Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[StudioTorino Coupetorino turns Mercedes SL into... something else]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/studiotorino-coupetorino-turns-mercedes-sl-into-something-els/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/studiotorino-coupetorino-turns-mercedes-sl-into-something-els/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/studiotorino-coupetorino-turns-mercedes-sl-into-something-els/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of pics of the StudioTorini Coupetorino
Here's what happens when a designer sees the Solstice Coupe or Miata Coupe and thinks, "If they can do it to one of those, we can surely do it to an SL." StudioTorino, in conjunction with IAAD (Istituto d'Arte Applicata e Design), has created this Coupetorino based on the Mercedes-Benz SL. Designed for the 'Turin World Design Capital 2008' event in the "Bespoke Coachwork" class, this 1:4 scale model was created by Alfredo Stola at StudioTorino and Piotr Degler Jablonski at IAAD. The idea was to transform the Mercedes SL into an exclusive coupé with Italian flair. We'd say they succeeded, although we would have preferred a hatch to gain some luggage space. If the name sounds familiar, StudioTorino is the firm that brought us the wagon-esque Maserati Cinqueporte, the comically sinister Fiat 500 based Diabolika, and the Porsche Cayman-based RK Coupe.

Gallery: StudioTorino Coupetorino


[Source: Studiotorino via Car Body Design]

StudioTorino Coupetorino turns Mercedes SL into... something else originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alfredo StolaAlfredoStolaCinqueporteCoupetorinodiabolikaIAADIstituto dArte Applicata e DesignIstitutoDarteApplicataEDesignMercedes Benz SLmercedes-benz slMercedes-benzSlMercedesBenzSlPiotr Degler JablonskiPiotrDeglerJablonskirk coupeRkCoupestudiotorinoFri, 12 Dec 2008 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/brabus-tunes-new-mercedes-benz-sl-to-reliably-insane-levels/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/brabus-tunes-new-mercedes-benz-sl-to-reliably-insane-levels/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/brabus-tunes-new-mercedes-benz-sl-to-reliably-insane-levels/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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

"BRABUS" might as well be German for, "Hey, why not?" This would seem to be the question its engineers ask themselves before they stuff ludicrous amounts of power under the hoods of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks. This behavior is well-documented, and it continues unabated with the arrival of MB's new SL. Full wheel/tire, interior, and styling packages are a given. Backing up those enhanced looks is an assortment of tuning packages capable of providing more power than even Montgomery Scott could ever plead for.

The SV12 S Biturbo engine swap appears to have been created by someone with a severe, pathological hatred for tires. This is the same engine used in the Brabus Bullit, and it dishes out a predictably ridiculous 720 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque. The latter number is electronically restrained to a mere 811 lb-ft., and a top speed of well over 200 mph comes with the territory. Not interested in the full swap? No worries, BRABUS has your back. SL 65 AMG drivers can opt for the T 65 S package, which bumps the stock V12 Biturbo to 705 hp/811 lb-ft. There's a solution for the all-motor SL 63 AMG as well that packs on an additional 40 horses over stock. This pattern continues right on down the line -- even the "lowly" V6-powered cars can be tuned to deliver 327 hp/ 310 lb-ft. Bonkers. Er, BRABUS, rather.

Gallery: 2009 BRABUS SL


[Source: BRABUS]

Continue reading BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels

BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 May 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brabus slBrabusSlmercedes-benz slMercedes-benzSlsl 280sl 500sl 550sl 600sl 63 amgsl 65 amgSl280sl350Sl500Sl550Sl600Sl63AmgSl65AmgSV12 SSv12SWed, 07 May 2008 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Mercedes-Benz SL images leak onto web]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/2009-mercedes-benz-sl-images-leak-onto-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/2009-mercedes-benz-sl-images-leak-onto-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/2009-mercedes-benz-sl-images-leak-onto-web/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above for 34 more high-res pics of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL

We don't know who is to blame for leaking these scrumdidlyumptious images of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL, but we're glad they did. These 34 high-res images give us a sneak peek at what Mercedes has in store for its hard-top convertible, which includes among other things an entirely new front end. The new face on the SL incorporates headlights with a more modern shape. The new eyes flank a grille with just one crossbar that's punctuated by s solid medallion bearing the iconic three-pointed star logo. New fender vents have also been added, the design of which has been aped from the more hyperbolic vents found on the McLaren SLR, but we actually like these understated gills more. A new rear apron can also be seen out back where the SL's buttocks has been freshened, as well.

Inside we see the new three-spoke steering wheel and white gauges that Mercedes showed us in the updated CLS last week. The center console has also been updated and an oversized screen for the nav system sits front and center. We also noticed something strange on the back of the headrests: a pair of fans appear to be embedded in each. What are they for, extra thrust? We don't know and likely won't until Mercedes releases official information on the new SL.

