The SLS AMG was the first Mercedes-Benz automobile designed and built entirely by AMG from the ground up. The design, undertaken by Mark Fetherston from October 2006 to April 2007, aimed to be a modern revival of the 300SL Gullwing. A key design element was the adoption of gull-wing doors, swinging upwards on gas struts, though AMG engineers opted against automated closing systems to save 41 kg (90 lb) of weight. Compared to its predecessor, the Mercedes-McLaren SLR, the SLS was designed to be a more sporty, track-oriented car, weighing in at 1,619 kg (3,569 lb) versus the SLR’s 1,750 kg (3,858 lb).
The SLS AMG was powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine, designated M159, a significantly modified version of the M156 block. AMG made over 120 modifications to the engine, including the addition of a dry-sump lubrication system to handle high cornering speeds. The engine produced 420 kW (563 hp) upon introduction, which AMG claimed was "the world's most powerful naturally aspirated production series engine."
The rear-mounted AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle was connected to the engine via a lightweight carbon fibre driveshaft within a torque tube. Drivers could select from "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus), or "M" (Manual) modes, with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. A true manual transmission was not available. Suspension consisted of double wishbone setups with forged aluminium control arms and coilovers, front and rear, attached to an aluminium space frame weighing 241 kg (531 lb). Standard braking systems included 390 mm (15.35 in) front and 360 mm (14.17 in) rear two-piece cast iron ventilated discs with 6-piston aluminium (front) and 4-piston (rear) calipers, with optional carbon-ceramic discs available.
The SLS AMG was adapted for motorsport with the SLS AMG GT3, developed in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations. The GT3 version featured a sequential six-speed racing transmission, adjustable suspension, and a more direct steering ratio. The development of the SLS AMG GT3 began in June 2010 at Lausitz Eurospeedway. The car competed in various series including the VLN Nürburgring Endurance Championship, FIA GT3 European Championship, Blancpain Endurance Series, and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Black Swan Racing and DragonSpeed used the SLS AMG GT3 in the SCCA Pirelli World Challenge. Erebus Racing competed with the car in the Australian GT Championship and won the 2013 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour. The SLS AMG GT3 also saw success at the 2013 24 Hours of Spa, marking Mercedes’ first win in the race since 1964. A limited run of 86 SLS AMG GT3 cars were sold.
The SLS AMG did not trigger any specific regulatory changes described in the corpus.
The SLS AMG was succeeded in 2014 by the Mercedes-AMG GT, designed to compete with the Porsche 911. While less expensive and powerful than the SLS, the GT continued AMG’s focus on performance vehicles. Tobias Moers, head of AMG, stated that Mercedes did not plan to create a new supercar to replace the SLS, believing the company was "not in that league" at the time. The SLS AMG Black Series, with its direct inspiration from the SLS AMG GT3, showcased the potential for track-focused performance derived from the SLS platform.
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