Merc’s SLS GT gets muscles on its muscles
Yet again AMG goes over the top, this time with hot GT version of its iconic SLS sports car
ERCEDES-Benz has unveiled the SLS AMG GT, the most powerful and best-handling roadgoing version of its coveted sports car. The 6.2-litre V8 engine’s been boosted from 420kW to 435kW (torque stays the same at 650Nm), along with tweaks to the AMG Speedshift DCT seven-speed transmission and the AMG Ride Control suspension for improved race-track performance.
Claimed sea-level performance for the front-engined sportscar is a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds, zero to 200 in just 11.2 secs, and an electronically governed 320km/h top speed.
Cosmetic work gives the SLS GT – which is available in both gullwing roadster and hardtop coupé versions – a more masculine and athletic look, with darkened headlamps and tail lights, garnished by red brake callipers.
The wing-shaped cross fins and the star recess in the radiator grille have a high-gloss finish, as do the exterior mirrors and the fins on the bonnet and wings. And, just so there’s no confusion that this is the top-dog SLS, there’s a “GT” badge on the bootlid.
The GT introduces a new high-quality AMG design Exclusive Style leather which is now also available as an option for other SLS models. This high-quality extra is available in single or two-tone finishes and comprises distinctive upholstery with a diamond design with contrasting stitching. The lavishly finished diamond design also features on the door panels.
Specially developed for the GT, the AMG Ride Control suspension ditches “Comfort” mode and features stiffer spring/damper tuning for improved lap times. The car wears 265/35 19” tyres on the front and 295/30 20s at the rear, fitted to AMG forged light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design.
Says Tobias Moers, a Mercedes-AMG spokesperson: “The new SLS AMG GT demonstrates the sort of potential which lies in AMG’s super sports cars. With its even higher levels of performance, the SLS AMG GT excites out on the race track in particular by providing an emotionally enjoyable and passionate driving experience.”
The GT expands the SLS AMG line-up to five models. The SLS AMG gullwing coupé launched in 2009 was the first, followed in 2011 by the open-top SLS AMG Roadster as well as the SLS AMG GT3 customer racing car.
The sixth model is expected to follow next year in the form of an E-Cell electric version.
The European market launch of the SLS AMG GT is in October, but whether it will be offered in South Africa is still under discussion.
MSpecially developed for the GT, the AMG Ride
Control ditches “Comfort” mode
CHINESE manufacturer Geely has created its own corner of the market with a new Cross version of its sub-compact LC hatch.
Launched this week in South Africa, the new LC Cross follows the same theme as other “Cross” type cars such as VW’s Cross Polo, with a slightly raised suspension and beefier exterior add-ons. No other carmaker is doing a high-rider version of a car in this size category, making Geely’s newcomer the only choice if you’re looking for a game reserve-friendly vehicle the same size as the Toyota Aygo or Suzuki Alto.
Mechanically, the LC Cross is identical to the existing LC hatch except for having around 30mm of extra ground clearance. Everything else is purely aesthetic – like a chunkier front bumper and grille area, and a spare wheel that’s been pulled out of the boot and affixed to the tailgate SUV-style. Geely says the new look should appeal more to men than the LC which is styled like a panda bear and has attracted mostly women buyers since its launch last year.
It’s powered by the same 63kW/110Nm 1.3-litre petrol engine driving a 5-speed manual gearbox in all three trim levels. Just as in the normal LC range, the bottom spec version is a GS model that comes with remote central locking, air conditioning, a CD radio, and ABS brakes with EBD. Sadly no airbags are included in its R92 000 price. Middle GL spec includes two airbags for an