2013 Mercedes SLS AMG GT Revealed With 583-HP

Taking knowledge learned competing with its GT3 race car and bringing it to the street, Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new 2013 SLS AMG GT.

Among the many upgrades to the 2013 SLS GT (essentially a mid-cycle upgrade with an all-new name), the German brand’s updated flagship performance machine offers retuned transmission settings, a new suspension setup and, most importantly, more power.

Starting under the hood, the new GT version retains its 6.3-liter V8 engine, though power has been increased to 583 hp, while torque is set at 479 lb-ft. Mercedes claims a stunning 0-60 time of just 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 197 mph. The car is also rated at 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway with a 15 mpg combined rating – though those stats are of little concern to anyone.

Helping acceleration is a recalibrated 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with faster shifts in “M” manual mode. In addition, the throttle-blip downshifts are also more dramatic.

A new, stiffer AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension now features electronically adjustable dampers and in the most aggressive “Sport plus” setting, Mercedes claims the SLS GT is proven to deliver faster lap times.

Upgrades aren’t just limited to performance, however, with the SLS AMG GT also sporting added piano black accenting on the center console and doors, plus the addition of red seat belts and red-trimmed floormats, with a custom AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara grips.

Available as both a coupe and a convertible, rather than an addition to the Mercedes AMG lineup, the SLS AMG GT replaces the current SLS for the 2013 model year with sales starting in November.