Autoblog

Mercedes F-125! previews a plug-in hydrogen future [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Electric

Mercedes-Benz has been tooting its horns all year about having been in business for 125 years, and to its eternal credit, it's done so at the top. For the Daimler boys, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is being used to showcase what the next 125 years in business (knock on burl walnut) might bring, and it starts in part with the hydrogen-powered F-125! Concept seen here.

With a brief to build a large, luxurious four-seater with zero emissions, the F-125! conceptually employs lithium-sulphur batteries, a body comprised of several metals and composites, passenger controls via "touch, speech and hand gestures," semi-autonomous driving, three-dimensional and projector-beam displays and a range of 1,000 kilometers.

So no, we aren't likely to see the massive gullwing fuel cell-powered plug-in hybrid soon, but it's a novel way forward for a company that built its 125-year name on solid, swift conveyances that have tended to be a bit conservative, if timeless. Find out what this vision of the future looks like by watching a video of the F-125! concept's unveiling after the jump, where you'll also find an official press release.

Continue reading Mercedes F-125! previews a plug-in hydrogen future [w/video]

Mercedes F-125! previews a plug-in hydrogen future [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 Sbarro Gullwing is an eyepopper

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:04:00 EST

1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL Sbarro Gullwing Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Franco Sbarro apparently had a lot of orders for these wide-bodied modern gullwings back in the late '70s. According to the eBay listing, Sbarro made 28 Gullwing Coupes in total, most based on a two-door chassis with either a naturally-aspirated or twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8.

The car you see before you, however, is among the rarest of these rare supercoupes. It's based on a four-door 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 chassis. Apparently one of six built for the new wife of an Arab prince, this car spent part of its life in the hands of an NBA star. (Shocker, we know.)

The custom gullwing doors look more than a little heavy and cumbersome, and must have taken weeks of careful figuring to get right. The details, however, are what really set this car apart. For starters, it's been updated with chrome 20-inch Giovannas, to make add a contemporary to its bling. Then there's the original-equipment Sbarro horizontal 'phantom' bar grille hiding the big Benz's stock headlamps and marker lights.

Top all that off with a set of ridiculously-wide fender flares and a lowered roofline, and you have a delicious recipe for 1970s-style excess. The price for all this exclusivity and opulence? The "Buy It Now" option lists $49,995. Thanks for the tip, Csaba!

Gallery: 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL Sbarro Gullwing

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 Sbarro Gullwing is an eyepopper originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Mansory Cormeum is remarkable for being not ugly

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Mansory Cormeum - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is Mansory going soft on us? The Germany-based customizer of high-end exotics has arrived in Geneva with its take on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It's called the Mansory Cormeum... and it's remarkable for not being eye-searingly ugly.

The Cormeum is certainly no beauty queen, but Mansory has produced some truly questionable designs in its history. Besides being more attractive than whe might have figured, the Cormeum is remarkable for having an extra 97 horsepower (for a total of 660 hp), and it weighs nearly 200 pounds less than a standard SLS. This is achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber body panels, and the added power comes from a new exhaust and engine map program. If 660 horsepower doesn't sound like enough, Mansory says it's working on an 800 hp version.

Only 15 examples of the gullwing Mansory Cormeum will be produced. If you're curious where the name comes from, Mansory founder and namesake Kourosh Mansory was inspired by the aria Vide Cor Meum. You've probably heard the music before, as it was written for the move Hannibal. All of which makes some sense, because some folks would rather eat a human being than be seen in a Mansory vehicle.

Gallery: Mansory Cormeum: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Mansory Cormeum

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Mansory]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Mansory Cormeum is remarkable for being not ugly

Geneva 2011: Mansory Cormeum is remarkable for being not ugly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Going Back to the Future in a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Chris Paukert — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG goes Back to the Future - Click above for high-res image gallery

No matter how happy our childhoods were, most of us have ended up with at least a few regrets that stick out in our mind. For whatever reason, random happenings tend to stick out as pivotal events in our life's chronology. Swinging at that ninth inning pitch in the dirt in little league. Not having the nerve to ask Suzy Creamcheese to prom. Being the last to the party with the Flock of Seagulls haircut. Sometimes, things that shouldn't be significant at all become just that - lodging in our cranial craws like grains of sand in an oyster. All of which explains how I came to find myself sheepishly appealing to the Mercedes-Benz PR team for an SLS AMG to drive to the 25th Anniversary showing of Back to the Future.

Allow me to explain.

