Mainstream luxury manufacturers have dipped their toes in high-end/supercar territory over the past few years. Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz have joined – BMW just needs to get in on the fun with a modern M1. Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like it will happen for a while.
While the R8 started in budget supercar territory, with successive new models such as the R8 GT and R8 GT Spyder, it has been pushed to the $200,000 mark. As far as an “everyday” supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ranks highly. AMG’s first dedicated supercar, it has been on the market since 2010. We’re only in 2012, meaning the SLS is still very fresh, especially by supercar standards.
Mercedes tends to keep its high-end models on the market for while; just look at the SL. Interestingly enough though, the SLS AMG’s run is over. Say hello to the SLS AMG GT. Despite not even being a mid-cycle enhancement, Mercedes has added the GT moniker. The upgrades include a tweaked feature set, along with a more powerful engine.
As if it needed any help, the SLS gets a sportier suspension setup. Mercedes has updated the Adaptive Suspension setup and fitted stiffer bushings and dampers. The headlining upgrade is in regard to the engine though. The GT’s 6.2-liter V-8 now makes 583 horsepower and 479 pound feet of torque, up from 563 (the torque level is unchanged). 20 HP makes a measurable difference in performance; 0-60 is down to 3.6 seconds from 3.7.
The exterior sports stylish new 19-inch alloy wheels, a “unique wheel color” and red brake calipers. Inside, the GT has added the availability of the Mercedes Designo (seriously, who thought up that name?) STYLE interior upgrade package. The SLS AMG interior started the current interior design trend at Mercedes, with things such as the round vents trickling to the rest of the lineup. There are other minor changes inside and out, but we won’t bore you with the details. You can check out the updated car in our gallery below. The SLS AMG GT goes on sale in November.
