McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz news fromduPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the S-Class, the Maybach range, the AMG models, the G-Class and the electric line-up. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Mercedes-Benz competes across more segments than almost any rival, so the news here runs unusually wide. Our marketplace supplies the part most publications leave out entirely. A great many of these cars are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts a review and a real asking price side by side. For Mercedes-Benz news today, and the luxury car market news around it, start here.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 04, 2024

150-Mile 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series For Sale

With only 150 miles on the odometer, this is your opportunity to own a practically brand new SLS AMG Black Series. Throughout its illustrious history as a pioneer in the automotive space, Mercedes-Benz has been responsible for designing and engineering icons that are now considered to be some of the most coveted collector cars in the world. And while four-wheel legends like the 300 SL have gone on to become stored, multi-million dollar prized possessions by lucky owners, its design continued to inspire future icons like Mercedes-Benz's ever-popular SLS AMG Black Series. Limited to only 132 examples for the entire world, the Black Series variant of the SLS AMG represents the last year of production for the SLS lineup. The team of professionals at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted is proud to showcase this extremely rare 150-mile 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series as part of its incredible inventory of luxury cars and SUVs for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View Price And Listing With only 38 other examples sporting the same stealthy finish, this SLS AMG Black Series sports Mercedes-Benz's Obsidian Black paint scheme. The Black Series further stands out as a true track star, with exposed carbon aero features that upgrade the SLS' factory front lip, side skirts, air intakes, and fixed rear wing. Dual-tone, lightweight sport wheels provide traction for the straightaways, while bronze carbon ceramic brakes supply the stopping power for tight cornering. Opening its butterfly-style doors, reminiscent of the 300 SL, the SLS AMG Black Series reveals a subtle track-focused cabin layered in rich black leather and alcantara. Gloss carbon fiber trim ties into its ultra-lightweight DNA as it covers every surface of the center console, inner door panels, and floorboards. A pair of black leather, carbon sport bucket seats feature red contrast stitching and seatbelts, while each headrest displays embroidered Mercedes-Benz logos. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series comes equipped with a hand-built 6.2L naturally aspirated V8 engine that cranks out an impressive 622 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a beastly 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Black Series rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Ready to find its new home in the ultimate car collection, this 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series from Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted is now for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing

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By Tyler Rampersaud – October 02, 2023

Mercedes-AMG Reminisces The SLS AMG Electric Drive 11 Yea...

This AMG creation was the herald of a future that’s now very near. As the automotive industry arrives at a turning point, electric vehicles are becoming more common, and in the performance car world, that has thus far made for exciting developments and innovations. Today, we see electric cars breaking records as some of the fastest, most powerful cars of all time, and as more and more manufacturers begin to show what their electric vehicles can do, a new era of performance, luxury, engineering, and design is quickly blossoming. However, it wasn’t very long ago that electric performance cars like the many we see in today’s automotive world were once zany experiments that were thought to only become commonplace in the distant future, and in a new post on Instagram, Mercedes-Benz is looking back on its own: the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive, which was introduced 11 years ago at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Based on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the first AMG-exclusive Mercedes-Benz, it featured the legendary grand tourer’s iconic design, which boasted the gullwing-style doors that made the 300 SL a historic masterpiece, as well as the proportions to make one of the most beautiful coupes ever penned. However, in this iteration, it was given a new finish in AMG Electric Beam Magno Blue, and revised with an electric drivetrain, one that generated 740 horsepower and 738 lb/ft of torque, numbers which were impressive enough to change many preconceived notions about electric vehicles, as well as constitute a record-breaking run on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. That groundbreaking machine was, however, just the beginning for the electrification revolution in the automotive industry, as we now have production electric models from AMG, which deliver the brand’s signature blend of high performance and sumptuous luxury in the way that any AMG model is known for. While it might seem like a long time has passed since the introduction of the SLS AMG Electric Drive compared to the electric vehicles of today, we are still very much at the beginning of this exciting new chapter in automotive history. View All Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGs For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mercedes-AMG (@mercedesamg)

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By Tyler Rampersaud – September 11, 2023

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series In Solarbeam Yellow Fo...

