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New AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension
It is not just the enhancements to AMG's M159 6.3-liter V8 and the optimized
dual clutch transmission which are responsible for increasing the driving
dynamics of the SLS AMG GT. The newly developed AMG Adaptive Performance
Suspension also enhances the vehicle's sportiness. In the case of the SLS AMG
GT, Mercedes-AMG has combined the sophisticated suspension layout of twin
aluminum wishbones all round with specially tuned variable, electronically
controlled dampers. Compared with the AMG Adaptive Suspension from the 2012
Model Year SLS AMG, the new AMG Adapative Performance Suspension for the SLS AMG
GT features stiffer and more aggressive spring/damper tuning for a more dynamic
feel.
"Sport" mode is tuned as the optimum setting for undulating road surfaces and
routes requiring increased suspension travel - such as found on rural roads or
the legendary North Loop of the Nurburgring, for example.
The control algorithm of the AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension reacts best to
fluctuations in the road surface with a tendency towards lower/softer damper
force levels. The resulting effect is the best possible performance by
effectively preventing body roll for enhanced contact with the road when
adopting a sporty driving style. The enhanced driving dynamics and even better
race track performance are measureable: as part of an internal comparison with
the SLS AMG, the SLS AMG GT is able to achieve faster lap times on a race track.
"Sport plus" provides higher/firmer damping forces and features specific control
algorithms which have been adjusted for a decidedly sporty driving style on
routes with a level road surface - such as when trying to achieve ambitious lap
times on a race circuit such as Hockenheim.
Selection of Suspension Modes via the AMG DRIVE UNIT
Depending on the driving conditions, speed and vehicle load, the AMG Adaptive
Performance Suspension adjusts the damping characteristics at lightning speed
and automatically reduces the roll angle of the body. The two modes can be
selected via a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The activated suspension mode is
indicated by means of indicator lamps on the button and the display in the AMG
main menu.
As standard, the vehicle comes with 265/35 R19 tires on the front and 295/30 R20
tires on the rear, fitted to weight-optimized AMG forged light-alloy wheels
featuring a 10-spoke design and that are inlayed in a matte black finish and
with machine polished high-sheen finish on the face of the wheel. Three
additional optional AMG light-alloy wheel styles/colors are also available.
Interior with Consistently Sporty Highlights
The interior of the SLS AMG GT features a distinctivly sporty design: combining
the high-quality, exclusive ambience of a true AMG model with the emotional
atmosphere of a racing car. The sports seats covered in designo leather, feature
center sections finished in Alcantara and are accented with an embossed AMG
crest on the head restraint. Complimenting the styling design of the seats,
Alcantara is also found as an accent on the door panels. These premium
materials are combined with red seat belts, red trimmed floormats and red
contrast stitching thoughout the interior on the sports seats, center console,
dashboard, and door panels.
The high-gloss black trim on the center console and door panels perfectly match
the new high-gloss black finish found on the trim rings of the air vents and the
real metal insert on the AMG Performance steering wheel. The steering wheel has
been enhanced as well with side grips finished in Alcantara, a flat bottom
section and now features a new red 12 o'clock marking for easier orientation
while driving. The instrument cluster of the SLS GT has also been visually
enhanced with new black dials and a black accent surrounding the LED shift
lights.
AMG Designo STYLE Interior Package for All SLS AMG GT
Also now available with the introduction of the SLS AMG GT, is a new, highly
exclusive option in the form of the AMG designo STYLE package. This expressive
option is available in three different color combinations in both single and
two-tone finishes. It comprises a distinctive upholstery design featuring full
designo leather with a contrast stitching and a diamond quilt design on the
seats and door panel inserts.
Other highlights include designo leather for the entire dashboard, the
beltlines, door armrests and the handrest on the centre console. AMG floor mats
are in black with porcelain leather edging and the roof lining and parcel shelf
(Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster) are finished in porcelain Alcantara. Seat
piping is also finished in contrasting colors which offer an exciting highlight
and underscores the exclusive, hand-finished nature of this new styling package.
Available color combinations include mocha brown/porcelain, titanium
grey/porcelain and mystic red/porcelain.
Other attractive optional extras for the SLS AMG GT include (extract):
AMG carbon-fiber exterior mirrors
AMG carbon-fiber engine compartment covers
AMG Interior Carbon-Fiber package (carbon-fiber trim, trim on seat backrest and
side, door sill panels)
AMG carbon ceramic high-performance composite braking system
AMG Performance Media
AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in additional colors
AMG carbon-fiber interior trim
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system
The specific assembly area for the SLS AMG is located in the largest
Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen. The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine
comes directly from the AMG engine workshop in Affalterbach, where it is
hand-assembled according to the traditional "one man, one engine" philosophy.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications