Singer, song writer and all around international superstar Usher Raymond is a self-proclaimed Mercedes-Benz fan, specifically the high-performance AMG division. Usher had a chance to visit Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach today, and while there he had an opportunity to assemble the final parts of the V8 AMG engine for his new SLS AMG. Usher also had a chance to test out the all new A45 AMG out on the track. The Grammy winner will also be on hand at the official world premiere A45 AMG at the Geneva Motor Show.

For the American singer and actor, Mercedes-Benz is the luxury brand par excellence. “When I think about luxury, the first thing that comes to mind is Mercedes. So it was a very special moment for me when I was able to buy a Mercedes-Benz for my mom. So far it was the only car I have given her as a gift”, explains Usher. The star himself is currently driving a CLS 63 AMG, until his new gullwing SLS AMG is delivered. And when it comes to family cars, the father of two children enjoys driving a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Usher has been ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as one of the best selling artists in American music history, having sold over 44 million albums worldwide.

As a fan and connoisseur of Mercedes-AMG, the chart-topping star is extremely excited about his test drive in the A 45 AMG. “I can hardly wait to get behind the wheel”, says Usher. “It looks so absolutely cool and sexy, and I’m really excited about experiencing the power of the first AMG four-cylinder turbo engine.” After the test drive he will be talking all about his experience on his Facebook page. Producing a peak output of 265 kW (360 hp) and maximum torque of 450 Nm, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder AMG turbocharged engine is the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production. The new CLA 45 AMG, which will be celebrating its world premiere in New York at the end of March, also benefits from the same engine. Usher has already confirmed the first test drive for this innovative high-performance Coupé too – an event which he will also be sharing with his fans.

The best and most recent review that we’ve read of the 2013 SLS AMG GT is from Preston Lerner at Automobile Mag.  He sums up the car when he says “The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is a halo car with a devil’s tail rather than an angel’s wings. From the snarl of the twin-cam V-8 housed under the extravagantly long hood to the dramatic gullwing doors arcing up from the low-slung body, the two-seat supercar exudes a palpable sense of menace. With a claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 197 miles per hour, the bad-boy looks are more than skin deep.”

A GT designation was given to the new 2013 SLS AMG as well as receiving multiple styling updates and a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission remapped to produce crisper shifts. AMG engineers also managed to pull 20 additional horsepower out of the super car’s 6.2-liter engine, increasing maximum output to 583 HP at 6800 rpm while trimming the 0-60 mph time by one-tenth of a second. As with all AMG powerplants, each GT engine is hand-built by a single technician.

The engine has a dry-sump lubrication system with a pair of oil pumps, that helps lower the car’s center of gravity but also means that in the unlikely event that owners plan to change their own oil, they’ll have to stock up on 14 quart.  At least you can feel better now when you get the bill.

2013 SLS AMG GT

Preston says “The SLS AMG GT is too stunning and too pricey — $200,405 for the coupe, $206,905 for the roadster — to see much track-day duty. Still, Mercedes insists that the car is more than a poseur.” To prove the GT’s abilities, Mercedes brought four cars to The Streets of Willow, a test track in the desert north of Los Angeles for testing. I

Choosing the coupe over the convertible due to the cool climate of the California desert, Preston climbed into the AMG with the pull of a retractable handle making the door scissor up. A garnd moment in any man’s life. Climbing into the cockpit required fewer contortions than expected, climbing out is a bit trickier. The seat is supportive yet comfortable, emblematic of the rest of the interior, which features a satisfyingly Teutonic mix of luxury and efficiency. The engine starts instantly and settles into a docile idle. Once you slide the transmission into gear you blast off.

2013 SLS AMG GT

“Straight-line performance is rocket-like. From 0 to 60 mph, the SLS AMG GT will outrun most race cars, and I see triple digits on the speedo before catching my first breath. The rear-mounted transaxle offers four modes — one manual and three automatic. In manual mode, there’s a brief but perceptible delay before shifts are executed, as if the on-board computer is asking the driver, “Are you sure you want to shift now?” On The Streets of Willow, at least, the Sport Plus — the most aggressive of the automatic modes — is more satisfying than working the paddle shifters.

The low-slung chassis and sport-tuned suspension do an admirable job of minimizing body roll and disguising the car’s substantial heft. But at 3573 pounds, the coupe is too heavy to be nimble. On the other hand, with 479 lb-ft of torque on tap, kicking out the rear end is child’s play, and the stability control system allows for progressive doses of hooliganism. But be forewarned: with 53 percent of the weight at the rear, this isn’t a car for impressing friends by drifting around highway cloverleafs.”

