Currently reading: Paris motor show 2012: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

0-62mph time down to 3.7sec as revised SLS gets an additional 20bhp; on sale as coupé and roadster in November

A revised version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will go on sale in both coupé and roadster body styles in the UK from November.

Called the Mercedes SLS AMG GT, the new car features a retuned version of Mercedes performance car offshoot AMG’s naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 producing an added 20bhp over that of the existing model at 583bhp at 6800rpm. Torque remains the same, with 479lb ft at 4750rpm.

Combined with refinements to the SLS’s seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox that are claimed to bring faster shift times, the boost in power is reported to knock a tenth of a second off the Mercedes flagship model’s 0-62mph time at 3.7sec in coupé guise. The German car maker also claims 0-124mph in 11.2sec and a top speed limited to 197mph.

Further modifications centre around the suspension, which receives a two-mode AMG ride control system running what Mercedes describes as “stiffer and more aggressive spring/damper tuning for a more dynamic feel”. Previously, the SLS used an optional three-mode system.

With the new AMG ride control system, the SLS GT’s adaptive dampers can be altered between Sport and Sport Plus modes – the latter of which is said to bring significantly firmer damping characteristics than today’s SLS. The revised suspension continues to run 265/35 R19 tyres up front and 295/30 R20s at the rear. They are fitted to standard forged alloy wheels featuring a new 10-spoke design and painted in matt black and with a high-sheen finish.

Other visual changes include a new black gloss finish to sections of the fins and signature three-pointed star within the grille, darkened headlamp and tail-lamp lenses, red brake calipers and a GT badge adorning the bootlid. Inside, the flat-bottom steering wheel receives a part-Alcantara rim and a new 12 o’clock red marker, the instruments feature new black dials and there is a black gloss finish to various sections of the dashboard.

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K1NZ 6 June 2012

...

ill no doubt be more comfortable to ride a pile of bricks down the road than drive this! Still love the SLS and the welcome power upgrade for that amazing engine. clearly a more track focused car with the suspension set up, there will clearly be a more focused price tag aswell Wink

BriMarsh 5 June 2012

I hadn't considered an SLS before...

...it was way too slow. But now it is quicker, I might.

Lanehogger 5 June 2012

Seems these changes should

Seems these changes should have been in the standard car from day one, making it more of a focused rival to a 458, MP4-12C, R8 etc. After all the SLS was intended to be a sports car rather than a GT, a role which the SL is supposed to fulfil.