Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Brabus 800 Roadster is a power-mad aristocrat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/brabus-800-roadster-mercedes-benz-sl-amg-geneva-213/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/brabus-800-roadster-mercedes-benz-sl-amg-geneva-213/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/brabus-800-roadster-mercedes-benz-sl-amg-geneva-213/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



If we're being completely honest, we haven't exactly been in love with the aesthetics of the sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. It's mostly a front-end issue, with its glowering eagle-eye headlamps and upright, dinner-plate-sized Three-Pointed Star coming across to us as overwrought. That's particularly troublesome for a roadster whose history has of the most elegant designs of all time in its back catalog. Somehow, the new R231 generation's brash visuals seem more at home on this Brabus 800 Roadster to us.

That's probably because the high-dollar German tuner has turned up the wick on the SL's visuals even further, with carbon fiber bodywork, a more aggressive aero kit, matte hood scoop and complex two-finish wheels. It's all-the-way committed to its brashness, in other words - and justifiably so. Anything with 800 horsepower and 1,047 pound-feet of torque has earned the right to look however it wants, right?

Brabus started with the SL65 and its not-exactly-underpowered 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, and went to town, fitting their own turbocharger and intercooler system, along with a less-restrictive exhaust system with driver-selectable sound levels and new engine electronics. The result is a 3.7-second 0-62 mph time, an electronically limited top whack of 217 mph... and one seriously compromised toupée.

Continue reading Brabus 800 Roadster is a power-mad aristocrat

Brabus 800 Roadster is a power-mad aristocrat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sl65 amgamgbrabusbrabus 800 roadstergenevageneva 2013geneva motor showmercedes-benzslsl 65 amgsl-classsl-klassesl65 amgWed, 06 Mar 2013 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/brabus-800-roadster-mercedes-benz-sl-amg-geneva-213/20490544/article-detail.xml 20490544 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/brabus-800-roadster-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/brabus-800-roadster-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

Make way for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, the most wonderfully preposterous car I have ever driven.

There is absolutely no reason why any two-seat roadster should be fitted with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 developing 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, but I sure am glad that Mercedes-Benz doesn't see things that way.

Drop into the leather-lined cockpit of this $213,145 provocateur, floor the accelerator pedal as I did over and over again, and 60 miles per hour falls in a traction-limited 3.9 seconds. Top speed has been electronically held to 186 mph (this apparently saves Gulfstream jet owners from embarrassment). Forget the SL550 and SL63 AMG, the valets will trip over themselves attending to the tycoon driving this thoroughbred - it's the real deal.

Driving Notes
  • The handcrafted 36-valve V12 returns with a new internal designation of M279 (replacing the M275) and a matte carbon-fiber engine cover. Mercedes-Benz has updated the powerplant's turbochargers and improved engine airflow for the 2013 model year. This explains the 17-horsepower improvement and efficiency gains over its predecessor. The venerable five-speed automatic was also replaced with AMG's Speedshift seven-speed transmission (offering electronically controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual modes), and the SL65 AMG now features an engine start-stop function.
  • Acceleration rates normally flatten as aerodynamic drag rises. The SL65 AMG seems to do just the opposite as it picks up speed like a rocket leaving the earth's pull of gravity. Full throttle applications release a throaty growl from the quad exhaust, accompanied by spine-chilling burbles as the transmission catches each gear. Downshifts are equally as pleasing as the V12 cackles and pops as each gear falls. Yet, during steady cruising the exhaust note is perfectly tame and proper.
  • Despite is substantial physical size, the SL65 AMG is surprisingly agile. It tracks well and the new electrically boosted steering is precise and nicely weighed. Cornering is flat, thanks to Active Body Control (offering both Sport and Comfort settings). The 19-inch wheel and upgraded monobloc brake package (lifted right off the enthusiast-tuned SL63 AMG), does its job commendably.
  • The cabin is a smart mix of luxury and sport. What leather doesn't cover is made of either woven carbon-fiber or brushed aluminum. The infinitely adjustable quilted seats are heated and equipped with the automaker's neck-heating Airscarf. The meaty three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel is wrapped in smooth leather with grippy Alcantera sides and aluminum wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard. The convertible hard top, with its lightweight magnesium frame encircling the automaker's trick Magic Sky Control dimming feature, can be raised or lowered in about 20 seconds at the touch of a button.
  • Don't confuse the SLS AMG GT Roadster with the SL65 AMG, as each has very different role. The SLS is a true sports car, with a mission-appropriate ride, gnarly exhaust snarl and a moderate level of amenities. The SL65, on the other hand, is a luxury grand tourer engineered to make miles pass effortlessly beneath it chassis. One does not replace the other - a true boss owns both.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes2013 mercedes-benz sl65 amg2013mercedesfeaturedmercedesmercedes amgmercedes benzmercedes-benzmercedesamgmercedesbenzquick spinquickspinslsl-classsl-klassesl65 amgFri, 22 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20471126/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-quick-spin-review/20471126/article-detail.xml 20471126 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-qs.jpg <![CDATA[America, these are your top 10 most expensive cars to own]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - red - at speed in a forest

