Is the Mercedes SLS GT an SL63 w/ fancy doors?

[@jpracing893]

I find it funny that a lot of people think this car can't handle. But round the nurburgring it did a 7:30 quicker than a F12, R8 V10 Plus and a 650s Spyder

[@TheSmokingTire]

Thanks for the clarification. That explains why it works so much better. the Merc guys got me a bit confused, as they still call it "speedshift" in the SLS even though it's a different unit.

[@vaderprime923]

love how the peaceful intro music that fades into V8 roar and tire squeal, awesome

[@TheSmokingTire]

the key there is, "at most speeds". The wing is basically worthless below like 80 mph, but it automatically deploys and retracts as it's needed. You can also manually raise and lower it (like a Porsche 911), but if you leave it to do its own thing, you kind of have to trust that the Mercedes engineers know what they are doing and why it's there. Remember when the Audi TT came out (sans wing) and people started losing control of them at speed? Now they have wings.

[@TheSmokingTire]

That's a good observation. In the drivers meeting they talked about ceramics, and I honestly never took a good look at them when I got in the car. The brakes were excellent, which is why I never suspected they might not be ceramics. In fact, they were steel brakes.

[@djburrondarize]

This is for you folks who don't understand the 6.3 badge - "Based on the history of AMG, the number 6.3 has played an important role (eg. 300 SEL 6.3 AMG); therefore, the “63” numerology has become a pseudo-brand designator for AMG with the majority of models wearing this on the rear of the vehicle. This is done as a model designation without correlation to potential engine displacement. As a part of our current AMG naming strategy, vehicles will be given one of four designations on the rear of the vehicle: 65 AMG for BiTurbo V12 Powered Vehicles 63 AMG for BiTurbo V8 Powered Vehicles and Normally Aspirated 6.3 V8 Powered Vehicles 55 AMG for Normally Aspirated 5.4 V8 Powered Vehicles SLS AMG for the SLS Coupé and Roadster As it has been in the past and is currently, the badging on the wings (side fender) will continue to represent the engine of the vehicle. The following four designations are currently being used for series AMG’s: V12 BITURBO V8 BITURBO V8 AMG 6.3 We hope that this helps to clear up any confusion and gives some insight to our current models."

[@kylejordan6484]

55AMG Were first N/A and then supercharged before they moved to the 6.2liter 63AMG. My grandfather sells Mercedes and I work at the dealership during the summers.

[@kmuth2102]

Kevin Burr TheSmokingTire That almost makes sense... except it doesn't at all. There are current-model-year cars (e.g. the C63) that (I'm sure for marketing reasons as immensely stupid as Audi's insistence on using the turbocharged "T" suffix to denote supercharged engines) have four-liter engines and have "63" on the back. That's a 2.3 liter difference between Mercedes "badge engineering" and the actual displacement of the engine - the displacement of the original Mercedes SLK (which was honestly badged SLK230 with a supercharged 2.3L engine). Your argument suggests that the Brabus Smart Car should be badged "7.3L V12" since that's an engine Brabus is well-known for having put in a car. It's ridiculous and insults the intelligence of the Mercedes buyer almost as much as the Nintendo-controller-quality switches and buttons that litter the dashes of the lower-trim-level cars from Stuttgart nowadays. The only thing more cynical Mercedes could do would be to re-release the W120 S-class as the "Princess Di Edition" - if you did it next model year, it could be the "Princess Di 20th Anniversary Edition" and I'm sure there's a Designo Metallic Pearl paint color for that... Paparazzi Purple, or something.

[@KOOOOPATROOOOOPA]

I also feel like the displacement number to be technical, it would be for example 6.2582927 so it would make sense as well to round up for simplicity of marketing

[@TheSmokingTire]

jesus man, I mean it's "happy" in manual mode in that, unlike ALL other AMG transmissions, it actually does what you tell it to do, when you tell it to do it. The shifts are smooth and fast, and it doesn't shift up at redline like the other AMG cars do. It doesn't get confused when you try to shift manually just south of redline like the other AMG transmissions, it doesn't kill power in between shifts like the other AMG transmissions. It's happy in manual mode.