Gallery: Going Back to the Future in a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Continue reading Going Back to the Future in a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Going Back to the Future in a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AB Road Trip: Crossing Mexico on the trail of La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes SLS AMG

Chris Paukert — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, South America

From Puebla to Oaxaca on the trail of La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the increasingly well-publicized progression of drug wars, ransomings, robberies and, well, murders in Mexico, I thought it sensible to familiarize myself with the various government tourist advisory messages ahead of a trip retracing part of the route of La Carrera Panamericana, the famed Mexican road race that ran from 1950 to 1955. Regarded by many as the toughest and most dangerous race ever to take place, the perils of our run down memory lane were likely to be rather different than what was encountered in the '50s. Here are some excerpts of what we were told to expect:

o. "Toll (cuota) highways should be used whenever possible, rather than less secure free (libre) roads, where armed robberies and carjacking are more frequent."
o. "Large fire fights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico."
o. "U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas."
o. "Mexican styles of driving and road safety standards are very different from those in North America. Police do not regularly patrol the highways. Be prepared for vehicles that fail to observe speed limits or indicate lane changes, and that do not stop at red lights."
o. "Thefts occur regularly. You should dress down, avoid wearing or carrying expensive jewelry, and carry only small amounts of cash... try to blend in."
o. "Be careful accepting food, drinks, invitations or rides from strangers or recent acquaintances."
o. "Road conditions vary and can be poor in some areas. Dangerous curves, poorly marked signs and construction sites, roaming livestock, slow-moving or abandoned vehicles, and other obstacles pose hazards."
o. "You are also strongly advised against borrowing a vehicle... drivers are legally responsible for their vehicle's contents, as well as for the legal status of passengers and the items carried by passengers."

Thankfully for you, dear reader, we aren't terribly proficient at heeding warnings, so a Mercedes-Benz invitation to borrow their spanking new (and clearly utterly inconspicuous) gullwing SLS AMG supercar and drive it through Mexico at a high rate of speed seemed downright reasonable and prudent. It also appeared to be an absurd amount of fun. Follow the jump to find out how it all shook out.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG La Carrera Panamericana Road Trip

Continue reading AB Road Trip: Crossing Mexico on the trail of La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes SLS AMG

AB Road Trip: Crossing Mexico on the trail of La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes Gullwings old and new return to Mexico for Carrera Panamericana revival

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Racing

Mercedes Gullwings on the trail of the Carrera Panamericana - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once upon a time, long-distance road rallies were all the rage in motorsports. Sportscars raced down open roads across countries from sea to shining sea in spectacular form. But while two of the most famous took place in Italy - the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio - another took place right here in North America.

The Carrera Panamericana was held in the early 1950s in Mexico and was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous races in the world. In 1952, Karl Kling and Hans Klenk took the checkered flag in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing", but only after a collision with a vulture - yes, a vulture - heavily damaged the car and Herr Klenk's head in the process (hence the grille bars on the windscreen). To further cement the feat, a second Gullwing finished second, giving Mercedes a one-two finish.

The race has long since been canceled, but like the Mille Miglia was revived recently as a classics rally, and the vulture-smashing original is to retrace its routes together with the modern Gullwing, the SLS AMG. Our man Paukert is doing just that as you read this and it should be a brilliant trip down memory lane. The initial crop of photos from the event are beginning to trickle in. See for yourself in the gallery below and scope out the details in the release below the fold.

Gallery: Mercedes Gullwings at the Carrera Panamericana Mexico

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes Gullwings old and new return to Mexico for Carrera Panamericana revival

Mercedes Gullwings old and new return to Mexico for Carrera Panamericana revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:58:00 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, First Drives, 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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Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept previews Fuji Heavy's new design language

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Design/Style

Subaru Hybrid Tourer -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Subaru Hybrid Tourer is sharp-nosed and an all-out sharp piece of car. The car's flat floor hides two electric motors, one aft that powers the car in low-speed acceleration and assists with acceleration, and one up front connected to a direct-injection turbocharged gas engine. The Tourer is also fitted with Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a Lineatronic CVT transmission.

As for its design, Subie officials tell us that the nose points the way for Subaru's new corporate face and the rest of the car indicates the general design language we'll see from the brand represented by the Pleiades. "It will be anti-Bangle, editing, not adding - cars have too many character lines now." But forget about the gullwing doors -- those were fitted to provide the best view of the interior. You can have a great view of it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept previews Fuji Heavy's new design language originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:28:00 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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Old is New Again: AC Cars unveils Cobra MkVI gullwing in Monaco

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, UK, Specialty

AC Cobra MkVI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chevrolet Corvette engine? Porsche brakes? Assembled in Germany? This doesn't sound like the AC Cobra we know, but lo and behold, it is what it is. Amidst the myriad Cobra replicars on the market, the original AC Cars, which touts itself as the UK's oldest automaker, has released details on the latest version of its classic sportscar. The updated retro-minded sports car is slated to make its official debut later this month at the prestigious Top Marques show in Monaco.

