Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 is the Latest Addition to the AMG Driving Academy

The AMG Driving Academy just got a little more interesting with the announcement that in 2011, fans will be able to get behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 race car. The V8-powered competition coupe will be available in the most advanced skill level programme, the Masters, which consists of four stages: Experience, Warm-up, Training and Competition.

The first leg takes three hours and includes a driving session with the road version of the SLS AMG, followed by an introduction and a seated �rehearsal�. After that, participants get to drive the SLS AMG GT3 on the track behind a lead vehicle. In the end, a professional racing driver gives them a ride in the same car.

The Experience stage is open to everyone, but in order to be allowed in the following stages, entrants must complete race track training sessions. The Warm-up and Training are more complex and intended to gradually familiarize participants with the controls of the race car and to teach them how to drive on slick racing tyres.

The Competition part is where AMG fans will get all the action. Expected to start at the end of 2012, this stage will consist of individual and team races, in which contestants will drive either the SLS AMG GT3 (booking prices per event start at �1,500/$2070), or their own cars.

First deliveries of the customer racing oriented SLS AMG GT3 are due in March 2011, with the net starting price being �334,000 ($461,500), or �397,460 ($550,500) with German added value tax included.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Geneva 2011: Brabus 700 Biturbo is One Mean Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the car most tuners wanted to put their mark on at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Brabus of course, couldn't miss out on this party, so here's what they came up with: a 700 horsepower wide-body version of an already impressive supercar.

Called the 700 Biturbo, Brabus' iteration of the SLS AMG received the Widestar treatment, which means the car is 20 millimeters (0.8 in.) wider at the back, creating the necessary space for the extra wide 11Jx21 wheels (9.5Jx20 on the front).

Brabus says the entire body was subjected to aerodynamic tunnel tests to ensure the car is stable at high speeds. The front spoiler, the covers for the air inlets, the gills, the rear spoiler and the diffuser are all made from carbon-fiber and contrast the silver paint of the 700 Biturbo. Brabus also added carbon side skirts fitted with air vents for the rear brakes.

Inside, the German supercar can be fitted with matte or shiny carbon-fiber elements of any color, matte anodized aluminium pedals and foot rests, as well as an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel. The speedometer dial shows a maximum speed of 400 km/h (250 mph), even though 700 BiTurbo goes up to 340 km/h (213 mph).

It's still 23 km/h (14 mph) faster that the production model, and it gets from 0 to 100 km/h 0.1 seconds quicker, at 3.7 seconds. These figures are made possible thanks to the fitting of a twin-turbocharger to the V8 engine which helps unleash an output of 700 horsepower and 850 Nm of peak torque (626 lb-ft) at 4,300 rpm. Mated to the SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed transmission, the 700 Biturbo can reach 200 km/h (124 mph) from a standing start in 10.2 seconds.

Developed by Brabus, the engine conversion also includes a large intercooler, high-performance air filters, new mapping and specially manufactured forged pistons.

Other changes include a new titanium exhaust system and a new suspension that lowers ride height by up to 30 millimeters (1.2 in.) and has a �Ride Control� function, altering the damping according to needs.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Hamann Gives the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG the Hawk Treatment

Mansory won�t be the only tuning firm to unveil its interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, as Hamann Motorsport has prepared its own version of the gull-winged supercar called the �Hawk�.

Starting with the engine bay, the SLS AMG�s 6.2-liter V8 engine receives an additional 65 horsepower, for a total of 636HP and a maximum torque of 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) at 4,850 rpm. The extra power comes from a high-performance titanium exhaust system, new manifolds, sports catalysts and a sports air filter. As a result, top speed is increased by 3 km/h higher to 320 km/h (199 mph), while the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes only 3.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the standard production car.

The Hamann Hawk also gets four height-adjustable dampers and four progressively wound springs, which lower the car by up to 30 mm.

The Everose Gold painted Hawk sports a heavily modified bodywork including a new front bumper and a carbon fiber hood. The profile is dominated by the black 21-inch rims and the side skirts. At the back, there�s a large wing made from carbon fiber, while the same lightweight material has been used on the new boot. The restyled rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser and houses the quad tail pipes, completes the look.

As for the interior, Hamann has dressed the SLS AMG in a combination of suede and leather, and also added carbon fiber trim on the steering wheel, center console and door sills.

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