2011 Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Race Car Montage

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3: Thoroughbred racing technology, spectacular racecar design Automotive fascination combined with spectacular racing car design — the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. This racing version of the gullwing model was designed as a customer sports car for competing in race series according to the near-series FIA GT3 rulebook. Outstanding driving dynamics are ensured by uncompromising lightweight construction and specific modifications to the suspension, brakes and aerodynamics.
The purist design of the SLS AMG, with its long bonnet, flat greenhouse positioned well to the rear and short rear end, is enhanced even further by the GT3 variant. The modifications to the body give the gullwing an even more spectacular appearance. The aim is a further improvement in aerodynamic performance.
At the front the GT3 racing car has a new front apron with larger air intakes: the wide aperture below the characteristic radiator grille with a large Mercedes star and a wing-shaped transverse fin supplies the engine oil cooler and brake discs with cooling air. The two air intakes below the vertically arranged bi-xenon headlamps have the same function. Downforce at the front axle is provided by four externally mounted “flics” and the carbon-fibre front splitter: this blends into the smooth underbody cladding which ends with the rear diffuser.
The bonnet has a central aperture to dissipate the engine heat. The hot air is vented in the wheel arches from side vents in the front wings. Particularly lightweight polycarbonate glazing is used all-round.
The front and rear wheel arches are flared to make space for the large racing tyres. With a width of 1990 millimetres, the body of the GT3 is a good 50 millimetres wider than that of the standard SLS AMG. The new side skirts have apertures for cooling the rear brakes. The smooth underbody is visible at the lower edges of the side skirts. The standardised filler pipe for the fast-refuel system is accommodated in the B-pillar. The 120-litre fuel tank is centrally located behind the driver.
Wide rear apron of carbon-fibre
Viewed from the rear, the SLS AMG GT3 impresses with its sheer width. The boot lid is surmounted by a wide carbon-fibre rear aerofoil, which has multiple adjustments and allows a perfect setup for the type of racetrack concerned. The new rear apron features two apertures designed to vent the rear wheel arches. The carbon-fibre rear diffuser is another eye-catching feature: as an extension to the smooth underbody, it gradually rises in the rear axle area and generates a downforce thanks to its shape. The overall aerodynamic concept of the SLS AMG GT3 was refined and finalised in extensive wind tunnel and racetrack tests. All the resulting measures ensure a high level of aerodynamic efficiency, and also guarantee effective cooling of thermally highly stressed components.
The rain light prescribed by the rulebook is integrated into the boot lid — it must remain permanently switched on if the weather conditions are poor.
Near-series AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine
As prescribed by the FIA GT3 rules, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is practically identical to that in the standard model. Thanks to its lower weight, the GT3 will considerably better the already outstanding acceleration of the standard model — 3.8 seconds from zero to 100 km/h; depending on the final drive ratio, the top speed will exceed 300 km/h. Typical of an AMG: the thrilling and characteristic eight-cylinder sound.
The peak output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine with dry-sump lubrication is determined by the FIA according to the “Balance of Performance”. This is to ensure equal chances for all the participating racing cars. Classification, which also determines the kerb weight of the vehicle and other factors, will take place in spring 2011.
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine also has a dry sump lubrication system in the racing model. Using vacuum and pressure pumps, as well as an external oil tank, makes it possible to dispense with a conventional sump. This technology ensures reliable engine lubrication even under the high lateral acceleration forces encountered on the racetrack. Dry sump lubrication also allows a low installed position for the V8 engine — one of the key technological highlights of the SLS AMG. Installing the eight-cylinder as low as possible, as a front-mid-engine behind the front axle, and combining it with a transmission located at the rear axle, leads to a favourable weight distribution. The transaxle arrangement also optimises handling and traction.

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