To improve the engine's lubrication during hard cornering and other extreme conditions, a dry-sump system replaces the traditional oil pan approach with a remote reservoir, an innovative and highly efficient variable-vane oil pump, and an elaborate cooling system. An additional, though far from secondary, benefit of this setup is that it creates a lower overall engine profile, which allows the engine to be mounted lower in the vehicle, behind the front axle. This configuration contributes significantly to the SLS AMG GT's extraordinarily low center of gravity and ideal 47:53 front/rear weight distribution.  

An AMG-exclusive process for finishing the cylinder walls of the diecast aluminum block benefits performance, efficiency and durability. A plasma-spray coating method called Twin Wire Arc Spray (TWAS) creates a mirror-like, ultra-hard finish that reduces friction, oil blow-by and wear without the need for cylinder liners. The combination of the super-smooth cylinder bores and lightweight forged pistons reduces the power required to overcome inertial losses, resulting not only in stronger power strokes but more immediate rev response to the throttle.  

From the intake the exhaust, the flow of air, fuel and exhaust gases is precisely tuned to maximize throughput, combustion and cleanliness. Air begins its journey through the engine via eight dramatic velocity stacks, each nearly a foot in length. A lightweight magnesium intake manifold features resonance tubes to help throttle the air at lower rpm and maximize volume at higher engine speeds, encouraging the flow of air into the combustion chambers. Remapped throttle and engine management programming helps provide instantaneous and exacting fine-tuning of the mixture under all conditions of load, rpm, and both operating and atmospheric temperatures. A remarkable achievement in lower crankcase design maintains positive pressure throughout the stroke cycle, for rapid cylinder charging and scavenging with virtually seamless transitions between open-throttle and rev-down situations.  

The intoxicating sound of the SLS AMG GT's exhaust is a uniquely visceral element of its emotional appeal, in part because, unlike the performance itself, it can be enjoyed by spectators and passersby. After combustion, exhaust is rapidly ushered to the car's advanced catalysts and high-volume rear-mounted mufflers via a racing-inspired fan-type tubular manifold that minimizes unwanted backpressure en route to the dual polished exhaust tips. Every phases of performance is accompanied by a distinctive musical score that gives the SLS AMG GT its own audible signature: the introductory growl at engine startup, an unmistakable crescendo under throttle, an only slightly mellowed rumble at a steady cruise, and a majestic refrain played during downshifts and engine braking.  

The 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT transmission features race-proven dual-clutch technology for instant, efficient response to any driving situation. Even and odd-numbered gears are divided among two shafts, such that the next gear is already pre-selected and awaiting instant engagement the moment the previous gear is released. The transaxle, which incorporates the transmission and limited-slip differential, is mounted at the rear axle, greatly contributing to the ideal 47:53 front/rear dynamic weight distribution. New enhancements to the SLS AMG GT transaxle include thorough reprofiling of the electronic controls to deliver more aggressive shifting under higher loads, sharper shift character in the Manual mode, and quicker automatic shifts in the Controlled Efficiency, Sport and Sport+ modes.  

Four driving modes can be selected via the console-mounted AMG DRIVE UNIT, crowned by an elegantly sculpted aluminum AMG E-SELECT electronic selector. "Controlled Efficiency" is the standard mode for everyday on-street driving. It's tuned for the smoothest throttle response and gear changes, though response is instantaneous even in this most efficient program. "Sport" mode raises the shift points and reduces shift times by up to 30%. And both a "Sport+" mode and paddle-shifted "Manual" mode deliver lightning-quick 100-millisecond shifts, a feat made possible by partial suppression of the fuel and ignition during gear changes under full load as well as the dual-clutch design's pre-selection of the next gear in sequence, whether shifting up or down. Each of the different modes also engages specific profiles for the throttle mapping.  

A highly rigid, extraordinarily lightweight driveshaft employs the "torque tube" principle to transmit the engine's output to the transaxle. A one-piece design composed of carbon-reinforced polymer, it provides direct transfer of power without lag or loss, and with an overall weight of less than seven pounds.  

The rack-and-pinion steering system is mounted to a rigid, lightweight subframe. A constant transmission ratio helps assure the most direct and predictable response and feedback through the 3-spoke AMG performance steering wheel, while speed-sensing power assist helps assure consistent effort. In addition to its racing-style flat-bottom design, ideally placed spokes and aluminum shift paddles, the steering-wheel is trimmed in supple Premium leather with Alcantara® side grips and a red band at 12 o'clock to help provide quick visual orientation of the steering angle.   (Disclaimer)

Race-proven compound front rotors feature cast-iron discs "floating" over their aluminum center bowls via stainless-steel pins. This configuration is designed to provide excellent heat dissipation and dimensional stability at the extreme temperatures generated in high-performance driving, especially on the track. The front discs measure an enormous 15.4 inches in diameter and are clasped by 6-piston fixed calipers finished with high-temperature Red paint and AMG logos. The one-piece rear discs are 14.2 inches and fitted with 4-piston fixed calipers, also painted Red.  

The ultimate in rigidity and light weight, the standard SLS AMG GT wheels employ exotic forged-alloy construction. Ten micro-thin spokes, whose elegant appearance defies their exceptional strength, provide an almost total reveal of the magnificent brake hardware. The scintillating machine-finished spokes, inverted center dome and thin circular rim are contrasted by Matte Black inlays. The wheels and high-performance tires are staggered front to rear not only in width but also in diameter, with the wider, larger rear wheels and tires sized for maximum power delivery to the pavement, and the front wheels optimized for quick, crisp steering response. The 9.5x19-inch front wheels are fitted with 265/35R19 tires, while the 11.0x20-inch rear wheels wear 295/30R20 tires.   (Disclaimer)

The core objective of the SLS AMG GT, to be an ideal representation of the super sports car, starts with the core of the vehicle itself: A superlatively strong yet lightweight spaceframe that allows its front-mid-engine layout and racing-derived chassis to perform at its best. Composed almost entirely of aluminum, only 4% of the frame's weight is accounted for by any other material, notably the high-strength steel of its windshield frame and pillars. The remainder is a staggering equation of numbers, materials and processes with a simple result: Some 1,300 body elements are assembled using nearly 1,000 rivets, over 500 bolts, 230 feet of carefully welded seams and 430 feet of adhesive bonds, all assembled in a 30-hour process that is nearly 90 percent performed by hand. The outcome: An exceptionally rigid structure that weighs in at just over 530 lbs, a savings of some 30 percent over a comparable all-steel structure. The resultant curb weight of the finished vehicle, well under 3,700 lbs for Coupe and Roadster alike, means that each of the engine's peak horsepower need only carry less than 6.5 lbs.  

In typical AMG practice, virtually every detail of the SLS AMG body serves a purpose and benefits from extensive refinement in the wind tunnel. The smooth front, flush lamps, strategically shaped side mirrors, compact cockpit and marine-inspired shoulders are all fine-tuned to minimize drag and maximize stability and tire adhesion. All of the visible air inlets and outlets, as well as some that are not as obvious, serve to efficiently harness the flow of the passing air to help cool the running gear and wick heat away from the wheels, brakes and powertrain. And in addition to the active wing-type rear spoiler, mesh lower-body diffusers between the tailpipes help manage the airflow beneath the car.  

A system of eight advanced air bags is designed to offer protection in a variety of accident types. Dual-stage front air bags are augmented by knee air bags for both the driver and passenger. And each seating position is provided with a side-impact air bag, plus a head protection air bag that deploys upward from the window sill area.   (Disclaimer)

Bright white LED Daytime Running Lamps, integrated along the lower edge of the headlamps, help increase the visibility of the SLS AMG GT to oncoming traffic by illuminating whenever the car is switched on. With long life and low energy consumption, the light-emitting diode (LED) lamps also add a distinctive high-tech styling touch. LED taillamps, dark-tinted for 2013, feature a stylish horizontal motif, along with longer bulb life and lower energy consumption. LED turn signals are included.  

When the vehicle is traveling above approximately 20 mph, radar technology senses when a vehicle enters the blind-spot area and automatically alerts the driver via an illuminated red icon in the appropriate side mirror. The system also gives an audible warning if the driver activates a turn signal while a vehicle is detected in the blind spot.   (Disclaimer)

During low-speed maneuvers, PARKTRONIC's ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers detect nearby objects within the system's field of view. Audible signals and illuminated displays in the cabin help you navigate tight spaces with confidence.  