This gullwing-doored GT is not to be underestimated.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 02, 2023

1-of-5 Mars Red Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series For Sale

Mercedes’ gutsiest modern gullwing is up for sale.

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By Jordan Aquistapace – May 27, 2022

Check The Spec: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition in...

A chance to own the final edition of Mercedes-Benz iconic SLS AMG GT. With a stable full of historic supercars that commemorate specific eras of performance, Mercedes-Benz continues to highlight past models that grow in popularity and value within the secondary automotive market. One of the most iconic Mercedes-Benz to come from the Stuttgart factory is the SLS AMG GT Final Edition, built in a limited run of just 350 units globally. The supercar specialists at OpenRoad Northwest are proud to showcase this 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition as part of its growing inventory of high-luxury inventory of exotic vehicles. Finished in Mars Red with Gloss Carbon Fiber Accents While most SLS AMG GT Final Edition are found in Designo Mystic White, AMG Solar Beam Yellow, or Iridium Silver paint finishes, this configuration presents itself in a factory Mercedes-Benz Mars Red paint scheme with a gloss carbon fiber hood. The exterior includes weight-saving carbon fiber components that also help generate air flow throughout the body, making it more efficient for cooling and aerodynamics. Along with a set of 19/20-inch multi-spoke factory black sport wheels that act as a traction grabbing source, this build comes with an additional OEM winter tire and wheel set included. Being one of the most aggressive-looking AMG vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, the SLS AMG GT Final Edition offers the look and feel of any everyday race car for road use. Designo Black Nappa Leather Upholstery With an exterior design that differentiates this spec from all others out in the wild, the interior takes on a minimalistic approach that focuses on incorporating the quality and attention to detail that Mercedes-Benz is known for in the industry. The Designo Black Nappa Leather layering features an elegant diamond pattern with white contrast stitching that adds a sense of depth to the pair of sport bucket seats. The use of gloss carbon fiber and vibrant mars red finds its way throughout the additional trim components, further establishing itself as a driver-oriented supercar. Naturally-Aspirated 6.3L V8 (583hp/479lb-ft) The most exciting feature of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition is its Naturally-Aspirated 6.3-Liter V8, a hand-crafted engine platform that generates over 583-horsepower and 479-lb ft of torque to the rear wheels. A sophisticated 7-speed sports transmission helps launch the Mercedes-Benz from 0-60mph in only 3.6-seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 197mph. Being the end of an ear for the SLS AMG GT and its famous gullwing doors, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition is the perfect addition to any collection. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition from OpenRoad Northwest is currently available on duPont REGISTRY with 14,235 miles for $429,995, by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and Check The Spec specials. VIEW PRICE AND LISTING

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 05, 2022

Check Out This 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Editio...

A chance to own a piece of Mercedes-Benz AMG history. In the world of Mercedes-Benz, the AMG performance division operates under the idea of providing a track-like driving experience through its series of high-horsepower road cars. One of the most popular chassis in the German automotive manufacturer’s history is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT, a modern-day supercar built to pay homage to the 1950s 300 SL. This 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT sets itself apart from others produced, as it’s a special final edition specification built by the in-house AMG Team. The exterior presents itself in a unique Imola Grey paint scheme with 19”/20” matte black cross-spoke wheels to tie together its aggressive styling. Keeping the build performance-driven, the SLS AMG GT also comes fit with exterior carbon fiber components and a special 1-of-1 custom back fuel cap from the factory. The powertrain responsible for delivering 583-horsepower to the rear wheels is a front-mid AMG naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 engine. The power is meticulously managed through its 7-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission, which launches the SLS AMG GT from 0-60 miles per hour in just 3.9-seconds. Opening the classic gullwing style doors unveils a Designo black exclusive leather interior layout with diamond stitching. The premium SLS AMG GT interior includes additional features like an Alcantara sport steering wheel, Bang & Olufsen Beosound AMG sound system, Thermotronic Climate Control, and much more. This 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition is only 1 of 350 produced and is available on duPont REGISTRY with 6,081-miles for $439,900.

