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Practical Interior with AMG Sports Bucket Seats

Opening the striking gull-wing doors reveals a functional cockpit which - like the exterior - is only slightly different from the standard model. AMG sports bucket seats with black leather upholstery and six-point seat belts ensure optimal lateral support. To the right of the AMG DRIVE UNIT there are four colored keys operating the various lighting functions and the signal horn, which is activated for safety reasons when entering and leaving the pit lane. The center console is of carbon-fiber, as are other areas of interior trim. The AMG Performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara has a specially contoured grip area, a high-grade metal insert and a 370 millimeter rim with a flattened lower section. The seven gears of the dual-clutch transmission are shifted using the two metal shift paddles.

Two central monitors in the SLS AMG cockpit are used to monitor the progress of the race. To the left and right of the lower monitor are the controls for the radio system, which allows Bernd Mayländer and Pete Tibbetts to communicate with Race Control as well as with each other. A second interior mirror lets the co-driver keep an eye on the Formula 1 cars behind. Meanwhile, the "Marshalling System" is integrated in the central display on the instrument cluster and in the lid of the glove compartment: here the driver and co-driver can see exactly the same signals as the Formula 1 drivers in their cockpits. For instance, the various LEDs indicate when yellow or green flags are being waved. LEDs indicating the status of the roof light bar, along with an on-board camera angled towards Bernd Mayländer, are mounted at the front end of the dashboard.

Aerodynamically Optimized Roof Light Bar

Compared to the standard-production SLS, the Official F1 Safety Car is distinguishable on the outside by its prominent F1 logos, carbon-fiber exterior mirrors and the characteristic roof light bar with integrated TV camera. It sits on an all-new carbon-fiber hood whose shape has been tested in the wind tunnel to ensure optimum airflow at the rear aerofoil. The aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 120 km/h, and together with the rear diffuser it provides the necessary rear downforce. LEDs are used for all light functions in the aerodynamically styled roof light bar. Their advantages over the previously used bulbs lie in their extremely fast response time and low power consumption.

The two centrally positioned green lights in the light bar are lit up when the Official F1 Safety Car joins the field, and must first be overtaken by all the Formula 1 racing cars taking part. Once the SLS AMG has assumed the leading position, the outer orange flashing lights are switched on to signal to the Formula 1 drivers that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed. The white stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights have a general signaling function, and are always flashing while the Safety Car is deployed. A special number plate at the rear, with "Safety Car" lettering and 700 LEDs, provides additional safety in darkness or wet weather. A rear camera is integrated to the left of the number plate, allowing those in the cockpit of the Official F1 Safety Car to keep an eye on the Formula 1 cars behind via a monitor.

Double-Clutch Transmission and Ceramic Composite Brake System

The AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission with dual-clutch technology features four modes and allows fast gear changes with practically no interruption in tractive power - in manual mode ("M"), gear changes can be effected in 100 milliseconds. Together with the 3-stage ESP, the integrated mechanical multi-disc differential lock ensures outstanding traction. Meanwhile, braking distances are minimized and resistance to fading is maximized, even when the brakes are subject to typical race-track loads, courtesy of the AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system with its generously sized ceramic discs measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear. The weight-optimized 10-spoke forged wheels are shod with 265/35 R19 (front) and 295/30 R20 (rear) tires.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications