Mercedes reveals insane gullwing racer

Mercedes' SLS AMG GT3.

Mercedes Benz will offer a GT3 race version of its spectacular SLS AMG.

Built to the FIA's GT3 specification, the gullwing model will be aimed at the sprint and endurance circuit which is enjoying massive popularity at both professional and semi-pro levels.

The SLS AMG GT3 will hit the market this year, with homologation expected to be completed in time for the 2011 season, continuing the gullwing legend established with the 300 SL racecar of the 1950s.

Changes from the freshly-released road car include a wider front spoiler with extended splitter and increased ducting. Side skirts and wheel arch air vents will push cool air to the massive rear brakes.

Its smooth underbody and large rear diffuser compliment a massive rear wing for low drag, high downforce and cool airflow to stressed components.

It will be powered by a dry-sumped version of AMG's stroppy 6.3 litre V8. But maximum output is yet to be determined by the FIA boffins using their 'balance of performance' principle to create 'even' race fields.

The transmission, as per the SLS AMG road car, is located at the rear axle, and connected to the V8 by a rotating carbon fibre shaft inside a torque tube.

It uses forged aluminium double wishbone suspension with full adjustment for race set-up, and speed sensitive servo-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

The car's interior is all about motorsport - a centrally-located Stack-style display for everything from speed, RPM, temperature and laptimes; a steel rollcage integrated into the car's space frame and a bucket seat with six-point harness and HANS device.

The centre console includes traction control adjustments, engine start, reverse selector and fire extinguisher trigger. Brake bias controls are located on the torque tube tunnel.

- NZ HERALD STAFF