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: A Look Back

It’s is no big secret that Mercedes-Benz has been working on a convertible version of the Mercedes SLS Gullwing. In fact, the first unit for North America was sold to our Publisher at the Boca Raton Concours d' Elegance (it went under the hammer alongside the first R8 GT and a certain Ferrari). The first Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster will land stateside in fall 2011. The SLS AMG Roadster comes with a soft-top convertible mechanism. To cut the top off, Mercedes-Benz had to spend some extra time reinforcing the car’s structure and tweaking its handling. Additional support structures will add to the vehicle’s weight (90 or so pounds) but allow the top to be opened or closed at speed, specifically at speeds up to 31 mph. There is no latch to unlock as the opening/closing process is fully automatic and takes only eleven seconds. The soft top will be available in three colors—black, red and beige—and, surprisingly, won’t eat into the car’s trunk space. Through no fault of Mercedes and despite paying homage to the original 300 SL of the 1950s, some may not be fond of the new SLS without its trademark gullwing doors. Still, there is no denying that the Roadster is well proportioned. The SLS AMG Roadster features the same long hood, rear-positioned cabin, small rear deck, wide track, and short overhangs that make the SLS Gullwing coupe so appealing. Mercedes-Benz Concept A: Bringing the Curves Back SLS AMG GT Final Edition Also, like the coupe, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster features an aluminum space frame, 6.3-liter V-8 developing 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and sports suspension. New for both in 2012 is an optional adaptive suspension. The electronically controlled dampers in the suspension function in one of three modes: "Comfort," "Sport," and "Sport plus." SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, AMG Solarbeam, exterior Like many new exotics, the SLS features an interior inspired by aviation. The dashboard is in the shape of a wing, the air vents are cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines, and the shifter is in the shape of an aircraft's thrust control. For the 2012 Mercedes SLS Gullwing and 2012 SLS Roadster, the center console’s control unit can be equipped with a new AMG Performance Media. It not only allows the driver to adjust the optional Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension, but also gains access to numerous metrics such as engine output; 0–60, quarter-mile, and lap times; and lateral and linear acceleration. Optional on all new Mercedes-Benz convertibles and standard on the SLS AMG Roadster is Mercedes-Benz’s exclusive Airscarf system, which warms the head and neck areas of the occupants for top-down motoring in cooler climates. A new color, Sepang Brown Metallic, and 10-spoke wheels painted in matte black with a high-sheen rim flange will premiere with the 2012 SLS Roadster and be available on the coupe. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and 300 SL, heritage When considering the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG price, one must realize there was nothing like it before, and we won't see such a car again. As the first car to be styled and engineered by Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance division was given a blank check. Well-equipped models of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG for sale were offered just under $200,000. This represented a new aluminum chassis, suspension tuned for the world's best tracks, and the swan song for the historic naturally aspirated V8. Because only a handful of parts are shared with other Mercedes-Benz models, you should not trust it to anyone except the dealer for service. To see what makes the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG specs so unique, let's consider the purpose of the car. Being a successor to the legendary Gullwing would never be easy. Therefore, they chose to build a proper GT around the big-block V8. Price: $192,175 Engine: 6.2-liter V8 Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch Horsepower: 563 hp Torque: 479 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 3.6s 1/4 mile: 11.7 @ 124.3 mph Top Speed: 196 mph Weight: 3,765 lbs Everything before the Mercedes SLS AMG for sale was scared to offer a front-mid mounted V8. Even a novice driver can appreciate the crisp steering response along with a thundering soundtrack. From here on, V8 engines are tiny with turbocharging, and the cars are loaded with too many systems. The Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio offers 1,100 watts to both passengers without being muddled by complexity. You deserve a carbon-fiber torque tube and incredible grip in any situation. The team knew this car would never be replicated, so the SLS AMG Final Edition was limited to 350 cars. Based on the SLS AMG GT, it was offered as a coupe and roadster. Exposed carbon fiber was borrowed from the Black Series, and the interior was loaded with designo leather and 3D Alcantara. Badging and wheels are also specific, keeping the SLS AMG Final Edition price comparable to the best classics on the market. Shop Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – April 08, 2020

Two of only 350 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Editions a...

