2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 Race Car

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SLS AMG GT3's Design

The purist design of the SLS AMG, with its long bonnet, flat greenhouse positioned well to the rear and short rear end, is enhanced even further by the GT3 variant. The modifications to the body give the gullwing an even more spectacular appearance. The aim is a further improvement in aerodynamic performance.

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-fiber 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 glazing is used all-round.

The front and rear wheel arches are flared to make space for the large racing tires. With a width of 78.3 inches, the body of the GT3 is a good 2 inches 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 standardized filler pipe for the fast-refuel system is accommodated in the B-pillar. The 120-litre fuel tank is centrally located behind the driver.

Viewed from the rear, the SLS AMG GT3 impresses with its sheer width. The boot lid is surmounted by a wide carbon-fiber 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-fiber 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 finalized in extensive wind tunnel and racetrack tests. All the resulting measures ensure a high level of aerodynamic efficiency, and also guarantee effective cooling of thermally highly stressed components.

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.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 Race Car: Review (2/2)