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Mercedes confirms SLS AMG GT and Black Edition prices and specs

Blessed with deep pockets and a penchant for serious German engineering? You now have the choice of two new Mercedes SLS AMG models in the UK, the SLS AMG GT and the rip-snorting SLS AMG Black Series.

The Mercedes SLS AMG GT will replace the current AMG Coupé and Roadster models when it launches later in 2013. Compared with the outgoing model, power has been increased to 591bhp and torque is now 650Nm. 0 to 62mph takes 3.7 seconds and it is capable of 199mph.

Despite the mind-bending performance, it’s interesting to note 21.4mpg is achievable ─ and CO2 emissions of 308g/km could be a lot worse. Not that you’ll give a monkey’s about the planet if you drive one of these.

On the inside you can expect an AMG Performance steering wheel finished in nappa leather and Alcantara, and there’s lots of attractive red stitching holding all the fabric surfaces together. You also get AMG floor mats as well as red seat belts and a sweet 11-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

On the outside the SLS AMG GT gets 19-inch alloys at the front and 20-inch alloys at the rear in either five or ten-spoke designs, carbon fibre mirrors, red brake calipers and, of course, those lovely gullwing doors that open vertically. Looks-wise, the rest of the car remains unchanged.

If you have even deeper pockets and you’re ever so slightly deranged, you could go for the faster, scarier SLS AMG Black Edition. In this car, the already powerful 6.3-litre AMG V8 generates 631bhp and 635Nm of torque, allowing it to blast to 62mph from standing in 3.6 seconds and then onto however fast you dare go. No efficiency figures have been released for this model, but if you care about such frivolities you probably shouldn’t be reading this.

Although power ratings are not too dissimilar, the Black Edition weighs 70kg less than its cheaper AMG GT counterpart. Thanks to AMG’s Lightweight Performance strategy that uses more generous portions of carbon fibre, that means a kerb weight of 1,625kg.

It also boasts ceramic brakes for increased stopping power, an electronically-controlled rear-axle differential lock and an AMG titanium sports exhaust system ─ upgrades likely inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing car.

Two chrome twin-tailpipes, a carbon fibre front-splitter, five twin-spoke bi-colour alloys, carbon-fibre rear aerofoil and diffuser provide the Black Edition’s exterior with a few subtle aesthetic differences.

Prices start at £165,030 on the road for the Mercedes SLS AMG GT and the SLS AMG Black Edition starts at £229,985 on the road. Both cars are available to order now from your nearest purveyor of new Mercs.

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