Autoblog

Rumormill: Mercedes considering more affordable "baby" SLS AMG gullwing?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

The folks over at Mercedes appear to be pretty excited about their newest supercar. For starters, the SLS AMG gullwing is the first ever home-grown AMG supercar, and it replaces the ho-hum McLaren SLR. And of course, the nearly $200,000 German hot rod comes equipped with retro-tastic gullwing doors and a 6.2-liter V8 capable of 563 horsepower and 0-60 mph times of 3.8 seconds - both of which we certainly like. But will the SLS AMG be the one-and-only purpose-built vehicle to come from Mercedes' performance group? We kinda doubt it, and so do the scribes over at PistonHeads.

While attending the SLS drive event in Monterey, California, the PistonHeads crew spoke off-the-cuff with company execs who said that an additional AMG model could be in the works. We already know that a convertible version of the SLS is in the works, and a Black Series and dedicated racing version have also been mooted. However, the rumored second AMG Pistonheads is speaking about could be a Porsche 911 hunter based off of the same platform of the SLS AMG, with a front engine layout and smaller overall proportions. Further speculation is that the smaller, presumably less expensive SLS sibling would also carry a V8 engine between 5.8 and 6.2 liters with direct injection and cylinder shutoff tech.

If a smaller, lighter AMG model sounds good to you and you can afford the presumably high price tag, we hope you have some patience. The same executive who spilled bean on the possible smaller AMG also stated that such a car isn't likely to see the light of day for another five years.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: PistonHeads]

Rumormill: Mercedes considering more affordable "baby" SLS AMG gullwing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Dan Roth — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

The usual suspects of Chris, Sam, and Dan are joined this week by Autoblog Editor Extraordinaire Chris Paukert. It's a packed 'cast, starting with the apparent go-ahead of the Cadillac Converj. The future of the Dodge Viper figures in to a few minutes of debate, as does Chrysler's marathon presentation about the company's plans going forward. Moving from Chrysler to the company's former overlords at Daimler, we talk about Mr. Paukert's Wild Ride in the AMG SLS, and take a complete left turn into Ford Ranger land and talk about the one we won't be getting. Toyota's floor mat/throttle controversy finishes up the topics before we take a couple questions and call it a night. A good, solid hour and a half for your enjoyment.

Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Gallery: Podcast listener pictures

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG straightens up and flies right

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

On one hand, it may seem like an odd time for Mercedes to be jumping back into the ultra-premium end of the car market, particularly in light of its recent less-than-standouts efforts (think: McLaren SLR and the salesproof Maybach). But this isn't the case with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. In fact, this isn't really a Gottlieb and Karl joint at all - at least not by any traditional definition.

The SLS is actually an Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach project. Huh? It's AMG's first bumper-to-bumper, start-to-finish project - and having just torn around the California countryside and hot-lapped around Laguna Seca, we're left wondering only one thing: Why did it take more than 40 years for this to happen? Well, perhaps we should cut Mercedes some slack, as it has only owned the high-performance arm since 1999, so perhaps the appropriate thing is to look at the SLS' 2009 rollout as something of a tenth anniversary present to itself. In that light, the folks from Stuttgart know how to throw one hell of a party.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG straightens up and flies right

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG straightens up and flies right originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gullwing America takes on Mercedes' latest supercar, creates SLS Panamericana

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Gullwing America SLS Panamericana - click above image for high-res gallery

Few cars are as classic and iconic as the original Gullwing, also known as the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Created by a loophole in racing rules when MB realized that, "Nowhere is it written that a door can only open sideways." Hence, Mercedes was allowed to retain the strength of the 300SL's (as well as the 300SLR's) tubular space frame by hinging the doors from the roof. A legend, as they say, was born.

Fast-forward more than fifty years and Mercedes-Benz (via AMG) is about to launch a new gullwing, this time called the SLS AMG. While it's no doubt a great car (553 horsepower tends to do that), some might say it's slightly lacking in the retro SL looks department. Enter Gullwing America (you might remember their updated 300SL) and their new SLS Panamericana.

Created to be a more proper "300SL from the 21st century," the Panamericana consists of seven body pieces including the all important "eyebrows" on top of the fenders. Everything is made from either lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber. Plus, you get those snazzy racing stripes. As well as a swath of Alcantara on the seats set off by contrast stitching. You also get a set of GWA wheels, 19-inchers up front, 20-inches in the rear. While we do like most of what we see, we're honestly not sold on the brows... how about you? Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Gullwing America SLS Panamericana

[Source: Gullwing America]

Gullwing America takes on Mercedes' latest supercar, creates SLS Panamericana originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series coming in 2013

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

After initially announcing the project back in 2006, Mercedes-Benz finally lived up to anticipation when it unveiled its new top-of-the-line SLS AMG at the Frankfurt Motor Show. But despite the supercar's superlative performance figures, the stock SLS is emerging as only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. In addition to an upcoming all-electric version and anticipated roadster, reports are popping up again to confirm that the German automaker is indeed working on a Black Series version that will take the car's performance to the edge of the envelope.

