price of the vehicle itself? While the exact cost has not yet been released, it is suspected that the price of the SLS GT will jump about $10 000 from that of the SLS, bumping the price tag to about $200 000.

Please Read More at: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt-first-drive-review

Photo Source: https://www.caranddriver.com

See our post about 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review in Riverside, CA.