Mercedes SLS AMG GT (2012) first official pictures

Mercedes has announced a raft of changes for its SLS AMG super-coupe, including a power bump, transmission revisions and aesthetic tweaks. The result? The new 2012 SLS AMG GT model.

Starting on the outside, the GT is set apart by darkened headlights and taillights, red brake callipers and the forged ten-spoke alloy wheels optional on the standard SLS. The obligatory one-upmanship 'GT' badging on the rear completes the subtle exterior makeover.

Meanwhile, the interior has been treated to Alcantara inserts on the seats and doors, yet more options for Mercedes' range of upgraded leather packages, contrasting red stitching, and yet more badging. There are however, more significant revisions under the skin...

First and foremost is the extra muscle for the 6.2-litre V8 engine, which now produces 583bhp - 20bhp over the standard SLS's output. Torque remains pegged at 479lb ft, and all of that is channeled through a retuned version of Mercedes' AMG Speedshift DCT-7 dual-clutch gearbox.

The stroked engine and swifter gearbox lop a tenth off the standard SLS's 0-62mph time: the GT coupe completes the sprint in 3.7sec, while top speed remains limited to 197mph.

There are suspension changes on the SLS AMG GT too - the previous three-mode adaptive system has been binned in favour of a more hardcore two-stage AMG ride control system, with both states featuring significantly stiffer spring rates than before.

Dispensing with the 'Comfort' mode altogether makes the GT faster than its standard SLS peers around a race track, says AMG, though we'd expect there are some compromises to be made on road refinement.

Yes you can. Mercedes is offereing the GT model upgrades for both the SLS AMG coupe and Roadster, which will both be sold alongside the standard SLS models and the SLS GT3 racer, to create a five-model range.

Order books will open in November 2012, but prices for the GT variants have yet to be announced by Mercedes. Of course, a premium over the normal SLS's £168,425 is inevitable.

By Ollie Kew