Mercedes Hawking Five Special SLS AMG GT3 Race Cars to Celebrate 45 Years of AMG

To mark the sapphire anniversary of AMG, Mercedes-Benz and its subsidiary are releasing the SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary Edition. Based on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3—the racing version of the roadgoing SLS—the 45th Anniversary model is clearly aimed at collectors with an interest in motorsports. Production will be limited to no more than five examples, all of which will be assembled at AMG's Affalterbach, Germany, headquarters. The price for this exclusivity is set at €361,463 before value-added tax—that's roughly $470K in U.S. currency—a number certain to keep all but the hard-core enthusiasts at bay.To be sure, though, this is no simple paint-and-sticker job. In addition to the Designo Magno Graphite matte exterior finish, less-than-subtle "45 Years of Driving Performance" graphics on teh gullwing doors, and a rear wing the size of a salad-bar sneeze guard, buyers also get some serious upgrades over a regular SLS for their half-million: Lightweight carbon-reinforced plastic is used for the doors, hood, trunklid, rear fenders, front and rear fascias, front splitter, and rear diffuser. A fully steel roll cage is finished to match the exterior, and six-point harnesses and a carbon-fiber shell racing seat is fitted on the passenger's side. A logo reading "1 of 5″ appears on the seats and on the center console. Oh, and there's a special car cover, too! Comparison Test: 2013 Audi S6 vs. 2013 BMW M5, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG First Drive: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Instrumented Test: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG To add a touch of humanity to the laundry list of cold hardware, AMG spokesman and five-time DTM series champion Bernd Schneider will assist in the installation of each car's naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V-8 engine. Schneider also will give buyers a personal, in-depth introduction to their SLS AMG GT3 when they take delivery at AMG's new HQ-based "handover hall." Per special request, the new owner can also receive track instruction with their new supercar. If you're an extroverted type with more money than a third-world country and like your speed mixed with exclusivity, get on the phone to Mercedes, pronto—opportunities to adopt a track-focused racehorse with a pedigree like this don't come along often. Read full story » from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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