What's the news?

Mercedes-Benz is launching a limited edition version of the SLS AMG to commemorate the 45th anniversary of its AMG tuning division - and when we say limited we mean it; only five of the hand-built SLS AMG GT3 "45th Anniversary" editions will be built, each carry a price tag of about £360,000 - excluding taxes.

Exterior

Like the SL 65 AMG 45th Anniversary that was unveiled at the New York Auto Show earlier this year the SLS version is finished in a unique 'designo magno graphite' matt paint finish, down to the alloy wheels. Constructed primarily from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), the weave of the carbon fibre is visible underneath the matt paintwork.

Each car will bear the silver framed "45 Years of Driving Performance" logo on the gullwing doors though we are sure if you are paying that much money you can have them removed - for a more 'incognito' look...

Interior

As the limited edition car has been targeted at 'collectors with a particular penchant for motor racing' the interior has been decked out with all the accoutrements one would expect of a hardcore racer, but with a twist. The steel roll cage is finished in matt designo magno graphite to match the exterior, the dashboard and centre console sport a matt carbon fibre finish and the six-point seat belts and a steering wheel are both finished with silver detailing.

The collector's item also boasts a seat shell in a high-strength carbon fibre safety cell on the co-driver's side. A special badge with a "1 of 5" logo on the seats and the centre console alludes to the limited production run for this racing car.

Mechanicals

Each 45th Anniversary car will be powered by the same 6.3-litre V8 engine as the standard cars but the installation of each engine will be completed by DTM legend and AMG brand ambassador Bernd Schneider whose name will join that of the engine builder on the customary AMG engine badge. Buyers will also receive an exclusive vehicle certificate signed by Bernd Schneider; the man that AMG trusts to test and evaluate its fastest cars.

Anything else?

Now for the bad news - aside from the price that is. The SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary is a racing car so even if you do manage to get your hands on one of the five your time with it will be restricted to the track. Guess us mere mortals will just have to settle for the forthcoming SLS Black Edition...

Paul Healy - 10 Oct 2012