The report in Autocar equates the difference between the existing SLS and the upcoming Black edition to the distance bridged from the Corvette Z06 to the ZR1. That's some standard to live up to, but if reports prove accurate, the SLS AMG Black Series should be up to the task. Whereas the stock SLS offers 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque from its 6.2-liter V8, the Black version is tipped to produce upwards of 600 hp and more than 500 lb-ft of twist from the same engine, tweaked with a larger air manifold, higher compression, new camshafts, a mechanical locking diff and more.

Driving through the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and coupled to a revised aerodynamics package and aggressive weight-reduction program, the SLS Black is tipped to drop the stock 0-62 time down from 3.8 seconds to below 3.5 seconds and boost the top speed from 195 to 208 miles per hour. A commensurate 50% price hike to around £155k (~$250k) would put the SLS AMG Black Series on par with the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with the HGTE handling package, set to hit the scene some time around 2013.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series coming in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drop the Hammer: Getting schooled with AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock

Chris Paukert — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock - Click above for high-res image gallery

The world's sickly economy not withstanding, selling luxury vehicles is easy. From the suppleness of a swatch of leather to the exquisite graining on a piece of rare wood veneer to having every electronic gewgaw available at one's fingertips, what defines a luxury car is essentially self-evident. To a substantial degree, everyone knows quality and true luxury when they see and feel it. The same cannot be so easily said when it comes to matters of high performance.

Selling luxury may be easy, but as AMG has figured out, selling high-performance is a heck of a lot more fun.

As one of the globe's premiere aspirational brands, Mercedes-Benz would appear to have the luxury selling routine knocked. But the company's AMG performance division has become an increasingly prominent part of its portfolio and bottom line, and these vehicles attract a different sort of customer and require a different marketing approach. Thankfully, as AMG has become increasingly important to Mercedes, its product line has risen in quality and dynamic performance. But while luxury and quality are easily conveyed, how do you sell four-wheeled thrills?

The thing is, as an automotive marketer, you can preach how great your sports car is until you're blue in the face, but until you're able to really show people how superior your vehicle is, you're never going to win them all over. And if you're like AMG, your offerings have become way too fast and capable to be safely exploited on public roads. So what's Mercedes to do? Why, give current and potential owners the chance to explore the dynamic limits of both their automobiles and themselves in a fun, legal, educational, and most importantly, safe environment. Enter the AMG Driving Academy.

Mercedes has offered its AMG driving program overseas for some time now, but this year is the first time they've brought the experience to the States. With events at Connecticut's storied Lime Rock Park, Florida's Palm Beach International Raceway, and California's legendary Laguna Seca, the venues Mercedes has chosen are certainly top-notch. But what about the experience? We had to find out for ourselves.

Gallery: AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock Park

Continue reading Drop the Hammer: Getting schooled with AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock

Drop the Hammer: Getting schooled with AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Gran Turismo 5 box art and packaging, SLS AMG may be cover car

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:19:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Toys/Games

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Gran Turismo 5. We've teased you in the past with constantly shifting debut dates and posted most every video we can find. But today is a new day, and this time we're going to show you... another video. GT5 creator Kazunori Yamauchi sat down with GT Planet to discuss how much work goes into the five-year project known as Gran Turismo 5, along with some speculation as to which vehicle will grace the game's cover.

It's no secret that the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG will be featured in GT5, and Yamauchi actually took the uber-exotic gull-winged supercar for a spin on the legendary Nürburgring to ensure that GT5 has the proper driving dynamics. Both the 'Ring and the SLS AMG were digitally rendered pixel by pixel, aided by the game's physics calculation model. Yamauchi calls the game a driving simulator because the calculation model adds exact information about every physical aspect of each vehicle, ensuring that each one behaves in the game exactly how it drives on the road because "that's something we can't actually touch. If the original car is made well, it'll drive well."

Yamouri likes the SLS AMG so much that the vehicle could hold the honored position of being the cover girl on the upcoming game's packaging. And speaking of the game's cover, the video also shows a few seconds of Yamauchi handing over what appears to be a GT5 box set to a co-worker. The glossy box contained what appears to be black, red and blue Blu-ray cases. We're thinking it's a special edition box set for the most rabid of fans, and we hope we're right.