[@TheSmokingTire]

It's Mercedes' "Speedshift" transmission which uses a wet-clutch pack. It's halfway between a dual clutch and a traditional auto, and yes, definitely rev matches downshifts.

[@Lambo6fo]

This is one of my all time favourite cars, love it Matt :)

[@TheSmokingTire]

It's not that I wanted to hate it, it's just that I was a bit disappointed in how "soft" the first-gen SLS was. Fortunately, the GT solves basically all issues I had with the first car and is now excellent.

[@TheSmokingTire]

and just because people are ASKING $200k-240k doesn't mean that's what they are selling for. Ebay's "completed listings" section is full of no-sales, in fact, not one sale in the last 5 weeks according to Ebay. The highest bid on any car for any of those 14 no-sales was $150k. That, sir, is what the car is worth.

[@nastraightsix]

Thank you for the entertaining review Matt. Now to listen to TST's wicked podcast on my rush hour commute. Cheers!

[@ssrogers427]

That's awesome that they got that much power NA. Let me just say that I am a Corvette fanatic, and that engine is 150hp more than the Corvette's LS3 and only about 50hp short of the Supercharged LS9 in the ZR1s. That's crazy. Oh and Matt Farah, you are awesome. Keep the videos comin.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Amelia Island/Pebble Beach are a bit higher sales prices than what's considered normal, plus that particular SLR was a manufacturer show car and was used for press materials, which will increase a car's value in the long term by up to 10%. But think about this: SLR original MSRP -$450,000. Now $200k for one with 5k miles in A1 condition (optimistic price). Ford GT original MSRP - $150,000. Now $250k-275k for one with 5k miles in A1 condition. There's a reason one went up and the other went down.

[@axlplayer14]

Thank you for bringing back the old credits. So much better

[@RayThompson1]

One good thing about the SLS, SLS-GT, and C63 Black Series is this: you can put the transmission control into Sport Plus, and the gearbox will get the upshifts and downshifts absolutely perfect about 99% of the time. That's all based on track driving at Laguna Seca, by the way...

[@TheSmokingTire]

yeah the exhaust mic captures it perfectly.

[@ashiha13]

I vote Matt Farah for president 2016. You know, I've seen you respond to a few comments about a behind the scenes look by telling them that you would be sharing your secrets, but the thing is that YOU'RE the secret. Your lack of fucks given in your reviews is what makes them honest enough to watch and your personality is unique and entertaining as shit. YOU are what makes this interesting. Keep up the great work buddy.

[@scrustle]

That last shot before the credits was sweet.

[@CamCondy]

More quality from Matt Farah. The best thing about Matt is he's a real dude no radio bullshit voice and tells it as it is. Real people who like real cars that like to go fast. Win.

[@TheSmokingTire]

all i can say is that it's internal legal stuff being sorted out for our 2013 contract, which they were way late on. We have decided not to upload any more videos until the paperwork is signed and we can guarantee that we will be paid for our work. The season is not over, and we will be doing a full 13 episode run, though it may cross over into next quarter.

[@EatmyDust1311]

The best cars "out there" should not be boring in any situation.

[@FUNZO1975]

The "A"pillar looks really thick! Most likely it doesn't look so wide from the drivers seat, but the camera angle in this video makes it look a foot wide. Still a great look'n car. Sounds bad-ass!

[@TheSmokingTire]

Exactly. American V8's should sound as good as this, German, V8.

[@TheSmokingTire]

In order to federalize a car for sale in the US, a manufacturer has to pass US crash and safety standards, which generally means intentionally totaling five cars for the purposes of testing. A small manufacturer like Koenigsegg doesn't have the resources to do that (though we hear they are trying). That's also why the Venom GT start with a Lotus tub: so you can drive it in the US legally.

