Quicker new SLS AMG GT still too slow for Oz

Mercedes-Benz has whipped the covers off a potent new 318km/h SLS AMG GT boasting sharper handling and even more power, but the German luxury brand has no intention of making it available here.

Instead, well-heeled Australians will be offered an even hotter version of the SLS AMG in 2013, and it's likely to wear both a Black Series badge and an aggressive new body kit like the SLS AMG spied at the Nurburgring in Germany.

"We're not taking SLS GT due to the timing... which would be mid to late next year," explained Mercedes-Benz Australia Corporate Communications Manager, Jerry Stamoulis.

"(But) there is another SLS which we have put our hand up, for which we think would be more desirable for that market."

Though Mr Stamoulis would not say what the alternative model will be, a hardcore SLS AMG Black Series is in the works and is expected to deliver even more performance than the GT, which hits European showrooms late this year.

Naturally, the all-black SLS will be positioned above the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series as the hero of Mercedes-Benz's Black Series range.

But Mr Stamoulis said AMG's halo model has a long life ahead of it and would form the basis of even more versions to come – potentially with even more power.

"A number of variants will come from SLS," he said.

Beyond the existing 'Gullwing' coupe and convertible models, Mercedes will also release an all-electric e-cell version of the SLS AMG, but Stuttgart is still to make a final decision on whether to build the super-EV in right-hand drive form.

Mr Stamoulis said the high-performance version of the SLS AMG that has been confirmed for Australia in mid-2013 will be offered here in very limited quantities, and it is likely that current SLS owners will get first dibs on the new Benz range-topper.

"Normally with AMG models we do give priority to our AMG customers and we'll cross that bridge when we get it," he said.

For now, European buyers of the SLS AMG GT can look forward to a 15kW boost in power via ECU tweaks, taking the 6.2-litre V8's grand total to 435kW at 6800rpm. Together with adjustments to make the AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic transmission even quicker-shifting, the GT now accelerates to 100km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds, which is one-tenth better than before and matches Porsche's outgoing 911 Turbo.

Merc says the GT can also sprint to 200km/h in 11.2 seconds, despite the fact peak torque remains unchanged: 650Nm at 4750rpm.

The GT version of the SLS AMG is all about performance, so gone is the 'Comfort' suspension mode, replaced with a stiffer standard suspension tune and just Sport and Sport-Plus damper settings.

Available in both coupe and roadster body styles, the GT brings a number of cosmetic updates, including darker tinted headlights, red brake calipers and glossy black finishes to the front grille, side mirrors and bonnet strakes. GT badging is also in evidence.

The changes are more obvious inside, where all-new black leather and Alcantara seat trim features red stitching, and both the seatbelts and centre stack are also red.

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