Automobile fascination paired with spectacular race car design – that is the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. The racing version of the SLS AMG has been conceived as a customer sport vehicle for participation in race series based on FIA GT3 regulations. Meticulous lightweight construction and optimized chassis, brakes and aerodynamics deliver uncompromising dynamics. The extra special SLS AMG will make its race track debut in 2011.

As defined in the FIA GT3 regulations, the AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine is virtually identical to that of the series production vehicle. Thanks to its low weight, the acceleration figures for the GT3 – 3.7 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 60 mph – are considerably below the already excellent figures for the series production vehicle. Depending on gear ratio, the top speed is more than 186 mph. In contrast to the series production vehicle, the SLS AMG GT3 is equipped with a six-speed racing transmission with sequential shift. Thanks to its compact construction, the race-tested transmission offers considerable packaging benefits – ultimately, the GT3 version has less ground clearance than the series production vehicle. The driver shifts gear using two shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission is mounted directly on the rear axle and connected to the V8 engine via a torque tube, which has a very high degree of flexural and torsional stiffness.

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The new SLS AMG GT3 has been developed in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations and is entitled to participate in all GT3 race series – including the popular 24-hour races in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, and on the Nürburgring in Germany. Interested customers can order the vehicle starting in the fall, with delivery scheduled prior to the start of the 2011 racing season. Homologation will be completed in March 2011.

Our West Coast photographer Alex Stack caught the 2010 Porsche Panamera supercar out on the roads of San Francisco. Alex counted at least 13 test mules, many with differing configurations. The Panamera showcases Porsche’s design heritage by mixing parts of beloved models like the spoiler similar to that found on the 911, the Cayman-esque rear, the Cayenne lines where the seat pillar meets the rear fender, and of course, the signature Porsche nose. Alex also noticed a lot of key features on the 2010 Panamera like the adaptive headlights, Porsche’s trademark composite ceramic brake system, and the new PDK transmission on several of the mules, though he was not able to get much of a read on the interior.

Watch our 2010 Porsche Panamera Spy Video and let us know what you think of its design and Alex’s observations of this highly-anticipated German supercar.

For more commentary about the new 2010 Porsche Panamera, please visit the Porsche Panamera Forum.

Click here to view spy shots of the Panamera.