[@Dr_Xyzt]

The crack that it makes on downshifts are brilliant! There's something familiar about the intake gurgle on that car. It must have the same firing order as a Chevy small block. 15426378 on Mercedes numbers. It's amazing how low speed exhaust ports can really mellow out the exhaust note.

[@WmPark650]

Farah you should of been on Top Gear America, you're the man.

[@gingerninjad]

that last shot was beautiful. lets see it again. and again. and agin.

[@TheSmokingTire]

I don't even think about it, it's just a watch. Everyone else seems to notice it though, but to me it's just my watch.

[@TheSmokingTire]

I mean, if you're really shopping $200,000 supercars, you're going to buy a car that you connect with emotionally, and for every person that car is different. Would I buy one personally? No. Because for that kind of money, I want a pure sports car. Then again, I've never been in a position to buy a car like that just to daily drive.

[@Terence5Hotz]

Think he meant most powerful naturally aspirated v8. AND holy shit not only did you miss the camera at the end, you got set up for a nice shot with the same camera! Fun vid man

[@TheSmokingTire]

The SLS comes with either standard steel or optional ceramic brakes. I had (incorrectly) assumed that all the cars marked "track" were equipped with ceramics, but I wasn't 100% sure. Normally, if I had more than 1 hour with a car, I would be more thorough, but we had an hour to do this video start-to-finish with only 1 cameraman. Such is life.

[@TheSmokingTire]

The V12 Vantage is awesome, I love that car. It's more of a sports car and less of a GT car than the SLS (plus it comes in stick!)

[@PowerMindLimitless]

i got to drive a bmw 335iS this morning for about 30 miles as i work for a bmw dealer, and i just thought as i was driving, damn matt farrah has a great job

[@TheSmokingTire]

you can look up specifications, stats, and the 0-60 time anywhere. I pride myself on providing what the experience is like to drive the car, beyond what the number say and beyond what you can look up in a data sheet on a web site.

[@TheSmokingTire]

If they already have a lambo and a ferrari, you should go the other way with it and go for luxury on the next one. Or something classic, like a Ferrari Dino, Daytona, or a Lamborghini Countach for the collection. Something that isn't just an off-the-rack supercar that says "I have too much money and no taste."

[@joey.5er]

I love that new intro, obviously u have a great crew matt

[@TheSmokingTire]

Yep! Our new web site is live as well so you can get quotes and book cars online.

[@TheBrokenEclipse]

That's is good to know, I love the videos you guys make on both Tuned and TST!

[@TheSmokingTire]

that was optimistic at the time, though from what we hear it hasn't gone through yet.

[@TheSmokingTire]

no, that car belongs to my friend David, who was one of the EP's on The Car Show.

[@JG54206]

Finally some new Matt Farah video content

[@TheSmokingTire]

I have been ridiculously busy opening Gotham Dream Cars LA, and now we've got more videos to post. See other comments below regarding tuned; it's not scrapped.

[@TheSmokingTire]

No, I don't think so. It will depreciate like all other AMG cars, maybe a little bit slower, but I don't see a lot of long-term collector value in modern cars that aren't extremely limited production and very desirable. The BMW 1-series M Coupe, Carrera GT, 997 GT3RS 4.0 come to mind as cars that will go up in the short term. Manual transmissions and a limited number of electronic nannies help with that.

[@TheSmokingTire]

delay of game on that while some legal crap got sorted out with our 2013 contract. We'll be back soon, and the season won't be shorter, it may just run a bit into the next quarter.

[@TheSmokingTire]

lol that jacket, meant for Skeet shooting, was $400 at Orvis, which is possibly the most white-bred clothing company in the universe.

