Mercedes SLS GT3
Mercedes SLS GT3
There is now a racing version of the famous Mercedes SLS: The Mercedes SLS GT3. This new model made its racing debut in September 2010 in a 4-hour race on the famous Nurburgring track, for the VLN Nurburgring endurance championship. This was a big test because the Nurburgring track is acknowledged for being one of the world’s most demading tracks. The main objective of this race was not fast lap times but really to test the durability of all components.
The Mercedes AMG team has been working on the development and testing on this new model since June 2010. The Mercedes SLS GT3 is said to start a new era in Mercedes customer motorsports. This car is considered as an exciting and spectacular sporting tool for private teams and drivers. We couldn’t agree more! Together with their sports and touring partners, the Mercedes AMG team will establish a customer motorsports department, so they can ensure the usual level of service for its motorsports customers. Mercedes AMG has indeed worked in close cooperation with HWA AG, which is one of the most successful motorsports teams in the world.
Mercedes SLS GT3
The lucky drivers for this racing debut of the Mercedes SLS GT3 were German drivers Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz driver and Mercedes AMG ambassador) and Thomas Jäger (Porsche Carrera Cup champion). Both of them are very experienced drivers and members of the instructor team at the Mercedes AMG Driving Academy. No doubt they enjoyed racing in this new very promising racing car.
The Mercedes SLS GT3 is powered by an AMG 6.3L V8 engine, with a 6-speed racing transmission and sequential gear changes. According to Mercedes AMG, the Mercedes SLS GT3 is suitable for all the series that follow the FIA GT3 regulations, including the VLN endurance championship, FIA GT3 European championship, Nurburgring’s and Spa-Francorchamps’ 24-hour races and of course ADAC GT-Master.
The Mercedes SLS GT3 is actually already for sale. Motorsports team can place an order directly with Mercedes AMG. However, the car is only available with left-hand drive, and will cost nothing less than EUR 335,000, excluding VAT. Deliveries are set to start in February 2011. No doubt we will hear about this racing version of the famous Mercedes SLS…