Hit the jump to check out the video. Let's hope that Daimler's newest supercar isn't ready for a refresh by the time GT5 finally hits stores.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Gran Turismo 5

[Source: Joystiq]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gran Turismo 5 box art and packaging, SLS AMG may be cover car

VIDEO: Gran Turismo 5 box art and packaging, SLS AMG may be cover car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

May the best car win. So says General Motors' Bob Lutz, and he's willing to put his Pilotis where his mouth is... so to speak. On a conference call last month, Maximum Bob challenged any journalist to a duel with the Cadillac CTS-V, and, not surprisingly, the mantle was picked up right quick by the boys at Jalopnik.

Rules? Sorta. Any stock production four-door sedan is reportedly eligible to go up against the Big V, and the drivers will be lining up against the clock on October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y. While Jalop's Wes Siler was originally slated to go up against Lutz in a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, that car has since been switched out in favor of the Jaguar XFR (earning the ire of TTAC in the process).

Here's the best part: Anyone who happens to own a new comparable sport sedan, such as a BMW M3 or M5, perhaps a Mercedes-Benz AMG sedan or the Audi S4 (not to mention the Mitsubishi Evolution), is welcome to submit themselves for consideration to take part in the festivities in New York. We're not sure how the participants will be selected or exactly what the racing will entail, but if you're interested in throwing your hat into the ring, click here. For what it's worth, we've driven the CTS-V around Monticello, and we figure the smart money is on the Daddy Caddy.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: CTS-V Challenge]

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 caught playing in the rain

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The car that authored the "four-door-coupe" terminology - and a great deal of Internet debate and dictionary definition checking - will introduce its second act toward the end of 2011. Unsurprisingly, the new model (which is expected to wear a 2011 designation), will look much like the current model. That's the way it goes with genre-defining things most of the time.

Perhaps it is just our eyes, but in the spy shots it looks like the car's rump could be even more sleek, with the glasshouse landing even further toward the rear of the car. Also, the mirror mountings have changed - at least on this prototype - from the A-pillar notch to the doors. In line with Merc's current designs, they are now giant square flaps mounted on stalks.

Engines are expected to range from a 3.5-liter V6 with 292 horsepower to the top-o'-the-heap 6.2-liter V8 with 525 hp. Rumored to be tucked in there as well is a 299-hp hybrid.

[Source: SpeedLux]

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 caught playing in the rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG looks good in Gran Turismo 5, too [w/VIDEO]

Alex Nunez — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Toys/Games

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Gran Turismo 5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at Autoblog, some of the background chatter re: Forza 3 vs. Gran Turismo 5 reaches Ford vs. Chevy levels of fervor - this blogger and our Editor-in-Chief get into it on IM fairly regularly. You see, Forza is one of few topics that gets our generally mild-mannered Neff all exercised. We usually go back and forth a bit, with Neff touting the virtues of Xbox Live and dissing the PS3 in general. The conversation usually ends after he's asked how many Xbox 360s have died on him (Editor's Note: Only one, thank you very much).

Jibber-jabber aside, one thing that's obvious to all interested parties is that that both games look great, and that car variety won't be a problem. Earlier this week, word circulated that the gull-winged Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG would be one of the cars making the GT5 roster. Today, Daimler released images of the car in-game. Spoiler alert: it looks cool. What's not cool is that Gran Turismo aficionados are likely at least six months away from the promised land. Check out the images in the gallery below, as well as the video embedded after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Gran Turismo 5

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG looks good in Gran Turismo 5, too [w/VIDEO]

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG looks good in Gran Turismo 5, too [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Lust-worthy Mercedes E63 AMG wagon makes us beg for E63 AMG coupe

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The most pressing things we have to say about the 2010 Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon here at the Frankfurt Motor Show have nothing to do with the wagon. On the car itself, everything about it makes us go "Hot!" It's got 525 hp and 464 lb-ft from AMG's well known naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8, it's got badass written in every body panel, and it's got the room and undercover cred of a wagon. It is also most tasteful inside, the carbon fiber trim playing its beautifully woven support notes for the cream interior.

But once past the "Hot!" the only thing looking at the E63 AMG Wagon does it make us drop to our knees and hold our heads in our hands, wondering why Mercedes won't give us an E63 AMG Coupe. The real reason, not the hints and obfuscations. Then we could have one of each. And be happy for the rest of our lives. Don't worry, Mercedes, we don't mind starting with the wagon. But don't be too long with that coupe, all right?