[@TheSmokingTire]

we've had two SLS's, and neither of them rented well. No one wanted to pay $2,000/day for a mercedes, even if it's a $220,000 mercedes.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Yes, the track is the best place to turn off traction control, but trying to figure out how to actually turn it off while lapping isn't exactly the best time because you should probably focus on driving not fiddling with buttons while on the track.

[@TheSmokingTire]

we did the stock FRS for "Attack Of the Show" on G4, the clip is on KZbin.

[@TheSmokingTire]

I think "happy" is a perfect descriptor for the transmission in manual as compared to all other AMG cars which are "unhappy" and shift like shit in manual mode. And when I say "did you feel that?" i was speaking to my cameraman and you can see the car bounce around in the video, making it very clear what I was trying to express.

[@TheSmokingTire]

The new Vanquish is certainly a competitor (though it costs $50k more), as is the F12 Berlinetta (at $100k more) and the Jaguar XKR-S (at $70k less).

[@TheSmokingTire]

I'm confused, why don't I have time to suggest a good highway cruiser? If you asked me to recommend a car, and provided all the necessary information in order to make a good decision (budget, location, other needs, etc) then I could help out. But if you ask me "what's a good highway cruiser?" that's not enough of a specific question to even bother.

[@2thdocdds]

Dual clutch, same unit in the 458, and MP4-12C. They have their own TCU/software depending on the manufacturer.

[@TheSmokingTire]

When you click the "unlock" button the handles pop out. When you hit "lock" or put the car in gear, they retract.

[@ibeunstoppable]

Love your videos! Always look forward to the next one.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Top Gear can afford to replace $500 tires every time they feel like it. I cannot.

[@WaLeeeeeeeeD100]

This is the best car in the world in my opinion the looks the sound and everything else such a beautiful car and btw matt good job again ur awesome

[@TheSmokingTire]

I turned it off halfway through the video, but I like starting a test with it on just to see how it reacts.

[@lpjzfan05]

Great vid TST! Gotta be awesome to drive a sls like you own it.

[@licarcar]

Fav car on fav channel.. Can't complaint

[@TheSmokingTire]

....... Oh sorry, what was that? You said Nissan GTR and I fell asleep for a second there.

[@cookieinthewoods]

Love the sound of that engine. For me, AMG produce the best engine note in the business.

[@Goose2105]

Matt, you have a great job and you do it right! ) only one thing - track is the best place to turn off tracktion control )))

[@TheSmokingTire]

Yes, the K-segg and Venom GT both have more powerful V8 engines, but those tend not to count due to extremely limited production numbers.

[@marufawal]

glad to hear tune is coming back has to be one of my favorite shows on youtube no offense to smokingtire channel but deep inside I'm a tuner first

[@TheTonicro]

great review, Matt and Chris in the same day it must be xmass

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

Great video. Often speed limits are "used" to use a bit a more "normal" tire. Extreme speeds need extreme tires, and that would reduce the ride comfort in such a GT, I think. AMG's often have fairly small tires compared to the engine performance.

[@TheSmokingTire]

you spend money tuning a car to make it drive better, to rectify compromises that were made at the factory for fuel economy, emissions, or noise, to suit it more to your needs. some (ahem, most) just want to be able to say they have a faster car than their neighbor. That doesn't mean I don't want my supercar to come properly equipped from the factory. And turbos for a 458 are way more than $15k.

[@VictorBeltran]

The sound! My GOD! THE NOISE!!

[@orangegreenify]

Matt, as I am seeing this: When are you doing the AMG GTS on the Snake?

[@ragnarlothbrok6324]

CaptainDelight soon

[@TheSmokingTire]

Probably not, since Ford probably won't give me another one after I a) told them their brakes were embarrassingly bad on that car and b) completely destroyed the rear tires on the last one.

[@Bryce70]

Definitely love the sound of the worlds most powerful production V8, its really a distinct sound too.

[@TheSmokingTire]

I actually never found out why they threw the yellow, but as far as I know no one went off.

