What's the news?

Mercedes-Benz UK has launched the new SLS AMG GT - a car that replaces the first iterations of the flagship SLS. The SLS AMG GT features more power, performance and equipment than the previous models and Mercedes has also launched its hardcore SLS AMG Black Series for those who still crave more.

Exterior

From the outside, little sets the GT model apart from the version it replaces. New alloy wheels measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back have been fitted and come in a variety of designs. The front and rear light clusters are now smoked; the door mirrors are made from carbon fibre; and the large brake callipers have been painted red.

In contrast, the Black Series is easily identifiable as the flagship of the range. Its track-focused body kit features a fixed rear wing, along with a rear diffuser, front splitter and dive planes made from carbon fibre. Underneath the wider wheelarches sit bespoke black alloys.

Interior

Inside, the SLS AMG GT now has a sportier feel thanks to contrasting red stitching found on the leather/Alcantara steering wheel and on the 'Exclusive' leather upholstery. Red detailing finds its way onto the floor mats and seatbelts, too. In terms of equipment, a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system is now standard, featuring 11 high-performance speakers.

The Black Series gets AMG bucket seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara. These materials are also found on the dashboard, centre console and door panels. An AMG Performance Media system comes as standard, complete with Mercedes' COMAND system.

Mechanicals

A 20hp upgrade from the car's 6.3-litre V8 engine brings output up to 591hp, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 199mph. A sharper version of the model's seven-speed gearbox has been fitted too and the tweaked suspension is said to be more responsive.

Clearly, 591hp was not enough for the Black Series; so Mercedes found an additional 40hp to bring overall power up to 631hp. The flagship model also weighs 70kg less than the GT version thanks to AMG's 'Lightweight Performance Strategy'. New suspension, brakes and exhaust system also feature in the Black Series.

Anything else?

A 20hp upgrade from the car's 6.3-litre V8 engine brings output up to 591hp, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 199mph. A sharper version of the model's seven-speed gearbox has been fitted too and the tweaked suspension is said to be more responsive.

Clearly, 591hp was not enough for the Black Series; so Mercedes found an additional 40hp to bring overall power up to 631hp. The flagship model also weighs 70kg less than the GT version thanks to AMG's 'Lightweight Performance Strategy'. New suspension, brakes and exhaust system also feature in the Black Series.

James Giddings - 24 Apr 2013