Autoblog

AMG boss says no to four-door SLS

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

It wasn't a joke, but it turns out that when Autoblog discovered the patent filing for a four-door SLS AMG, we stumbled on drawings that were merely part of the development process and not a car intended for production. In February, when we came across the schematic, it was wondered if Mercedes-Benz had another platform utilizing experiment planned - and frankly, based on the sales of the SLS AMG, the idea that such a car was being considered wasn't nearly as outrageous as the look of the four-door car itself.

But AMG chief Ola Källenius has reportedly told Belgian outlet Autovisie "absolutely not" when asked about the possibility or production, and he expressed surprise that the story made such a splash. On the other hand, perhaps the SLS AMG sedan simply needs time to percolate; we're sure that at one time the idea of AMG producing an all-wheel drive subcompact hatchback with 370 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque would have been likewise dismissed.

AMG boss says no to four-door SLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Four-door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG suggested by patent filings?

Chris Paukert — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, Design/Style, Luxury

Perhaps more than most, Mercedes-Benz has proven to be remarkably adept at platform sharing, pulling and pushing at their various architectures to create new models. Take, for example, the marque's E-Class range, which in addition to sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon variants, spawned the CLS 'four-door coupe' - a model that itself inspired a whole slew of imitators. The rakish CLS will shortly spawn a load-lugging shooting-brake variant, too - Benz's offspring are having offspring. Could the same thing be in the cards for the SLS AMG?

Mercedes has already extended the supercar's appeal with a new Roadster variant for 2012, but as Autoblog can exclusively reveal, an alleged German patent filing suggests that the SLS may be in for an unexpected third bodystyle - that of an unconventional four-door. As shown here, Mercedes appears to be considering a set of rear-hinged demi doors to go along with the vertically sweeping main gullwing doors that would give access to a small back seat. In typical patent-ese, the paperwork suggests that the automaker is particularly concerned about minimizing weight gain and preserving structural rigidity, though it appears there is no fixed B-pillar present.

It isn't immediately clear if these alleged Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt documents are indicative of a production model, a show circuit-only concept, or just a bit of ambitious blue-sky designer thinking. For its part, when shown these documents and asked for comment, Mercedes-Benz officials wouldn't say anything beyond the standard "We won't take the liberty of sharing comments for any potential future products." We specifically asked if they would like to deny the materials, and they declined.

The paperwork shown here doesn't give away much else, certainly not touching upon whether any modifications would be made to the SLS' 571-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 or its rear-drive power delivery. The drawings accompanying the filing clearly suggest an extended wheelbase to accommodate the extra doors, as well as what looks like a second COMAND multi-function control knob on the console between the seats, but that could just be a bit of artistic license or perhaps some lazy cut/paste work in Photoshop duplicating the front seats.

Presumably, if a four-door SLS AMG were to come to market, it would likely come at a premium price for the extra engineering - the coupe model starts at $192,175 delivered, so we'd wager that the pricing would start with a "2" at the front, putting it in the hunt with cars like the Aston Martin Rapide and perhaps the Porsche Panamera Turbo.

Four-door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG suggested by patent filings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 looks and sounds evil, priced around $550k

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:29:00 EST

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

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 - Click above to watch video after the jump

The FIA GT3 European racing series is about to get a whole lot classier. Mercedes-Benz has been testing and tuning its 2011 SLS AMG GT3 and the car is now ready to claim top spot in your high-end racing trailer. Pricing for the racing version of the "standard" SLS AMG Benz is set at €397,460 (including 19 percent Value Added Tax) or a little over $550,000 USD. The SLS AMG GT3 was recently out at the EurosSpeedway Lausitz in Eastern Germany. A camera crew was on hand to capture the action, and the result is over 21 minutes of shameless automotive ~~pornography~~ action. The only sound is the car on the track, interspersed with the occasional pit stop.

If you're a wealthy privateer racer, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 can be ordered directly through Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Act now, and your racecar could arrive as early as February of 2011. What are you waiting for? There are two mega press releases and footage of the SLS AMG GT3 being put through its paces, after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

[Source: Mercedes-Benz, YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 looks and sounds evil, priced around $550k

Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 looks and sounds evil, priced around $550k originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Supercar Porn - MT pits Benz SLS AMG vs. Audi R8 V10 vs. Porsche 911 Turbo in Vegas

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche 911 vs. Audi R8 5.2 FSI vs. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above to watch video after the jump

The kids from Motor Trend are at it again. The crew has turned out some pretty tasty videos over the past few months, but nothing like the clip after the jump. Editor-At-Large Arthur St. Antoine and two of his cohorts wrangle three icons of the modern supercar era through the desert outside of Las vegas. The contenders are three German heavyweights - the Porsche 911 Turbo, the Audi R8 5.2 FSI and the new kid on the block, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The guys even managed to convince the California Highway Patrol to close down a section of road for their very own playground. Jealous yet? Yeah, us too.

That's alright, though, because St. Antoine and the rest of the MT posse were kind enough to bring along a few HD cameras so they could share a hard day at the office with the rest of the world. Surprisingly enough, you get plenty of raw driving footage with nothing but the sound of three German engines as your soundtrack. Sure, there are a few auto journo clichés floating around in the voiceover, but hey, it's a video about supercars. What more do you want? Hit the jump to enjoy for yourself.

[Source: Motor Trend via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Supercar Porn - MT pits Benz SLS AMG vs. Audi R8 V10 vs. Porsche 911 Turbo in Vegas

Video: Supercar Porn - MT pits Benz SLS AMG vs. Audi R8 V10 vs. Porsche 911 Turbo in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even Better than the Real Thing: Retro Gullwing still built in Germany, but with V8 power

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Mercedes-Benz

The Retro Gullwing - Click above for high-res gallery

The Gullwing is making a comeback, and making it big. As if there weren't enough concept cars, custom rods and Hollywood time machines sporting the classic-yet-avant-garde door configuration, Mercedes is preparing a new SLS AMG supercar to revive them, plus an anticipated hybrid SL variant to join the fold. But for every revival there's a newfound affection for the original. That could explain why Bathing Ape's Nigo commissioned AMG to make him a new one with a six-liter V8 under the hood and all done up in camouflage. It could also explain designer Arturo Alonso's latest project, an update on the classic 300SL. And it could explain this continuation Gullwing still being built in Germany, but with the benefit of modern powertrain technology.

Gullwing GmbH is the company responsible for this heritage ride. They're also the company building the latest AC Cobra, complete with gullwing doors of course, and providing the underpinnings for Arturo Alonso's aforementioned Panamerica concept. The design, as you can plainly see, is faithful to the original, but Gullwing has made some updates to the circa-1952 engineering. The 3-liter, straight six, 215-horsepower beating heart of the original has been replaced with Benz's latest 405-hp 5.5-liter V8 with accompanying 7-speed automatic gearbox. Gullwing has also redesigned the chassis, suspension and brakes to deal with the extra power, and added a host of modern features from ABS to air-conditioning, capping off the authentic interior with the retro-style Becker Mexico radio/sat-nav unit. So equipped, a "new" Gullwing will set you back €165k (about $220k), but you'll have to wait 10 to 18 months for delivery, put down €50k ($66k) in advance and hope they haven't received more than 30 orders this year, 'cause that's the most they'll make each year at their factory in Dresden, Germany. By then a stick-shift six-cylinder version should be ready, along with a roadster, to say nothing of the new SLS AMG. Maybe "Back to the Future wasn't so far off after all.

Gallery: Continuation Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

[Source: Gullwing GmbH via MotorTips]

Even Better than the Real Thing: Retro Gullwing still built in Germany, but with V8 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gullwing-America modernizes the Mercedes 300SL

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Mercedes-Benz

2009 Gullwing-America 300SL Panamerica concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

They don't build 'em like they used to. Actually, they usually built them better, but they don't design 'em like they used to. Or so Gullwing-America figures. The classically-enamored garage is planning on relaunching the original SL's iconic shape with modern technology and fabrication in what could very well be the ultimate blend of old and new.

