"AUTO BILD Sports Car of the Year 2012“: Double victory for Mercedes-AMG

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In a poll to determine the "Sports car of the year 2012", readers of the German motoring magazine "AUTO BILD Sportscars" put two models from Mercedes-AMG right at the top of the list: the Mercedes SL 63 AMG won the category of 'Production Cabriolets', while the Mercedes SLS AMG GT was the undisputed winner among the 'Production Super Sports Cars'.

173 candidates made it on to the short list in the vote for the "Sports cars of the year 2012". 72,475 readers of AUTO BILD Sportscars then cast their votes online for their personal favourites. And in two categories the result came out in favour of cars from the performance brand Mercedes-AMG. In the 'Production Cabriolets' segment it was the Mercedes SL 63 AMG that was waved through in first place by the chequered flag. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT then tore across the finishing line ahead of the rest of the pack in the category of 'Production Super Sports Cars'.

The SL 63 AMG Roadster offers an impressive blend of systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and exemplary efficiency. Its all-aluminium bodyshell is complemented by a V8 powerpack with an output of between 395 kW (537 hp) and 415 kW (564 hp). It is a combination that provides the perfect prerequisites for unrivalled dynamism and an effortlessly superior driving experience. Also contributing to the car's outstanding performance are its AMG sports suspension on the basis of Active Body Control (ABC), a new AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system, AMG high-performance composite brakes and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. What is more, the high-performance Roadster manages to combine elegant design and a comprehensive package of standard equipment with a high level of safety.

The SLS AMG GT, available as either a Coupé or Roadster, is a performance-oriented GT variant of the already legendary Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and exudes emotional appeal. Uprated to 435 kW (591 hp) and with optimised shift times and the new AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension, the gull-wing model is a true superstar among super sports cars. And thus ideally suited to take on important responsibilities, for example as the Official F1™ Safety Car during the 2012 season. As its driver Bernd Mayländer says of his 'company car': "The SLS AMG GT is the best Safety Car I've ever driven!"

* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *

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