2013 SLS AMG GT

The Specs

• On sale: Now
• Price: $200,405/$206,905 (coupe/convertible, including destination charge)
• Engines: 6.2L V-8, 583 hp, 479 lb-ft
• Drive: Rear wheel
• Fuel mileage: 13/19 mpg

Via: Automobile Mag

The new Mercedes SLS AMG GT has now landed in Mercedes-Benz showrooms in both Coupé  (204,680 euros) and Roadster (213,010 euros) variants. According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “We are continuing with our consistent expansion of the SLS AMG family. With the highly emotional, performance-oriented GT variants, our range has now grown to five models.” The SLS AMG GT has also been in use as the Official F1™ Safety Car since the 2012 FORMULA 1 SHELL BELGIAN GRAND PRIX.

Dynamic, masculine and decidedly athletic: fitted as standard with AMG forged wheels painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish, darkened headlamps and tail lights as well as red-painted brake callipers, the high performance of the SLS AMG GT is also highlighted in terms of its look. The wing-shaped cross fins and the star recess in the radiator grille are retained in high-gloss black, as are the exterior mirrors and the fins on the bonnet and wings. The AMG logo on the right of the boot lid also features the additional letters “GT”.

The maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine is 435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The super sports car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and can reach a speed of 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds. The top speed is 320 km/h (electronically limited). The GT version of the eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine provides an agile response to accelerator pedal input and excites with its sporty performance. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission located on the rear axle is more direct and spontaneous in the manual “M” transmission mode: thanks to newly developed gear change functions and optimised transmission control, it has been possible to shorten reaction time significantly. The reaction time experienced by the driver is made even more emotional as a result of more distinct gear changes. The automatic double-declutching function when shifting down is also more pronounced in the SLS AMG GT.

New AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension

Fitted with variable, electronically controlled damping, the new AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension features basically stiffer spring/damper tuning and dispenses with “Comfort” mode. “Sport” mode is recommended as the optimum setting for undulating road surfaces and routes requiring increased suspension travel. “Sport plus” provides higher damping forces and features specific control algorithms which have been adjusted for a decidedly sporty driving style on routes with a level road surface. Depending on the driving conditions, speed and vehicle load, the AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension adjusts the damping characteristics at lightning speed and automatically reduces the roll angle of the body.

Interior with consistently sporty highlights

The SLS AMG GT combines the high-quality ambience of a true AMG model with the functional atmosphere of a racing car. The sports seats have embossed badges on their head restraints and centre sections finished in Alcantara®. Continuing the theme, Alcantara® is also found on the door centre panels. The black interior appointments are combined with red seat belts, plus all of the contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats, the centre console and the door panel lining is retained in red too. The floor mats also feature red edging.

The philosophy of the exterior design with darkened components is also reflected in the interior: The high-gloss black AMG trim on the centre console and door panel lining matches the high-gloss black edging on the adjustable cross-shaped air vents as well as the high-gloss real metal insert on the AMG Performance steering wheel with flattened lower section. Alcantara® is also to be found on the grip area, and the upper part of the steering wheel has a red 12 o’clock marking. The dials of the AMG instrument cluster are finished in black.

AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather for all SLS AMG models

Now available for all SLS AMG models is a new, exclusive optional extra in the form of AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather. This high-quality extra is available in single or two-tone finishes and comprises distinctive upholstery with a diamond design with contrasting stitching. The lavishly finished diamond design features not only on the AMG sports seats, but also on the door centre panels. Seams finished in contrasting colours create highlights and underscore the high-quality, hand-finished nature of these new full-leather appointments. Available colour combinations include mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey pearl/porcelain and mystic red/porcelain.

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system

A highlight among the optional extras available for the SLS AMG GT is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system. The surround sound system offers a superlative music experience. This is made possible not just by the amplifier, which provides a 1000-watt output, and the 11 loudspeakers, but also by the precise distribution of the music signals, selectable for the driver’s seating position, the passenger’s seating position or to a central point.

2013 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

Prices in Germany (incl. 19% VAT):

SLS AMG GT Coupé: 204,680 euros

SLS AMG GT Roadster: 213,010 euros

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system: 7080.50 euros

AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather: 5771.50 euros

Customers can also take immediate receipt of their SLS AMG GT at the AMG Customer Center in Affalterbach.