The 2009 Gullwing-America 300 SL Panamericana is the brainchild of Arturo Alonso, the same engineer behind the Bentley S3 E concept. With that model already on its way to market, Alonso has turned his attention to the Gullwing. With a body of fiberglass-reinforced aluminum over a powder-coated steel chassis, the Panamericana will apparently draw its power from Mercedes' own M-133-55 engine, the same 5.5-liter V8 underpinning the SLR McLaren's supercharged unit, albeit tuned to produce 370 horsepower. Plans are also afoot to make a smaller V6 available, either mated to a six-speed manual or a seven-ratio Speedtronic automatic transmission.

Riding low on 17-inch AMG wheels with a custom independent suspension, to our eyes, the 300 SL Panamericana looks a lot hotter than the camouflaged versions of the forthcoming AMG-tuned Gullwing, but they'll need some orders to get the project off the ground and on to the street. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the renderings in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Gullwing-America 300SL Panamericana concept

[Source: Gullwing-America via World Car Fans]

Continue reading Gullwing-America modernizes the Mercedes 300SL

Gullwing-America modernizes the Mercedes 300SL originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BAPE designer Nigo orders custom Mercedes 300SL Gullwing from AMG

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Click above for a gallery

Of all the fashion/automotive collaborations we've seen, few are as bonkers as those of A Bathing Ape fashion house designer Nigo. The Japanese icon has given the BAPE treatment to some of the most expensive automobiles on the market, including camo'd Rolls-Royce Phantoms and pink Bugatti Veyrons. But now, after laying hands on Volkswagen's Bugatti and BMW's Rolls-Royce, Nigo has forked over his stylish cash to Mercedes-Benz tuning division AMG for a modern riff on a classic 300SL Gullwing.

So far, only this dedication plaque has surfaced, but that tells us all we need to know. The vehicle in question appears to have started its life as a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, but undergone an engine swap this year to place a modern 6.0-liter V8 under the hood. No word on what styling tweaks may have been carried out, but we wouldn't be surprised if the vintage Benz proved hard to find in a tinted jungle.

UPDATED with images and gallery.

Gallery: Nigo 300SL

[Source: Bespoke Ventures]

BAPE designer Nigo orders custom Mercedes 300SL Gullwing from AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gullwing Returns: Official details on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

John Neff — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz has used the occasion of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show to release the first official details about a car that won't even be shown in Switzerland at all. It is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which has long been referred to as the SLC or modern day Gullwing. Mercedes has confirmed that the car will feature the same gullwing-style doors made famous by the classic 300SL, and from there things get very interesting.

While not ready to unveil the final design of the car, Mercedes did release dozens of images of SLS prototypes being tested by its engineers. It's readily apparent that the SLS looks smaller than Mercedes' current supercar, the SLR McLaren, but the smaller shape just hints at extensive weight saving measures. An all-new aluminum space frame contributes to a curb weight of just 3,571 lbs, a full 300 lbs less than the SLR McLaren. The SLS also rides on a long 105.5-inch wheelbase with a front track that's 1.2 inches wider than the rear.

Power will be provided by a tuned version of AMG's familiar 6.2L V8 producing 563 hp at 6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. The engine, which sits low and behind the front axle, will send all that power across a carbon-fiber driveshaft to the rear axle where a new seven-speed dual clutch gearbox carves it up. There will even be a Race Start launch control function that guarantees an estimated 3.8-second 0-62 time every time. Top speed: 196 mph. Stopping? 15.4-inch discs in front squeezed by six-piston calipers and 14.2-inchers with four-piston calipers out back, and a full set of carbon ceramic rotors will be optional.

Pricing hasn't yet been released, but expect to drop at least 200 large on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG when it goes on sale. The car is clearly not ready for the showroom yet, but Mercedes just wanted us all to know it's coming... fast.

