Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 to race

It has unleashed a track-ready version called the AMG GT3.

The sleek racecar will compete in next year's European GT3 series. Using the same 6.3-litre V8 as the SLS, the light-weight racer will be significantly quicker. With an engine tuned for more than 450kW, the AMG GT3 is tipped to have a top speed of more than 330km/h.

The head of Mercedes-AMG, Volker Mornhinweg, says the SLS AMG provided an outstanding starting point for the racecar. "It is our response to strong customer demand for a car designed for the GT3 motorsports series," he says.

Inside, the donor car's luxurious cabin has been stripped bare to save weight and exterior changes focus on improved aerodynamics. There is a new front apron with a splitter, a bonnet with a central cooling air vent and the wider front and rear wings. The modifications continue with side wheel arch air vents, sideskirts with cooling ducts for the rear brakes, a smooth underbody with a rear diffuser and adjustable rear aerofoil.

The C-pillars accommodate the standardised filler pipes for the fast-refuel system. The powerful V8 is linked to a six-speed racing gearbox with steering wheel mounted paddles and a locking differential. Like the standard SLS AMG, the transmission is located at the rear axle. Both the engine and transmission are connected by a torque tube within which a carbon-fibre shaft rotates at the engine speed, just like the road car.

However, for the track the springs, shock absorbers, suspension height, stabilisers, track width and camber are fully adjustable. The rack-and-pinion steering gets a more direct ratio and speed-sensitive servo assistance design for crisp handling. Inside the cabin is dominated by a steel rollover cage that adds additional reinforcement to the aluminium spaceframe.

There is a racing seat with a six-point seatbelt and HANS neck protecting system. An open-top racing steering wheel with gearshift paddles makes perfect vehicle control possible. Additional controls on the centre console start the car, adjust the traction control or activate the integrated fire extinguisher system in an accident.

Like the power output, Mercedes-Benz has not revealed pricing. However, racing GT3 series BMWs and Porsches cost between $450,000 and $500,000.