2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition Preview: 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show

If the past is any indication, it will be at least another 60 years or so before Mercedes-Benz puts another gull-winged sports car into production, and the automaker explicitly stated at the Los Angeles Auto Show that there would be no "direct replacement" for the current one for the foreseeable future. In other words, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition marks the end of an era for the industry, but will go out on top as what Tobias Moers, chair of the board of management for Mercedes-AMG, called "one final and extremely attractive variant of our super sports car. With its numerous carbon fiber-look body components, a further optimized aerodynamic balance and optional Cup tires, the SLS AMG GT Final Edition has the absolute potential to fascinate."

What's New for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition

• Plenty of exposed carbon-fiber body pieces, including its hood, front splitter and rear spoiler
• Improved aerodynamics, a lower coefficient of drag and more downforce at speed
• Staggered (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) forged alloy wheels
• Exclusive Dunlop Sport Maxx Race tires (a no-cost option) designed specifically for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition
• Limited production (350 units) with numbered, carbon-fiber cabin badging and unique interior appointments

New 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition: Styling and Design

Already one of the most striking cars on the road today, the SLS AMG GT makes the most of its new exposed carbon-fiber bodywork in the appearance of its Final Edition variant, then sets off the look with a matte graphite exterior finish that first appeared on the SLS AMG 45th anniversary GT3 racecar. Other fresh touches range from high-gloss black support struts for the car's rear apron to those Final Edition wheels, which will be offered with either high-gloss or matte finish, as well as a bright rim flange accent.

The interior of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS GT Final Edition showcases unique seating, with "designo Exclusive leather" upholstery, a diamond stitch pattern and silver contrast stitching, and a premium AMG performance steering wheel wrapped in fine Alcantra leather and boasting high-gloss, black-metal inserts and an eye-catching silver accent at the top of the wheel.

New 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS GT Final Edition: What's Under the Hood

Providing motivation for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition is a hand-built, naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 engine that produces 583 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of torque, and that unit is mated to AMG's Speedshift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Leveraging launch control and four different shift programs, the powertrain pushes the car from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds, enables a 0-124 mph sprint of just 11.2 seconds, and allows an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph.

New 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition: What Autobytel Thinks

One of the few entries that truly lives up to its hype as a "future classic," the SLS AMG GT gets a fitting sendoff with its Final Edition.