Mercedes-Benz has upgraded its F1 Safety Car replacing the SLS AMG with the newer SLS AMG GT. The GT evolution of the gull-wing model made its first appearance in a race situation at this month’s 2012 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix and will also be deployed at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix.
The GT model comes with improved driving dynamics, better on-track performance, a 20Hp boost for a total of 583hp (591PS) from its 6.2-liter V8 and new design features such as the darkened headlamps and taillights and the grille finish.
The changes over the regular production model are kept to a minimum and include a specially developed and more sonorous rear silencer, F1 decals, safety lights on the rear window, bucket seats with six-point seat belts, two central screens that allow the driver and co-pilot to monitor the progress of the race and a radio system to communicate with the organizers.
The F1 Safety Car is sent onto the track as soon as Race Control considers that the safe progress of the race may be impeded. Poor weather conditions or accidents are the main reasons for its deployment. In the 2012 season, the Mercedes-Benz Safety Car has been called in for action six times to date, with the drivers spending a total of 138.1 km (85.8 miles) under Safety Car conditions.
All of the AMG Safety Cars at a glance
1996:C 36 AMG (W 202)from 1997:CLK 55 AMG (C 208)2000:CL 55 AMG (C 215)from 2001:SL 55 AMG (R 230)2003:CLK 55 AMG (C 209)from 2004:SLK 55 AMG (R 171)from 2006:CLK 63 AMG (C 209)from 2008:SL 63 AMG (R 230)from 2010:SLS AMG (C 197)from 2012 (Hockenheim GP):SLS AMG GT (C 197)
All of the AMG Medical Cars at a glance
1996:C 36 AMG (W 202)1997:C 36 AMG (W 202); E 60 AMG (W 210)from 1998:C 55 AMG Estate (S 202)from 2001:C 32 AMG Estate (S 203)from 2004:C 55 AMG Estate (S 203)since 2008: C 63 AMG Estate (S 204)
PHOTO GALLERY