Only 2,424 Miles Still Under Warranty Mercedes-Benz has a long history of racing and motorsports, but it was not their focus in the late 60's. Two engineers with a passion for performance decided to resign and open a shop dedicated to built the ultimate versions of the cars they loved. Mr. A & Mr. G formed AMG to build fast cars, and three decades of dominating the aftermarket prompted Mercedes-Benz to purchase the company in 1999. In doing so, AMG was given a blank check to build the car of their dreams. Therefore, they built a new 6.2L V8 and a 21st-century resurrection of the famous Gullwing SL. The SLS AMG coupe was soon followed by a roadster, and Mr. duPont ordered one with every option. My experiences behind the wheel of that 2012 masterpiece will be forever burned into my memory. The SLS AMG represents the last Mercedes-Benz supercar to have a big naturally aspirated V8. While they were never meant for mass production, Mercedes and AMG fans spared no expense when ordering. All good things must come to an end, so the final 350 examples of the SLS AMG GT were a series unto themselves. Each car includes the aerodynamic bits from the SLS Black Series along with two unique choices of forged monoblock 19" wheels. Designo leather interior was standard, and Dunlop Sport Maxx Race Cup tires were a popular option. The sound of a true AMG 6.2L at high rpm would scare John Force, and it has a style so bold that we will never see another Gullwing. Even the latest Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro does not measure up. This is the end of an era for an independent AMG, and that is why it should be the centerpiece of your collection. Our friends at Fort Lauderdale Collection have all the details, so click the button below to learn more. View Price & Features P.S. While this would be a fitting place to end, sitting next to this black beast is another 2015 SLS AMG GT Final Edition. It is a red roadster with 3,999 miles. While the Gullwing has an unmistakable style, Summer has arrived here in Florida. The roadster offers the same 591 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque along with a stronger chassis to cope with going topless. The innovative "Air Scarf" is able to force hot or cold air at your neck, providing a bubble of perfect temperature around your noggin. I have tested it at speed, and I still wonder why all convertibles don't have such equipment. The previous owner added a few goodies from RENNtech, so you will be pleasantly surprised. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing inventory from Fort Lauderdale Collection! View Price & Features

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By Caitlin Duffy – September 11, 2015

Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Laureus Edition Track Runs

Though spotting an exotic car anywhere in the world is an exciting moment, there's nothing quite like seeing one in its natural habitat, hugging the corners of the track and flying down straightaways as fast as they can.MDKSuperCars spotted just such a moment not long ago, and shared a video of a particularly special Mercedes SLS on YouTube Sept. 9. The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Laureus Edition was a significant creation from Mercedes-Benz for a few reasons. Created in a special livery and shared with the world in a press release April 14, it was both the 100th SLS AMG GT3 created and an impressive donation to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.An anonymous donor purchased the GT3 Laureus Edition as a special edition for the Foundation, and as the release describes, "with a significant bonus-donation, he fully dedicates the car to the purpose of Laureus." In total, €250,000 was donated to the Laureus Foundation, and the car was dedicated for use by the Laureus Foundation at future charitable events.Of course, to keep a car like that in running order, it has to be used occasionally and properly. So a few runs out on the track are sincerely a necessity to the engine's health. No surprise, then, that it was out and about for a beautiful drive.(See Also: 1,000 hp MANSORY Black Edition S63 Coupe)Check out the video above, see the photos from this special edition's handover at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai below and find your own SLS AMG from our exclusive listings.SLS AMGs For SaleGallery (Source: YouTube, Mercedes-Benz) See More Mercedes-Benz News

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