For those saving their lunch money to buy an SLS AMG coupe or convertible, we’ve got some bad news for you: both are now out of production, gone from U.S. dealer showrooms (carry-over inventory excepted).

In their place, Mercedes-Benz is shipping the new SLS AMG GT, which is proof positive of the old adage that too much is never enough. If the former version’s 562 horsepower (570 PS) wasn’t impressive enough (and trust is, it was), the SLS AMG GT now comes to market with 583 horsepower (591 PS), though torque remains at 479 pound-feet.

The GT comes with stickier Dunlop tires, adaptive damping and stiffer springs, as well as a recalibrated gearbox that produces even faster shifts. If you get the feeling that Mercedes-Benz is looking to cover both the sports car and GT segments, you’d be correct.

There aren’t many car that can make Chris Harris giggle like a schoolgirl, but the SLS AMG GT is certainly one of them. Germany’s Hockenheim circuit (which, as Harris points out, offers plenty of stuff to hit) can be cold and damp in late October, but that had no effect whatsoever on his enthusiasm for the car.

While other markets may get the GT package as an optional upgrade, those of us on this side of the pond will get only GT models from this point forward (until the even-faster SLS AMG Black Series hits dealers, anyway). That raises the price of the SLS AMG from $189,600 in 2012 to $199,500 in 2013 (both excluding destination charge), putting the price of the GT package at $9,900.

Is it worth it? On paper, it may be hard to justify, but if Mr. Harris’ unbridled glee is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes.