Autoblog

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL makes YouTube debut

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

By now we're familiar with the new-car introduction dance steps: first the leaks, then the sneak peek, then more leaks, then the official reveal with photos, then videos, then the auto show circuit. We're at penultimate step with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, and after the jump you'll find its SLS-like nose punching its way through scenic landscapes.

A quick recap of what you'll be seeing: a recontoured convertible with an intense light signature up front, a finessed, stylized interior, a Magic Sky Control roof and a rear end that we still need a little more time to get used to. There's a 4.6-liter V8 with 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet under the hood, which is a hefty dose of power moving even less weight: the new car is 300 pounds lighter than its predecessor.

Enough reading about it, though, so head for the moving pictures after the jump.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL makes YouTube debut

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL makes YouTube debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes-Benz pits old foes against each other for new ad

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Humor

Mika Häkkinen meets a familiar foe on a snowy road - Click above to watch video after the jump

Mika Häkkinen is a two-time Formula One World Champion. He's also from Finland, which means the man knows how to drive regardless of weather conditions. Mercedes-Benz has tapped him to star in a new ad touting its 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

In the clip, Häkkinen is on a snowy road in an E350 wagon when be comes upon an old SL. The driver of the SL is not moving fast enough for Mika, and upon passing the droptop, he is greeted with the face of a familiar foe. We don't want to spoil it for you, so hop the jump and watch Mercedes-Benz's "Sunday Driver" clip.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes-Benz pits old foes against each other for new ad

Video: Mercedes-Benz pits old foes against each other for new ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL smiles for the camera

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

With all the hype surrounding the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it's easy to forget that the SL and SLK roadsters are still a crucial part of the automaker's lineup. We've seen the next generation of the baby SLK out testing, and now our spies have caught a larger 2012 SL mule out and about.

Up front, the more upright fascia with the dinner plate-sized Three-Pointed Star logo is the biggest change, as are the revised headlamps, which seem to be less angular than the ones found on the current SL. Looking below, we can see that LED running light strips have been fitted at the lower air intakes (something that's quickly becoming standard equipment across the automaker's portfolio), and out back, the triangular taillamps have been smoothed out a bit.

Our crafty spy photographers have also managed to get a glimpse inside the new SL. A new sport steering wheel is in place, and even though we don't have the photographic proof, we're told that the rest of the interior (center console, etc.) is akin to the new design found in the SLS AMG. Fine by us.

Click through the gallery below to see the full set of high-res Mercedes-Benz SL spy shots.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL smiles for the camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition launched for European market

Noah Joseph — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

For some, driving a Mercedes-Benz roadster is special enough. But when the local high-end mall is surrounded by row upon row of the Three-Pointed Star, some look for a little something extra special. For such European customers, Mercedes has launched a pair of special editions.

The SL Night Edition comes in black with 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels, silver brake calipers and darkened light housings front and rear. The interior gets black nappa leather with arrow-shaped, silver-tone stitching, as well as a special steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining and special touches to the Airscarf ventilation system.

The SLK Grand Edition, meanwhile, arrives in graphite gray paint with 18-inch alloys and silver trim for the vents and lights, and an interior done up in basalt grey pearl nappa leather and complimenting trim.

The SL Night Edition commands a 3,700-5,200 euro premium over the standard version (that's a healthy $5,300 to $7,500 USD), with the SLK Grand Edition going for an additional 2,300-3,500 euros ($3,300 to $5,000), depending on additional specifications. Follow the jump for the press release, and click the thumbnails below for the high-res image gallery.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition launched for European market

Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition launched for European market originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Carbonite SL(R) for the economic downturn

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Carbonite SL

If you were this close to purchasing an SLR but recent events concerning a guy named Lehman severely reduced your amount of disposable cash, then allow us to introduce you to the SL Carbonite. For the price of a 2003-2008 Mercedes SL, plus $47,400 for Carbonite's hood, fenders, front and rear fascias, lowered suspension and Mandrus 20-inch wheels, you can have an SL(R) for a song that's a lot less pricey than the Mercedes-McLaren. Carbonite has also said it will only build 20 of these cars per year, which means your money could get you even more exclusivity than the real thing. Of course, what your money can't do is erase the fact that you don't actually have the real thing -- but that hasn't stopped so many others... Check out the high-res gallery of doppelganger shots below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Carbonite SL(R)