This innovative driver-assistance feature helps you to see directly behind your vehicle when reversing. Shift into Reverse, and a wide-angle camera mounted in the rear displays a live view of what's behind the vehicle on the COMAND screen in the dashboard.   (Disclaimer)

Brake Assist senses emergency braking via the speed at which the driver presses the brake pedal and immediately applies maximum available power boost. Brake Assist can potentially reduce the overall stopping distance by eliminating the delay caused by a common human tendency not to brake hard enough, soon enough. Letting up on the brake pedal releases Brake Assist.   (Disclaimer)

Enjoy the strong, controlled stopping power of dual-circuit power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, backed by an Antilock Braking System (ABS). ABS senses impending wheel lockup under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together. This intelligent system can pump the brakes as needed up to 30 times per second, to prevent lockup and preserve the driver's steering ability.   (Disclaimer)

The SmartKey remote control integrates remote locking and unlocking of the doors, trunk and fuel filler, plus a removable valet key and a remote panic alarm. You can also raise and lower the soft top from outside the car via the SmartKey's infrared signal. As a special touch, the SmartKey for the SLS is inlaid with the AMG Affalterbach crest.  

The SLS-exclusive AMG instrument cluster features a dual-binnacle design with aluminum rings. New black gauge faces sharply contrast with the illuminated red indicator needles, which perform a full sweep of the scales upon startup. Ancillary instruments are neatly embedded within the larger speedometer and rev counter.

Between them, a 4.5-inch multifunction display can be scrolled through a variety of readouts, including the exclusive AMG performance menu with RACETIMER. Above it, a racing-style shift prompter features a series of color-coded LEDs that sequentially illuminate to prepare the driver for the next ideal shift point.   (Disclaimer)

Featuring a 7-inch high-resolution color-LCD display and a central controller on the console, the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system gives you convenient control of audio, video, hands-free calling and navigation functions. Many features can also be accessed via the integrated steering-wheel controls. An optional AMG Performance Media system lets you track your driving skills.  

The SLS AMG Roadster's standard AIRSCARF neck-level heating system can extend your top-down driving enjoyment further into a cool evening or later into the season. Vents beneath each head restraint deliver warmed airflow to your neck, head and shoulders, like a virtual scarf. With individual 3-stage temperature controls and airflow automatically adjusted to your driving speed, AIRSCARF means you don't have to put the top up just because the sun, or thermometer, has gone down.  

Separate left and right temperature controls allow the driver and front passenger to enjoy personalized comfort. In addition to fully automatic or manual control of blower speed and airflow distribution, the system includes a dust and pollen filter that helps keep particles as small as 0.0002-inch from entering the cabin.  

The standard sound system includes an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, SD memory card reader, an MP3 Media Interface, and both USB and AUX inputs, placing almost no limit to your listening options.   (Disclaimer)

SiriusXM Radio offers 130+ channels of premium digital entertainment, from news, talk and sports to commercial-free music from every genre. Enjoy live broadcasts of the biggest NFL®, NCAA®, NHL® and NBA® teams, plus 150+ college sports teams. Six months of service are included.   (Disclaimer)

Using GPS technology and an 80GB hard drive to store maps, points of interest, and Zagat® Survey ratings for restaurants, hotels and golf courses, this virtual copilot provides detailed driving directions with remarkable speed and a friendly voice. The COMAND system's large color-LCD screen also displays gas stations, ATMs and Mercedes-Benz dealerships along your route within the contiguous U.S., Canada and Oahu, Hawaii, with periodic updates available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.   (Disclaimer)

You can start the SLS AMG engine simply by stepping on the brake pedal and pushing the red Start/Stop button on the console, without taking the SmartKey from your pocket.  

A highlight of the new SLS AMG GT is its dramatically outfitted cockpit. Black designo leather, carefully selected by eye and finished by hand, is featured on the seats and door trim. The seat inserts can be fitted with matching leather or suede-like Alcantara®, both detailed with bold Red top-stitching continues to the leather-covered dash, console, armrests and steering wheel. Rich Alcantara also lines the windshield pillars. Piano Black Lacquer trim trims the console, doors and steering wheel, and encircles the in-dash air vents. As finishing accents, the seat belts and the borders for the AMG floor mats match the Red stitching, and the AMG Affalterbach crest is embossed into each head restraint.