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 customer sports car for competing in race series according to the near-series FIA GT3 rulebook. Outstanding handling dynamics are ensured by uncompromising lightweight construction and specific modifications to the suspension, brakes and aerodynamics. This very special gullwing model will deliver its debut performance on the racetrack in 2011.

The purist design and breathtaking contours of this gullwing model are effectively emphasised by specific modifications to the bodywork. The new components made mainly from carbon-fibre are an unmistakable testimony to the outstanding racetrack performance and extensive aerodynamic development work.

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 is used to glaze the side and rear windows, and this is also available for the windscreen.

The front and rear wings have been widened 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.

The black exhaust tailpipes emit a thrilling and very characteristic AMG eight-cylinder sound. 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 easily 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.

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 engine in the lowest possible position behind the front axle as a front-mid engine, and combining it with the transmission in a transaxle arrangement, produces a very favourable weight distribution.

Six-speed racing transmission with sequential gear-changes

Unlike in the standard model, power in the SLS AMG GT3 is transferred by a six-speed racing transmission with sequential gear-changes. Thanks to its compact construction, this race-tested transmission has advantages in terms of packaging – after all, the GT3 version has a smaller ground clearance than the standard model. The driver shifts the gears using two shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission is mounted directly on the rear axle, and connected to the V8 engine via a flexurally and torsionally rigid torque tube. This has decisive advantages with respect to handling dynamics, as this sophisticated solution enables the entire powertrain to be configured with far less free play. In conjunction with the traction control sysem, a multi-disc locking differential integrated into the transmission ensures outstanding acceleration. A drive shaft rotates at the engine speed within this torque tube. As in the standard model, and also the Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM racing cars, the shaft is made from carbon-fibre.

The vehicle concept of the SLS AMG is predestined for top-class racetrack performance, with a long wheelbase, a low centre of gravity and a wide track. Its strengths include precise over/understeer characteristics, first-class agility, low inertia during fast changes of direction and high physical limits when cornering.

Very few modifications were required for perfect racetrack performance: the lowered, lightweight aluminium suspension with double wishbones all-round has the ideal kinematics. Multiple adjustments allow the best possible adaptation to the relevant racetrack characteristics and prevailing weather conditions. Not only the spring and damper setups, but also the track width and camber, the suspension height and the stabilisers at the front and rear axles can be adjusted.

The rack-and-pinion steering system with speed-sensitive servo assistance is basically the same as in the standard SLS AMG. The more direct steering ratio makes for even more agile handling on the racetrack.

AMG motor sports braking system with composite technology

The AMG motor sports braking system ensures extremely short braking distances, outstanding fade-resistance and great sensitivity: race-tested composite technology is used for all the brake discs. In this system, the grey cast-iron discs are mounted on an aluminium bowl via stainless steel connections in a radially and axially floating arrangement. This sopisticated technology allows perfect heat conduction, and therefore reliable fade-resistance. The SLS AMG GT3 also features precisely configured cooling ducts: apertures in the front apron and in front of the rear wheels supply the brake discs with cool air when on the move. All four brake discs are ventilated, grooved and perforated. Six-piston fixed calipers at the front and four-piston fixed calipers at the rear in anthracite with a white AMG logo allow generous brake lining surfaces. An anti-lock braking system with a special racing configuration is standard. For space reasons, the AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system optionally available for the standard model is not compatible with the 18-inch wheels prescribed by the FIA rulebook.

The size 12 x 18-inch (front) and 13 x 18-inch (rear) AMG light-alloy wheels with central locking are shod with racing tyres in size 287 x 682 mm (front) and 315 x 708 mm (rear). Depending on the conditions, untreaded slicks, intermediates or rain tyres are used. The classic multi-spoke design assists ventilation of the braking system. Rapid pitstops and wheel-changes are assured by the pneumatic jacking system integrated into the underbody: four pneumatic jacks lift the GT3 racing car by around 190 millimetres to allow very rapid wheel-changes by the pit crew.

Interior with racing bucket seat and racing steering wheel

Opening the gullwing doors of the SLS AMG GT3 reveals a functional interior with a racing car atmosphere. The driver is seated in a racing bucket seat, his safety assured by a six-point seat belt and the HANS system (Head and Neck Support), which fixes his helmet in a defined position during an accident to minimise the risk of injury. Additional safety is provided by the steel rollover cage, which also serves to reinforce the aluminium spaceframe.

A racing steering wheel with a diameter of 330 millimetres allows perfect vehicle control. Thanks to the open upper section of the rim, the driver always has a clear view of the central display. This keeps him informed about all the relevant parameters such as speed, engine rpm, operating temperatures, lap times and the selected gear. The steering wheel also has a quick-locking feature which allows much easier access and egress. Switches on the steering wheel boss enable the driver to activate additional functions such as the radio link to the pits, headlamp flasher or the drink function. Further controls are mounted on the centre console, for example the start/stop function for the AMG V8 engine, the traction control system, reverse gear and – if the worst should happen – the integrated fire extinguisher system. The brake balance adjustment control is mounted on the tunnel of the torque tube.

The near-series specification of the GT3 version is reflected in the dashboard, whose powerfully arching wing section gives an impression of width. Strikingly integrated into the dashboard, the air vents galvanised in “Silver Shadow” have adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of an aircraft’s jet engines.

