Folks toss around words like supercar and exotic interchangeably when it comes to the ultra-fast/luxurious/expensive end of the automotive spectrum. But, were not sure whos responsible for classifying these models or why some cars make the cut and others dont.
Sure, a Lamborghini or Ferrari will land pretty squarely in the bucket, but what about cars with subtler styling? Aston Martin? Bentley? Maserati? Even some of the upper-end Porsche 911s have the price tag to match, despite looking like every other Carrera on the road. Whether its price, performance or exclusivity, it seems like everyone has a different measuring stick for exotic.
So, when the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster arrived in the garage, we debated back and forth about how to label it. The base price on the GT coupe is just $500 shy of the $200,000 threshold, and the roadster starts at $206,000. A well-optioned SLS AMG GT Roadster can exceed $258,000, but the not-so-exotic SL65 AMG costs well over $200,000, too. Conundrum.
Whats New
After just two short model years, the SLS AMG has been replaced with a slightly more powerful, slightly higher-tech version for 2013, the SLS AMG GT. The same 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 powers the SLS GT, making it one of the last cars to keep the big engine, despite the option of swapping for AMGs 5.5-liter turbocharged V8.
This year, power is bumped up to 583 horsepower over last years 563, a result of tuning the engines spray, spark and timing for more efficient combustion. Torque remains unchanged at 479 lb-ft, which is enough to keep your head pinned against the seat all the way through fourth gear. Theres still not a manual option, leaving the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in place from previous models. The transmissions software receives an upgrade intended to quicken the shift times, especially in manual mode.
For the sake of comparison, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Just sayin.
The suspension in the SLS GT is upgraded, too. Gone is last years Adaptive Suspension, exchanged for the AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension. Comfort mode remains just as relaxed as past models, but switching the car into Sport or Sport+ gives you an even stiffer suspension with sharper handling.
With exception to the tuned-up sport modes and more aggressive engine, there arent really any surprises when it comes to drivers technologies in the SLS. Yes, theres navigation, heated and cooled seats and satellite radio. And yes, there are driving aides like blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control, but for $250,000, those technologies are expectations, not surprises. The one fun technology bit in the car comes with the AMG gauge screen, selectable from the console, that displays engine temperatures, lap times, G-forces and other performance metrics for the track.
Plain-Jane Supermodel
For a car enthusiast, getting your hands on a model like the SLS is a dreama fantasythat most will never experience. We combed over every nuance, from the GTs new smoked headlights to its stunning Designo interior with respect, appreciation and trace amounts of drool. So, it came as a surprise to us exactly how little other folks noticed us on the road while driving the GT.
Maybe its because we were riding around in a white car, rather than something green, orange or yellow. Maybe our exhaust note was too much like a muscle cars and not enough like a motorcycles. Either way, we didnt find people circling the car at gas stations, racing us at stoplights or even cornering us in parking lots to talk about it.
It feels like a gentlemans sports car, and you feel attractive, rather than ridiculous while behind the wheel.
Now, before we go dismissing this car as not exciting or distinguished enough to justify the sticker price, hold your horses. Because its worth every penny to the right buyer, anyway. If flash-factor is what youre looking for in your next exotic sports car, this isnt the right car for you. Whether its that it looks too much like the other Mercedes convertibles or that there havent been enough Super Bowl ads promoting it, the average John Doe and Jane Smith just arent familiar with the SLS.
However, if youre the kind of shopper who wants to quietly appreciate ultimate engineering and conservative, yet immaculate design, its worth a look. It leaves us thinking that Lamborghini Gallardos are for rock stars, and SLS GTs are for investment bankers.
Behind the Wheel
Slipping into the drivers seat in the convertible Roadster is easier to accomplish than in its Gullwing brother, which makes life a little more difficult. That car requires a little more of a duck-and-grab motion to get seated. Regardless, the Roadsters seat is both plush and supportive, and its comfortable for drivers up to about six-foot two-inches tall. Push the start button, and the car roars to life with one of the sexiest exhaust notes in business. Where most exotics sound high-pitched and tinny, a la sporty motorcycles or a Le Mans cars, the SLS makes a deep, boat-like burble at idle and barks and backfires on downshifts. Its fantastic.
In Comfort mode, the car is relaxed and gentle, and it doesnt really drive much differently than its less-expensive SL sibling. If were comparing the available settings, moving the drive select into Sport turns the SLS into a muscle car with tons of available power, while turning it all the way up to Sport+ essentially makes the car track-ready by keeping the revs high. Theres also a Manual mode that requires the use of the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The dual-clutch transmission responds about as quickly as you can consider touching the paddles, and this is the most rewarding way to drive the car if youre looking to play.
The SLS has exceptional balance, despite the fact that the cabin essentially sits on the rear axle. While the hood feels a mile long, the engine is pushed far enough back to keep the weight mostly centered. Thats offset by putting the transmission behind the seats, too, which distributes the weight in a way that makes the car predictable, rather than wily. Selecting the performance setting on the suspension also helps stiffen everything up for twisty roads or track use.
Wrap-Up
So, what do you get when you spend nearly a quarter-million dollars on a Mercedes instead of a rarer breed of vehicle? The SLS ends up feeling like it has a similar personality to a Chevy Corvette, but with every possible aspect improved 300 times over. You get one the most handsome, distinctive, monstrous cars on the road today, but you also get an extensive dealer network to back your purchase. That means you can order it without having to drive to a major city, and you can have the car serviced without shipping it off to the nearest exotic dealer several states away.
No, the SLS GT isnt as flashy as many of the other cars in its class, but were ok with that. In fact, we almost prefer it. It feels like a gentlemans sports car, and you feel attractive, rather than ridiculous while behind the wheel. Its a different emotional experience for the money than your standard supercar, but its one that we feel like you could live with every day, instead of only on the weekends.
Highs
- Simple, driver-centric interior
- Deep, manly exhaust
- Daily drivability
Lows
- Stealth-mode styling
- Doesnt feel like an exotic
- Doesnt fit tall drivers
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition to Bow in L.A. [2013 L First Drive Review 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe;
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe - Car Reviews
News and Reviews + 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - Instrumented Test + 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition - Official Photos and Info
Used 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe Review
With iconic, head-turning style and breathtaking performance, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT certainly qualifies as an exotic supercar. It's also comfortable and
First Drive: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT - Automobile
Research the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG including price, GT RWD 2-Dr Coupe V8 man trans. 2013 mercedes-benz sls amg Reviews and News.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster review notes
I was real lucky to have the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster over the to build an SLS Roadster. 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe review
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster - Autoblog
Autoblog drops the top and takes a quick spin in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster. News & Reviews . News & Reviews Hub; Autoblog Reviews;
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Review, Ratings, Specs ...
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is the latest take on there's not a lot new on the outside of the 2013 SLS AMG GT. The SLS AMG GT Roadster solves all
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe - Prices & Reviews
Learn about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe at Autotrader. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe. 2dr Cpe SLS AMG GT Rate & Review
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster review notes
Auto shows, Future Product Pipeline, vehicle design and technology. Cars & Concepts; Auto Shows. Detroit; Chicago; Geneva; New York; Beijing; Shanghai; Frankfurt
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT roadster Reviews - Mercedes ...
Check out the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT roadster review at CARandDRIVER.com. Use our Car Buying Guide to research Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT roadster prices, specs
