Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) FINAL EDITION GT 6.2 V8 (591 Hp) AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) FINAL EDITION GT: A Grand Finale

The

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) FINAL EDITION GT

represents the pinnacle and ultimate farewell to one of Mercedes-Benz AMG’s most iconic and distinctive modern supercars. Produced for a brief, exclusive period from December 2013 to June 2014, this limited-run model served as the swansong for the C197 generation SLS AMG, encapsulating its formidable performance, evocative design, and the raw power of its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine. Positioned at the very top of the high-performance luxury grand tourer segment, the FINAL EDITION GT was a testament to AMG’s engineering prowess and a deliberate nod to collectors and enthusiasts seeking the most extreme and exclusive variant of the gullwing marvel before its discontinuation. It seamlessly blended track-focused enhancements with the luxurious appointments expected of a Mercedes-Benz, making it a highly coveted machine from the moment of its announcement.

The SLS AMG lineage itself was a spiritual successor to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” of the 1950s, reviving its distinctive upward-opening doors and long-hood, short-deck proportions. The FINAL EDITION GT took this heritage to new heights, incorporating unique cosmetic and performance upgrades that underscored its special status. It was a vehicle designed not just to perform, but to make a statement, marking the end of an era for AMG’s bespoke, naturally aspirated large-displacement engines as the automotive world shifted towards forced induction. Its limited production run solidified its place as an instant classic and a highly collectible piece of Mercedes-Benz history.

Engine and Performance of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) FINAL EDITION GT

At the heart of the

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) FINAL EDITION GT

lies the magnificent M 159.980 engine, a hand-built, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter (6208 cm3 or 378.84 cu. in.) V8 that has become legendary among automotive enthusiasts. This powerhouse, positioned longitudinally at the front of the vehicle, was a masterpiece of engineering, delivering an impressive 591 horsepower at a thrilling 6800 rpm. The power per liter stood at 95.2 HP/l, a remarkable figure for a naturally aspirated unit. Torque output was equally robust, peaking at 479.42 lb.-ft. (650 Nm) at 4750 rpm, providing relentless acceleration across the rev range up to its maximum engine speed of 7200 rpm.

The engine’s architecture featured an 8-cylinder V-configuration with a DOHC valvetrain and 4 valves per cylinder, ensuring optimal airflow and combustion efficiency. Its bore and stroke dimensions of 102.2 mm (4.02 in.) and 94.6 mm (3.72 in.), respectively, contributed to its high-revving nature and substantial displacement. Fuel was delivered via a multi-port manifold injection system, precisely controlling the combustion process. The compression ratio was set at 11.3:1, further enhancing its power output.

Mated to this potent V8 was AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed automatic transmission. This advanced dual-clutch gearbox was critical to the SLS AMG GT’s blistering performance, offering lightning-fast gear changes and direct power delivery to the rear wheels. The transaxle layout, where the transmission is mounted at the rear, contributed significantly to the car’s near-perfect 47:53 front-to-rear weight distribution, enhancing handling dynamics and stability. The combination of raw engine power and a sophisticated transmission allowed the FINAL EDITION GT to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds), eventually reaching a top speed of 198.84 mph (320 km/h). Despite its prodigious performance, Mercedes-Benz quoted a combined fuel economy of 17.8 US mpg (13.2 l/100 km), with CO2 emissions rated at 308 g/km, adhering to the Euro 5 emission standard. This placed its weight-to-power ratio at an impressive 2.7 kg/Hp (364.8 Hp/tonne).

Design and Features

The design of the

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) FINAL EDITION GT

is instantly recognizable, dominated by its distinctive gullwing doors and classic sports car proportions. The long, sculpted hood, set back cabin, and short, muscular rear deck pay homage to its 300 SL ancestor while projecting a thoroughly modern and aggressive stance. For the FINAL EDITION GT, Mercedes-Benz AMG introduced several exclusive design elements to distinguish it further. These included a carbon fiber hood with an integrated central air outlet, a carbon fiber front splitter, and a fixed carbon fiber rear spoiler, all designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and downforce at high speeds. The drag coefficient was a respectable 0.36.

The vehicle’s dimensions were substantial, measuring 182.6 inches (4638 mm) in length, 76.34 inches (1939 mm) in width (81.69 inches or 2075 mm including mirrors), and a low-slung 49.69 inches (1262 mm) in height. A wheelbase of 105.51 inches (2680 mm) provided stability, while wide tracks (66.22 inches front, 65 inches rear) contributed to its planted feel. The chassis was constructed using a lightweight aluminum spaceframe, providing exceptional rigidity and contributing to its relatively low curb weight of 3571.49 lbs (1620 kg).

Inside, the two-seat cabin exuded luxury and sportiness. High-quality materials such as designo leather and Alcantara were used throughout, complemented by carbon fiber trim elements specific to the FINAL EDITION. AMG sport seats offered excellent lateral support, while the AMG Performance steering wheel, wrapped in Alcantara, provided a direct connection to the road. For its era, the SLS AMG GT featured a comprehensive infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a premium sound system, ensuring comfort on long drives. Safety features included a robust aluminum structure, multiple airbags, and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard.

The driving dynamics were further enhanced by a sophisticated suspension system comprising double wishbones at both the front and rear, along with transverse stabilizers, meticulously tuned for optimal handling and ride comfort. Stopping power was provided by massive ventilated disc brakes, measuring 390×36 mm at the front and 360×26 mm at the rear, ensuring fade-free performance even under extreme conditions. The hydraulic power steering system offered precise feedback, while the staggered tire setup (265/35 R19 front, 295/30 R20 rear) and corresponding wheel rims (9.5J x 19 front, 11J x 20 rear) provided immense grip.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) FINAL EDITION GT

The

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) FINAL EDITION GT

carved out a significant niche in automotive history, not just as a high-performance machine but as a symbol of a departing era. Its reputation is stellar, regarded by enthusiasts and critics alike as an instant classic and one of the finest modern Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles ever produced. The decision to cap the SLS AMG production with the FINAL EDITION GT, limited to just 350 units worldwide, immediately bestowed upon it an aura of exclusivity and collectibility. This limited availability, coupled with its status as the ultimate expression of the SLS AMG and the last naturally aspirated V8 gullwing supercar from Mercedes-Benz, has ensured its sustained desirability and appreciation in value in the collector car market.

In its competitive landscape during its production, the SLS AMG GT faced formidable rivals. These included the precision engineering of the Porsche 911 Turbo, the exotic allure of the Ferrari 458 Italia, the technological prowess of the Audi R8 V10, and the bespoke craftsmanship of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage. While each offered a unique proposition, the SLS AMG GT stood apart with its iconic gullwing doors, the visceral soundtrack of its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8, and its blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury with AMG’s raw performance. It wasn’t just fast; it was dramatic and distinctive, embodying a sense of occasion that few others could match.

Historically, the SLS AMG was a crucial model for Mercedes-Benz AMG. It was the first car designed and built entirely in-house by AMG, following the joint venture with McLaren for the SLR. This marked a coming-of-age for AMG as a standalone high-performance brand within the Mercedes-Benz family. The FINAL EDITION GT, in particular, served as a poignant farewell to the M159 engine, an engine celebrated for its linear power delivery, incredible responsiveness, and intoxicating exhaust note – qualities that are increasingly rare in an industry moving towards