Deliveries of customer vehicles will commence in spring 2011

The new SLS AMG GT3 was developed to comply with the international FIA GT3 race rules, and is entitled to take part in all GT3 race series – which of course includes the popular 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) or the Nürburgring. Interested customers are able to order the GT3 from autumn 2010, and delivery will take place in time for the start of the 2011 racing season. Homologation will be completed in March 2011.

(Source:Daimler Press Release)

Strong as a bull, sporty yet elegant and with exclusive appointments: The new BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo, which celebrates its world debut at the DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW, combines these three attributes to perfection. With this luxury SUV BRABUS further expands its impressive portfolio of exclusive high-performance automobiles. The 4×4 SUV is powered by a BRABUS B63 Biturbo 6.3-liter V8 engine with 650 hp (641 bhp) / 478 kW and reaches a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Visually the SUV sets itself apart with the stunningly styled BRABUS WIDESTAR version and forged 23-inch wheels. Also part of the standard equipment of the BRABUS GL63 Biturbo is an exclusive interior with leather and Alcantara. The GL 63 Biturbo is built in small-series production and starts at 368,000 Euros MSRP.

 BRABUS fits the high-speed eight-cylinder four-valve engine from the ML63 AMG with a twin turbo system and implants it into the largest Mercedes SUV. By doing so the luxury manufacturer from Bottrop elevates the GL 63 to a new performance dimension.

 The twin turbo system is yet another high-tech development so typical for BRABUS. The BRABUS engineers have developed special cast exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings and bypass valves for the V8 engine. For faster response the turbochargers were sized relatively small and both manifolds were designed to only use the exhaust gases from three of the four cylinders on each side for driving the turbochargers.

 The turbochargers themselves are also a custom BRABUS development. Normally V-type engines are fitted with two right-turning chargers. That results in a slower response on the right side of the engine because the intake on the right side of the turbine housing necessitates a more complicated exhaust routing than on the left side of the engine. To solve this problem the BRABUS engineers designed a left-turning turbocharger for the right cylinder bank of the engine and thus achieved perfect exhaust-gas dynamics.

 The twin turbo system also includes a generously dimensioned water-to-air intercooler as well as a dual intake manifold with cast-in BRABUS Biturbo logos and sport air filters. High-performance catalysts behind the turbochargers reduce back pressure and further lower exhaust emissions.

 The inner workings of the engine are adapted to turbocharging with BRABUS forged pistons that reduce the compression ratio to 9.0:1. Newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection adapted to the turbo technology and an electronic boost pressure management system play a key role. Together they ensure not only maximum power yield but also clean emissions in accordance with the EURO IV emission standards. Like all BRABUS engines the B63 Biturbo is lubricated exclusively with synthetic ARAL high-performance motor oil.

 This engine establishes the BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo among the world’s most powerful SUVs. The engine has a rated power output of 650 hp (641 bhp) / 478 kW at a low 6,200 rpm. The maximum torque of 850 Nm (626 lb-ft) is available on a plateau between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm.

 In combination with a modified SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive this engine delivers performance previously unimaginable for a vehicle of this type: The BRABUS GL63 Biturbo accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

   Naturally the vehicle’s aerodynamic properties, tires, suspension and brakes are all adapted to this enormous performance potential.

 The BRABUS WIDESTAR version with its elegantly contoured fender flares adds six centimeters (2.4 inches) to the width of the GL 63 Biturbo. The WIDESTAR front apron was shaped in the wind tunnel to reduce aerodynamic lift on the front axle thus maximizing directional stability at high speed. Generously sized air inlets provide the engine and the front brakes with as much cooling air as possible. For further increased active safety the BRABUS front features LED daytime running lights and four auxiliary headlamps.

 BRABUS rocker panels create an aerodynamically smooth transition between the fender flares on front and rear axle. Integrated entrance lights facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle in the dark.

 The vehicle’s aerodynamics are further optimized by a roof spoiler and the BRABUS rear apron with integrated diffuser. The apron is custom-tailored to fit the wider fenders and in addition to cutouts for the tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system features integrated underfloor lights.

 The large wheel houses offer plenty of room for three-piece BRABUS Monoblock E PLATINUM EDITION 11Jx23 wheels. These nine-spoke wheels have a forged and high-gloss-polished drop center and can be fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance tires up to size 305/30 R 23.

 The BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo can also be equipped with forged 21-inch Monoblock VI or F wheels or with 22-inch Monoblock VI, E, Q or S and new BRABUS Monoblock G PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels.

 The ride height of the high performance car is lowered by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) with the BRABUS suspension tuning module for the AIRMATIC air suspension. This measure not only benefits the looks of the GL. The lowered center of gravity also results in even sportier and safer on-road handling.

 To further optimize active safety the SUV is equipped with a BRABUS high-performance brake system. The version for the GL 63 Biturbo features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter (15.0 x 1.4 inches) discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops on 355 x 28 mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers.

 The luxury equipment of the BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo also includes a premium interior. The interior is custom-tailored to customer specifications from a combination of especially soft and breathable Mastik leather and Alcantara.

 BRABUS precious-wood and carbon-fiber inlays are available in a variety of versions and are color-coordinated with the leather. The sporty character of the vehicle is reflected by the speedometer with 320-km/h (200-mph) scale, aluminum components such as pedals and door-lock pins and an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel.

 Special consoles for the backs of the front seats each have an integrated seven-inch LCD screen, a DVD player and a folding table. They transform the rear passenger compartment into a multimedia studio. The entertainment equipment can be further expanded into a fully functional office on wheels with state-of-the-art communication and computer technology.

Source: Brabus Press Release