SEMA 2008: Carbonite SL(R) for the economic downturn originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASMA Design turns evil eye towards Merc SL-Class

Dan Roth — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz

Click above to view a high-res gallery of the ASMA SL

ASMA's latest adventures in bodykitting have been described as "working their magic," though that magic part seems like a stretch. If you think your Mercedes SL is nice, but would really benefit from some overwrought body mods, ASMA now has a collection of appliques that will fill the void. Ostentatiously ugly, without being outright hideous, ASMA's tweaks include a cow-catcheresque fascia, a ride height reduction, side sills, and a piece-de-resistance rear diffuser that would make a study hall doodler cringe. Of course the wheels have been sized up to something more akin to the hull diameter of a Trident submarine, and they're chrome, natch. Like any good train wreck, we just can't turn away - hit the gallery for more pics.

Gallery: ASMA Mercedes SL

[Source: emercedesbenz]

ASMA Design turns evil eye towards Merc SL-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Mercedes to debut five new models

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CL500 4MATIC: click to view in high resolution

While we have four big auto shows every year in the United States - Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and New York - the Europeans get only two major shows, one in Geneva and the other alternating annually between Frankfurt and Paris. No wonder, then, that the big European automakers are descending upon Switzerland in full force, and Mercedes is no exception, coming to Geneva's Palexpo with no less than five new models.

Most of the new model debuts we've already told you about. There's the newly updated SL-Class roadster, which Mercedes will be showing with engines ranging from six to twelve cylinders. Its kid brother, the SLK, which we already saw in Detroit, will also be there with its facelift on. The new entry-level CLC will also be on display for the first time since its debut at the Berlin fashion show, along with the updated CLS four-door coupe. What we haven't told you about yet is the fifth model to debut at Geneva under the three-pointed star: the CL500 4MATIC. In case we've lost you by now with the various models bearing the letters CL, the CLC is the compact C-Class hatchback, the CLK is the mid-range coupe, the CLS is the slinky four-door and the CL is the big mama two-door version of the S-Class sedan. 4MATIC, meanwhile, is Mercedes' term for all-wheel-drive, finding its way into the big GT for the first time. The latest version of the system adds only 70 kg (154 lbs.) to the vehicle's curb weight, which relative to its existing heft is like spitting in the ocean, and helps the big coupe accelerate smoothly to 100km/h (62mph) in 5.4 seconds, while sacrificing no penalty in fuel consumption over the rear-drive model.

Check out the press release after the jump to read more about the Mercedes fleet pulling into Geneva next week, and the galleries below. including the new images of the CL500 4MATIC.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Mercedes-Benz CL500 4MATIC

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLC Class

Gallery: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Mercedes to debut five new models

Geneva '08 Preview: Mercedes to debut five new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SL reveals new face

Siddharth Raja — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Though the SL range was updated less than a year ago with the addition of several new engines and some minor mods to the car's exterior, the stylish coupe will be coming in again for an upgrade that should carry it out until the all-new model arrives in 2012. A number of prototypes have been spotted testing both in the icy temps of Scandinavia and more recently at the world's highest paved road at Mt. Evens in Colorado.

Until now, heavy camouflage had hidden most of the changes that were planned for the facelifted model, but these latest images partially lift the veil of secrecy giving us the best look yet of the car's new face. Clearly seen are the car's CLS-style headlights and pronounced grille, which leads to a more chiseled front bumper. Other changes planned for the car include slightly revised taillights and rear bumper, while the AMG prepped version will likely pick up the hand-built 6.2L V8. You can check out spy shots of the SL facelift, as well as the C63 AMG Wagon, here.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SL reveals new face originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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