The order book for the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 racer car is now officially open with net pricing set at €334,000 (about US$434750), or €397,460 (around US$517,300 at today's exchange rates) if you include Germany's 19 percent VAT. Teams that will order the car now will get the Gullwing racing model on time for the next motorsport season, starting in February 2011.
"The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 marks the beginning of a new era in Mercedes-Benz customer motorsport," said Merc's motorsport chief, Norbert Haug. "This is an exciting and spectacular sports car for dedicated private teams and talented private drivers. AMG will work together with our tried-and-trusted sports and touring car partner HWA to put in place a motorsport customer department which will guarantee its motorsport customers hallmark Mercedes service."
Developed and built by AMG in close cooperation with HWA, which is also responsible for the firm's DTM racing cars, the SLS AMG GT3 makes use of a specially prepped 6.3-litre V8 engine and a sequential six-speed racing transmission with steering wheel shift paddles.
It also receives a raft of aerodynamic improvements along with all the usual racing bits and pieces including a steel racing braking system with re-calibrated ABS, a roll cage, a 120-litre CFRP safety tank and a fire extinguisher.
The German automaker said the new SLS AMG GT3 can be used in any race series that conforms to the FIA GT3 regulations, including the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT-Masters and the endurance championship organized by the VLN, as well as the famous 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and SpaFrancorchamps (Belgium).