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Lust-worthy Mercedes E63 AMG wagon makes us beg for E63 AMG coupe

Frankfurt 2009: Lust-worthy Mercedes E63 AMG wagon makes us beg for E63 AMG coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Everything you wanted to know about the Mercedes SLS AMG

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the microsite for the SLS AMG called "From the Ground Up," and it has all the information you need on gullwinged retro rocket from the space from to components to the magnesium backrests in the seats.

At the end of it all, there's a visualizer so you can start building the SLS you ~~would~~ will order when they go on sale in a little over a year, so start saving. We would say that the microsite will has enough info to keep you busy until the car shows up next year, but you won't have to wait that long -- we'll be bringing you even more info from its unveiling next week in Frankfurt. Hat tip to USB!

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Everything you wanted to know about the Mercedes SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG leaks out

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above for an image gallery

Despite an achingly long roll-out, the first cracks in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dam have begun to appear, courtesy of CarPoint.

Due to be revealed at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, the 300SL-inspired "Gullwing" is packing a front/mid-mounted version of the venerable 6.3-liter V8 fitted to the majority of AMG's offerings, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox channeling 563 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Weight is pegged at around 3,500 pounds, allowing the SLS to run from a rest to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is 197 mph and optional carbon ceramic discs should bring the party to a halt with supreme authority.

Although we've seen an endless string of spy shots of the SLS over the past year, we finally get a clear view of its upright fascia, drawn headlamps and curvaceous rump that draws a few cues from the departed McMerc and modern M-Bs.

Color choices will include Alubeam Silver, Syvanite Grey, Alanite Grey and red, complimenting the leather and alcantara interior and ten-spoke forged wheels. Production will begin in late 2010 with sales starting the following year, and early pricing suggests a €177,310 MSRP in Germany. Get your first eye-full in the gallery below before all the official details are delivered next week.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: CarPoint]

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG Convertible - Click above for a high-res gallery

With the Frankfurt Motor Show right around the corner, Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on its 565-hp, 6.3-liter AMG SLC supercar. A North American media event is likely scheduled for next month, and lo-and-behold, when we stepped out of the Intercontinental Hotel in Monterey, CA yesterday morning, four mildly camouflaged SLS prototypes were waiting outside.

According to one of our insiders, the M-B crew will be holding a press event in and around the Monterey peninsula (undoubtedly with track time at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca), and the engineers on hand were scouting roads and drive routes ahead of the September shindig.

Although we've seen countless spy shots of the SLS over the last year, this was our first opportunity to see Merc's newest supercar up close, along with the upcoming convertible variant that's likely to be revealed along with the coupe in Germany, or shortly thereafter.

In person, the SLS' dimensions are nearly perfect, with its elongated hood and squat rear end coming off as far more subdued that its McMerc predecessor. Two things to note in the gallery below: first, the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there's no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS' strong beltline. Secondly, the convertible variant features a cloth top, although the vinyl camo appears to have a non-functioning zipper that follows the line of the gullwing coupe's doors. We're assuming the camouflage was just adapted to fit the convertible or perhaps it was a bit of visual trickery employed to throw off would-be spy photogs, but it still struck us as strange. Regardless, enjoy the images below and check out the massive carbon ceramic brakes complete with gold Brembo calipers.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC Convertible

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMG-fettled Mercedes E-Class Coupe to favor agility over power?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Exact details are few and far between, but for those that value handling over tire-smoking POWA, this is great news. Autocar is reporting that the next AMG-fettled Mercedes-Benz E-Class will rely on weight-saving materials and techniques, as well as fine-tuning of suspension pieces to increase agility. You know, as opposed to the regular AMG way of doing things, which is lobbing yet another salvo into the breach of the sky's no-limit horsepower war. The next AMG E-Class Coupe will actually be a Black Series model, meaning that not only will there be no "regular" AMG E-Class Coupe (for now), but you really ought to start saving your pennies now. Err, saving your bundles of Grants and Franklins.

According to Autocar, there's also not going to be any Black Series C-Series cars because the limited edition AMGs must be based on two-door models (though we'll see how long that actually lasts). There will, however, be a new C63 - and unlike the upcoming Black Series E-Class Coupe, there will be better driving through more power. The current C63 is AMG's weakest offering with "only" 453 horsepower on tap. The new version will belch thrust to the tune of 500 to 525 ponies. Phew, we were worried there for a moment that AMG had lost its power uber all mind. One last thing: even though it will fit, there's no plan to use the highly lauded seven-speed dual-clutch Speedshift transmission from the E63 and SL63 in the C63. Pity.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

AMG-fettled Mercedes E-Class Coupe to favor agility over power? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Military, Specialty, Off-Road