An assembly contract with German manufacturer Gullwing GmbH has the latest Cobra assembled in Heyda, Germany, and fitted with a lightweight removable hardtop complete with - you guessed it - gullwing doors. The aluminum body over tubular space-frame chassis weighs just 2,260 lbs and is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 sourced from the Corvette, tuned to produce 437 hp in standard GT trim or a whopping 647 hp in GTS spec, which we'll surmise comes courtesy of a supercharger. Stopping power is provided by Porsche-sourced four-piston calipers and vented discs (332mm front, 298mm rear). Acceleration? Try 0-62 in a scant 3.3 seconds. Now that sounds more like the Cobra we know. Find out more in the press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: AC Cobra MkVI

[Source: AC Cars]

Continue reading Old is New Again: AC Cars unveils Cobra MkVI gullwing in Monaco

Old is New Again: AC Cars unveils Cobra MkVI gullwing in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: Hyundai concept caught on the street ahead of NY debut

Alex Nunez — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Hatchback, Hyundai

Hyundai's Mystery New York concept car - Click above for a high-res gallery

Hyundai's got a concept hatch in store for New York, and Autoblog reader Aaron spotted it on the street and was kind enough to snap a few photos for us.

We have no details on the car itself yet, but as you can see, it's a hatchback/crossover type-thing whose styling is in keeping with the more dramatic design language that the company's show cars have been using of late. Giant gullwing doors ought to give everyone a nice, clear view of the interior, which we suspect will be of a similarly eye-popping nature.

We'll get more details as soon as we can - likely in the next couple of days in the ramp-up to the concept's New York Auto Show debut. For now, feast your eyes on the three photos in the gallery below. Thanks, Aaron! Nice catch.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai mystery NY concept

Reader Spy: Hyundai concept caught on the street ahead of NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz Gullwing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Classics, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Thanks to the box-office success story that was Back To The Future, the De Lorean may be the most recognizable instance of the gull-wing door, but the most historically significant and the first model to truly popularize this unique portal was the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Since then, the German automaker has continued experimenting with the gull-wing design, with the C111 and C112 concepts from the '60s and '70s. Apparently, the time has finally come for a return of the iconic design feature on a production supercar. We've already seen spy shots of what appears to be an odd mash-up of Dodge Viper parts with McLaren supercar bits tacked together, but the latest mule now appears to have the upwards-opening doors that could give the new model its name. Besides the doors, we can definitely see the long hood and short deck styling that echos the design of the current SLR. Rumor has it that the new supercar will wear the AMG badge and be powered by at least 550 horses from an undetermined powerplant hooked to a seven speed automatic transmission. More as we get it.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz Gullwing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC gullwing supercar raises its door

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:51:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

The facts surrounding the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz SLC supercar are scarce, but one thing's for sure: gull-wing doors are part of the package. So far, we've only seen spy shots of the SLC wearing body panels pilfered from other M-B products, along with one Viper-clad mule. But these newest images procured by eMercedesBenz not only give us a glimpse of the gull-winged homage, but also provide us with some idea of the proportions of the new supercar.

Previous reports suggest that underneath the elongated aluminum hood lays a turbocharged version of AMG's 6.3-liter V8, putting out around 600 hp and an unruly amount of torque. The cab-backwards stance, short rear overhangs and makeshift spoiler all hint at the Merc's pavement punishing potential, and the raised driver's side door -- still far from complete -- appears to remain true to the original 300SL.

Click the image above to check out more shots from eMercedesBenz.

Gallery: Mercedes/AMG prototype - spy shots

[Source: eMercedesBenz]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC gullwing supercar raises its door originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back To The Future: DeLorean Motor Co. alive and kicking in Florida

Chris Paukert — Thu, 25 May 2006 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Etc.

A solid argument could be made for retrofuturism as one of automotive design's defining themes over the past few years... witness offerings like the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Volkswagen New Beetle, MINI Cooper, and more recently, the Chevrolet HHR and Toyota FJ. So could there be a better time to go Back To The Future? That's the question a cadre of Bonita Springs, Florida DeLorean enthusiasts are asking, and apparently they have their answer: a two month wait list.

Eighteen months ago, Naples resident Tony Ierardi opened up a DeLorean remanufacturing operation with the help of Texan Stephen Wynne, who had purchased the rights to the DeLorean name and logo, along with the factory's leftover parts.

The company is now capable of building a "new" be-winged coupes for $42,500-and of course, they're happy to remedy the factory-correct DeLorean's rather sluggish performance for a few dollars more. Ierardi and company are doing so well at the moment that they've already got a wait of upwards of 60 days for their versions of John Z's stainless-steel wonder.

[Sources: News-Press; delorean-dmc12.co.uk]

Back To The Future: DeLorean Motor Co. alive and kicking in Florida originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 May 2006 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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