UPDATE: Official press release added after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Gullwing Returns: Official details on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Gullwing Returns: Official details on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing interior

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

The new Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing supercar has been caught again, and this time, spy photogs have captured what's on the inside. A few grainy shots have surfaced (that look more like magazine scans) showing the dash and console utilizing components pulled straight from the Mercedes-Benz parts bin. The COMMAND knob joins a steering wheel similar to the unit fitted to the AMG SL63, with a flat bottom, three spokes and directional control buttons. The HVAC controls and headlight switch look very M-B too, even if the new supercar won't end up badged a Benz. Rumors hint that the vehicle might simply be badged as an AMG.

As a successor to the SLR McLaren, the SLC is expected to be powered by an AMG 6.2L V8 producing upwards of 550 hp and will share similar proportions to the Ferrari F430. Project C197, as the Gullwing SLC is internally known, is expected to make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, with a cloth-roofed convertible R197 version to follow a year later. While much of this could change between now and then, one thing seems certain, the car will be a true successor to the iconic Gullwing, at least in terms of the doors.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details emerge on Gullwing SLC, but no Mercedes badge?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Fans of the classic Gullwing Mercedes 300 SL have been eagerly awaiting the new Gullwing SLC supercar, which Mercedes' tuning house AMG has been spied working on over the last year. But if emerging reports are to be believed, the SLC won't wear a Mercedes badge at all. The true successor to SLR McLaren will reportedly be the first vehicle to be badged exclusively as an AMG product, forgoing the vaunted three-pointed star altogether.

Reports also indicate that with dimensions of 4650mm long, 2700mm wheelbase, 1950mm wide, and 1250mm high, the SLC will be similar in proportions to a Ferrari F430. Project C197, as the Gullwing SLC is internally known, is expected to make its debut at the 2010 Geneva show, with a cloth-roofed convertible R197 version to follow a year later.

Gallery: Mercedes/AMG prototype - spy shots

[Source: Car via eurocarblog]

Details emerge on Gullwing SLC, but no Mercedes badge? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on the new Mercedes supercar

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:58:00 EST

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

The year 2010 will mark the next phase in the continuing odyssey of Mercedes' efforts in the supercar arena. The supercoupe W197, tipping a hat to its massively iconic forebear, the 300SL, will sport gullwing doors and probably more than a hint of the 300's curvy, 50's face.

Developed by AMG, the engine people are talking about is a V8 with 620-HP sitting in a tubular frame chassis. All those ponies will, of course, power the round rubbery things in the back. The design hasn't been seen yet, but the renderings make the car look like an aftermarket kit SL front end with an SLR-ish rear. We hope it doesn't end up looking like that.

Mercedes expects to move 3,000 to 5,000 of the beasts every year. The lower number is more than Lamborghini sells of its two models, and the higher number is almost as many as Ferrari sells of its three. If the rumored price tag of $250,000 is accurate, then we can't wait to see how the car runs, and how the car sells.

[Source: InsideLine]

More details on the new Mercedes supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mercedes, BMW take aim at the Audi R8

Alex Nunez — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Supercars, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

Audi appears to have set off a chain reaction with its forthcoming R8 sports car. The automaker's primary competitors, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, are both cooking up their own new sports cars. Auto Motor und Sport reports that BMW is busy working on the Z9 for 2010. The front-engined Z9 would eschew the Z8's retro themes for a more current look, and be powered at first by a version of the M5/M6 V10 making 500+ horses. That engine could possibly be joined by a 400+ hp V8 after the car's initial release.

Meanwhile, at Mercedes, speculation abounds regarding the rumored 2010 supercar, which, based on previous reports, will be driven by a 750-hp twin-turbocharged version of the AMG V8, sport gullwing doors and be developed entirely by AMG mad scientists. Auto Motor und Sport reports that said powerplant will be mounted amidships, and the rendering above is the German mag's theory of what this AMG sports car could look like. We think it looks just fine.

Let the rumor-mongering continue!

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Report: Mercedes, BMW take aim at the Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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