Mercedes-Benz’s technical director in the 1950s, Rudi Uhlenhaut, had what is arguably the coolest company car in history. It was a gullwing version of the W196S 300SLR race car powered by a 306-hp, 3.0-liter version of Mercedes’ Formula 1 straight-eight engine. His daily driver sprang from his own genius, and the car is now widely known as the Uhlenhaut Coupe.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was first revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Since that time, there have been several versions of the gullwing coupe created, including the fantastic Black Series. Sadly, all good things come to an end, and the final version of the SLS AMG series has been revealed: The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT at a glance:
Just 350 examples will be produced. This sum includes both gullwing and convertible versions of the GT, so the price could skyrocket.This is not only the final SLS AMG, but also the last one to pack the AMG 6.2-liter V8. Future AMG V8 engines will utilize a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter or a 4.0-liter producing 583 horses with a 0-60 mile per hour sprint of 3.6 seconds. Top speed is an electronically limited 197 miles per hour, ideal for the office commuter. Owners will enjoy the unique Race-Start launch control system on the 7-speed AMG Speed- Shift dual-clutch gearbox. The feature assists with an adrenaline-filled launch each time.
As a retirement gift, AMG has given the engine new camshafts, specially coated bucket tappets, a more efficient intake tract, more-durable crankshaft bearings, and a titanium exhaust system that shaves 29 pounds. The mighty V-8 goes out barking, spitting, and spinning all the way up to 8000 rpm. All 622 horsepower (up from 583 in the SLS GT) show up at 7400 rpm with 468 pound-feet of torque coming in at 5500 rpm. An angry Sprint Cup car–like thrum pulses out of the Black’s four exhaust tips to warn the hard of hearing. Uhlenhaut’s car was also an eardrum destroyer; it had to wear a goofy Samsonite-shaped muffler tacked onto its front fender, presumably to keep Uhlenhaut from getting deported to East Germany.
THE EXTERIOR
The final version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is fitted with a hood designed to look like carbon fiber. It is unclear why they skimped on using actual carbon fiber for the hoods. The wheels for this version are offered in two styles: matte black with a thin rim flange or in-layed black matte with a high gloss finish. Both options look great with the red brake calipers and racing tires.
THE COCKPIT
Inside the final Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is every luxury car owner’s dream: diamond stitched leather, carbon fiber and technology all wrapped around a seat designed for driving. The center console reads “AMG FINAL EDITION” followed by the number out of the 350 units made (5 of 350, for example). While the standard package is impressive, those after more luxury can add the following upgrades: carbon ceramic brakes, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround system, carbon fiber exterior mirror cover and engine covers
Production of the SLS AMG began at Sindelfingen in January 2010.Sales commenced in mid-2010 in Europe and in mid-2011 in the United States.Production was set to end after the SLS AMG GT FINAL EDITION in early 2014. As of December 31, 2014, a total of 2,704 SLS AMGs had been sold in the U.S., including both Gull-wings and roadsters.
The SLS AMG will be replaced by a substantially less costly tourer( Mercedes-AMG GT) with traditional doors and a much smaller forced induction engine, designed to compete against the Porsche 911 and Audi R8. This marks the end of Mercedes' remarkable 6.2 liter naturally aspirated M159 engine. AMG head Tobias Moers said that engine downsizing is becoming ever more important, and that AMG will replace the SLS with "a new sports car in a more (price) accessible segment." As he put it, "There won't be an immediate successor to the SLS AMG. The SLS gave the AMG brand a special brand icon with its iconic Gullwing doors and we like to treat it as something special for both the company and the SLS owners
Overall, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is a farewell to a popular car and it will be exciting to see what the brand ushers in next.
Acknowledgments: CAR and DRIVER, MERCEDES-BENZ, AUSmotive.com.
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