[@TheSmokingTire]

SLS GT is a much better car than the SLR ever was.

[@TheSmokingTire]

lasted the full day, but they were rather shot after my 30 minutes of drifting and donuts.

[@GHOSTJERKER]

It sounds like a WW2 German Spitfire! Awesome!

[@TheSmokingTire]

Well, you sound like a smartass when you say that. Especially because I know you know what I meant by that statement.

[@NoobySammy]

Awesome vid again! love you guys. Btw these were the standard brakes. :) the carbon ceramics are optional and are distinguished by their orange-goldish caliper colour. :D

[@rzorNvme]

Best part was the drifting at the end

[@leronv79]

2:43 "That is what an American V8 should sound like" HAHA I love it!

[@jonesjonz1]

Thank you for this track test Wreck it Ralph. Love these cars but would only like it without those doors. Its all about those door's, not for the 50 and up crowd though.

[@Althorn100]

The video was first impressions of the car on a track... while driving it. If you want to see every spec of the car you can google it. As for the video it was great and served its purpose. TST is the bomb.

[@TheSmokingTire]

no it's not. There are two Agera's in the US, neither of which is legal to drive on public roads. (unless you have a dealer plate or something).

[@colonelclusterfuck99]

woah that into was a throwback

[@GR33NHAZ3]

Great Review Matt!

[@s.flanders]

Watching fast cars launch is much more exciting than "doing a 0-60 run" might suggest. Sure, you can see 0-60 times on any spec sheet, but it's exciting watching cars launch, especially cars that do it well. Videos that have the Veyron launching from 0 are much more exciting than those that just show it driving around fast, even if it is really fast. Acceleration just makes for better entertainment than high speed alone.

[@TheSmokingTire]

I drive for fun. I could give a fuck about lap times 90% of the time. However, I am very competitive, so if I am in a competitive situation, like a race, an autocross, or something like that, I like to win.

[@TheSmokingTire]

i mean, not often, but it does happen from time to time.

[@turnicholas]

That exhaust mic rocks!!!

[@C4SEagle]

The SLS tested in this video has the standard steel brakes (= red color). The optional AMG carbon ceramic brakes are golden.

[@TheSmokingTire]

It's my channel, I have the right to be a smartass when people try and use technicalities in order to dance around the fact that they knew exactly what I mean when I say something. It doesn't make them sound smarter, it makes them sound like assholes.

[@dwaxv8]

Watched several reviews on that Mustang you wernt the only 1 and I doubt you were the last - every reviewer talked about them

[@TheSmokingTire]

Again, thanks for the clarification (you know your shit). The steel brakes were so good that I thought they had to be ceramics. I later did drive a couple laps with a Ceramic-equipped car and they are even better, though not worth the money unless you're going to be spending a lot of time at the track.

[@misterpacha1]

Good one matt. I'm just looking forward to your Vanquish, R8 v10 plus, and the new rs4 rs 6 rs 7 and some porsches if you ever do. Thanx man

[@TheSmokingTire]

I'd have to "see myself" making enough money to afford it, but no, I wouldn't want to use the SLS as a daily. For someone my size, I fit in the car, but getting in and out is too annoying for everyday use.

[@genebf88]

Yes Mercedes displays the 6.3 badge but the cc's are 6208 so it is a 6.2 Liter.

[@TheSmokingTire]

especially when the car came with the "track pack," which is totally unsuitable for track use.

[@dwaxv8]

Love the way that Mercedes is building their AMG line up, their cars have that rich throaty bellow of a V8 thats original, none of this speaker pumping exhaust sound into the cabin business!!!

[@RMosher11]

Great sounding car, I think Mercedes is the only Euro manufacturer who makes big bore v8's that sound like they mean business!

[@Kav3h]

That is one great sounding motor, to bad they don't come in with a stick anymore. I think you have to hold the traction control button down for 10 seconds to turn it off or something I learned from Top Gear.