Since these 34 images didn't come packaged with an official press release, we can't tell you what's new under the skin of the SL, either. We can say that the SL55 AMG model is due to be replaced by the SL63 bearing the brand's monster 500+ hp, 6.3L V8. There also seems to be a new V6 of some sort in the works based on the number of pics referencing such a motor in the gallery below. We'll have more information once Mercedes gets officially official about the new SL, but until then enjoy the prerelease pics.

UPDATE: At least one new V6 engine in the SL range is probably the 3.0L V6 that debuted in the new CLS 280 with 231 HP and 221 ft.-lb. of torque, which should provide the big 'vert with decent performance and above average fuel economy.

[Source: autozeitung.de]

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL images leak onto web originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 mercedes-benz sl2009 sl2009 sl-class2009Mercedes-benzSl2009Sl2009Sl-classbreakingmercedes-benz slMercedes-benzSlsl-classTue, 22 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Woodward Dream Cruise 2007: Old Mercedes-Benz SLs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/18/woodward-dream-cruise-2007-old-mercedes-benz-sls/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/18/woodward-dream-cruise-2007-old-mercedes-benz-sls/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/18/woodward-dream-cruise-2007-old-mercedes-benz-sls/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the 300SL for a high-res gallery

The lineage of the Mercedes Benz SL dates back to 1953, and over the years the car has had a number of transformations. The series began with the original gull-wing coupe that was soon joined by the classic long nose roadster based on the first SLR. In the 1960s, the SL shrunk to become a much smaller, less powerful convertible before it began growing again in the 1970s and becoming the techno monster it is today. While wandering around the Dream Cruise, we stumbled across a pair of superlative SLs for you to peruse.

Gallery: Woodward Dream Cruise 2007: Old SLs

Woodward Dream Cruise 2007: Old Mercedes-Benz SLs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Aug 2007 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzmercedes-benz slMercedes-benzSlMercedesBenzwoodwardSat, 18 Aug 2007 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes going all-aluminum with new SL and SLC super coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/mercedes-going-all-aluminum-with-new-sl-and-slc-super-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/mercedes-going-all-aluminum-with-new-sl-and-slc-super-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/mercedes-going-all-aluminum-with-new-sl-and-slc-super-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In late June we showed you spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz SCL, what we believe will be Mercedes' answer to the Audi R8. It seems that the new Merc will be armed with a new weapon when it enters the fight - a lower curb weight.

Just Auto is reporting that Mercedes has plans to build the SL model out of aluminum, much like Aston Martin, Audi, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce have done with some of their models. Expected to use an aluminum spaceframe and body panels, the new SL should be at least 10 - 15% lighter than the current model, the weight of which ranges from 3,860 lbs. to 4,500 lbs. depending on what model and options are chosen.

Not wanting an interruption in SL production when the new aluminum structure is phased in, Mercedes is planning the super coupe SLC as a car that will use the spaceframe but be produced only in limited numbers. The idea is to make sure all the kinks are ironed out of the new production process before it's applied to the higher volume SL. Expect only about 3,000 to 4,000 SLC coupes to be produced, and you'll be able to pick one up around 2010, two years before the new all-aluminum SL debuts.

The SLC, however, will not share a body panel with the SL, which means it could even be the retro "gull-wing" coupe at which insiders have been hinting. We're also not sure if Mercedes will even continue to produce the SLC after the new SL arrives in 2012. At this point, there remains more questions than answers.

[Source: Just Auto - sub. req'd]

Mercedes going all-aluminum with new SL and SLC super coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminummercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz slMercedes-benzSlSLslcsuper coupeSuperCoupeThu, 19 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese Byd for entry into sports car market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/05/chinese-byd-for-entry-into-sports-car-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/05/chinese-byd-for-entry-into-sports-car-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/05/chinese-byd-for-entry-into-sports-car-market/#commentsFiled under: ,


From many angles, the F8 has a definite Mercedes-Benz SL look to it. Scheduled to be unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show by Chinese automaker Byd Auto, the hardtop convertible is the first one in China with independant intellectual property rights. Byd says that the F8's hard-top can be lowered in 25 seconds with the touch of a button. It's funny the company would bother to engineer its own hydraulic hardtop mechanism when it relies so heavily on the designs of other automakers. In 2005, it began selling the F3 that looked more than a bit like a Toyota Corolla, and soon it will also release the F6, which has strong BMW 7-Series overtones. (See both cars after the jump.)

The F8 will also be equipped with features such as ABS, four airbags, electric windows and a DVD player. An official U.S. launch date, yes we said U.S., is TBD, but Byd says the F8 should hit our shores priced about $26,000.

See the F3, F6 and F8 after the jump.

[Source: edmunds.com]

Continue reading Chinese Byd for entry into sports car market

Chinese Byd for entry into sports car market originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Nov 2006 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW 7-SeriesBmw7-seriesBydByd AutoBydAutoChinaF3F6F8Mercedes-Benz SLMercedes-benzSlToyota CorollaToyotaCorollaSun, 05 Nov 2006 10:45:00 EST