2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes G550 is an unlikely niche vehicle. As with perhaps every other military-derived civilian 4x4, it's a box on wheels, all straight lines and fender flares. Yet unlike most other military-derived civilian off-roaders, it comes standard with solid axles front and rear, three electronically locking differentials front, center, and rear, and, get this, heated rear seats. Celebs, trendsters, and the generally rich keep it in the public consciousness. When Mercedes decided to kill it, a general uproar caused them to belay the order. It costs $100,250, and has no options. Before we drove it, we didn't know why people dug it. Yet after a week with it in the Autoblog Garage, we think we know why: it is colossally fun.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550

Continue reading Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich

Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Fifth Gear exercises the outlandish Tramontana R Edition

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos

Tramontana in fighter plane regalia - Click above for high-res image gallery

You've seen the Tramontana before, and now, you can see it in motion. This Spanish made beast sports a 100% carbon fiber chassis, a twin-turbocharged AMG 5.5-liter V12 that makes 720 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque, it weighs 2,500 pounds and looks like an F1 car designed for Robotech. 0-60 happens before you get in the car and top speed is orbit. Probably. Not only are Tramontana's more expensive than you could possibly imagine, but each one is designed around the owner. Plus, your passenger sits behind you. We like that. But possibly the craziest thing about the R Edition is a certain button on the dashboard. See, in "regular" grocery shopping mode, the big Mercedes motor spits out "just" 550 hp. Luckily there's a button labeled "720 HP" on the dash. Wish our car had that. Check the video of Tom from Fifth Gear driving it after you jump.

Gallery: Tramontana in fighter plane regalia

Continue reading VIDEO: Fifth Gear exercises the outlandish Tramontana R Edition

VIDEO: Fifth Gear exercises the outlandish Tramontana R Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes SLS AMG gullwing order guide revealed; includes optional $10,000 paint!

Chris Paukert — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dealer order guide - Click above to view

While we patiently await our turn to drive Mercedes-Benz's upcoming SLS AMG gullwing wundercar, we have a new way to occupy our time: the dealership ordering guide. Thanks to an anonymous tipster, we have the full document for your perusal, which includes all relevant details and estimated option prices for spec'ing out an SLS of your very own.

The guide doesn't provide us with many new images of the 563-horsepower production coupe, but we do see the options list and associated pricing, including lots of interesting tidbits like the model's available colors (including special $10,000 "ALU-BEAM liquid metal" paint); performance options including $12,000 carbon-ceramic brakes and a modestly priced $1,500 sport suspension kit; along with interior niceties on the order of various seat leathers, an $11k extended carbon fiber kit, a $6,400 Bang & Olufsen stereo upgrade, and so on.

What are you waiting for? Click on the gallery below to see how much money you'll need to liberate from the couch cushions before you can order the SLS of your dreams.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS Order Guide

Mercedes SLS AMG gullwing order guide revealed; includes optional $10,000 paint! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Green, Technology, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the rumors that have been floating around in recent days - it will build an electrically powered version of its upcoming SLS gullwing coupe. The EV version of the SLS will drive all four wheels by means of an individual motor for each corner. It will not however use wheel hub motors, since those add too much unsprung mass. The motors will be mounted just inboard of the suspension components.

Energy will be stored in a 48 kWh liquid cooled lithium ion battery pack running down the central tunnel. The combined output of the electric drive system is 392 kW (526 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft), which compares to 420 kW (563 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb-ft) for the 6.3-liter V8 in the conventional SLS. Mercedes claims it will accelerate to 62 mph in four seconds. No range is being quoted at this time, but given that the battery capacity is lower than the Tesla Roadster and the car is larger, it will likely be well under 200 miles. No timeline for the electric version is being quoted, although earlier rumors placed it at 2015.

One of the reasons that Daimler said it was investing $50 million in Tesla Motors was the upstart's ability to move quickly and develop systems faster than could be done at Daimler. Given that, we may well see the electric SLS sooner rather than later. Check out our high-res gallery of (internal combustion) Mercedes SLS prototypes below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing

Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hot-laps the 'Ring

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Click above to view the video after the jump

You know the stats. You've seen the leaks. Now, it's time for some video. The crew at MotorTrend were invited to the preview drive of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Germany, and the buff book's Editor-At-Large, Arthur St. Antoine, enjoyed some passenger seat time with Bernd Schneider as the five-time DTM champion put Mercedes' new gullwing supercoupe through its paces. Make the jump to check out the full 13-mile hot-lap around the Nordschleife. Top tip Dan!

Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hot-laps the 'Ring

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hot-laps the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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