Picking up a used luxury car is a great way to save some coin. Letting the previous owner take the fall on depreciation is a smart move, but it's worth remembering that high-end autos carry with them high-end maintenance and repair costs. Using Edmunds.com data, 24/7 Wall Street has compiled what it says are the 10 most expensive vehicles to own, and the list is populated by some not-so-surprising names. BMW and Mercedes-Benz soak up the lion's share of the offenders, though other manufactures make a showing as well. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG takes top honors as the most expensive of them all with a "true cost of ownership" of $245,469. That's in addition to the gullwing supercar's $210,875 MSRP.

The calculations not only factor in deprecation, but also things like fuel, maintenance and insurance costs.

All told, Mercedes-Benz models takes four of the 10 spots on the list. That's twice as many as BMW, and the rest are split between makes like Land Rover, Audi and Nissan. If that last one seems a bit out of place, keep in mind Nissan makes the mighty (and mighty complex) GT-R. Check out our gallery below for a full list of the biggest offenders.

America, these are your top 10 most expensive cars to own originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 seriesactivehybrid 7alpina b7audibmwclcl-classcost of ownershipg-classgt-rland roverlsls600hmercedes-benzmost expensive carnissanownershipr8range roverslsl-classsls amgFri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/20245083/article-detail.xml 20245083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Affalterbach Additions Transform Benz's Heavy-Hitting Droptop



Saint-Tropez is a charming town in southeastern France nestled along the Mediterranean Sea. Internationally recognized as a summer playground for the wealthy and famous, it is also famed for its "clothing optional" beaches where more than just noses and shoulders get burned in hot weather. While still a couple months shy of warm weather and the influx of tourists, Mercedes-Benz chose to get an early start on the topless party by flying us to the Côte d'Azur for some seat time in its newest high-performance droptop, the 2013 SL63 AMG Roadster.

Our first taste of the new SL-Class was behind the wheel of the standard SL550 in Spain less than two months ago. The two-seater impressed us with its stout chassis, strong engine and lavish appointments - but it failed to stir our emotions. The base SL long ago steered away from being a driver's car, and its latest incarnation proved no different. It was, in effect, just a very capable and posh GT.

But the SL63 AMG, boasting upwards of 557 horsepower thanks to a burly twin-turbocharged V8, still seems promising. Its luxury appointments are nearly identical, yet it wears AMG attire and its entire powertrain has been upgraded to appease warm-blooded automotive enthusiasts. Do fresh duds and a new muscular system make a more compelling athlete? We roughed in the French Riviera to find out.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG [w/video]

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sl63 amg2013+mercedes2013+mercedes-benz2013+sl63+amg2013+sl63+wheels2013mercedes2013mercedes-benz2013sl63amg2013sl63wheelsamgfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivemercedesmercedes-benznew+sl63+amgnewsl63amgslsl-classsl-klassesl550sl63sl63 amgWed, 16 May 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238800/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-first-drive-review-video/20238800/article-detail.xml 20238800 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/07-2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/07-2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes SL550 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/2013-mercedes-sl550-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/2013-mercedes-sl550-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/2013-mercedes-sl550-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Official Car Of Beverly Hills Gets A Dramatic Rework

2013 Mercedes SL550

Generally speaking, I'm a pretty measured sort of guy. But when it comes to convertibles, I'm a bit of a lunatic. I've been known to motor with the top down in all conditions - including light rain and snow - much to the bewilderment of other drivers (and quite often the chagrin of my passengers). For the most part, it doesn't matter if I'm driving in a bare-bones roadster or a lux-lined GT. Thankfully for my hapless guests, however, advances in technology have done much to assuage discomfort in poor weather. These days, there are far fewer tradeoffs associated with top-down motoring: improved aerodynamics, wind blockers, enhanced ventilation, sun-reflecting leather and, of course, seat heating and cooling - all features that have done much to make me better company. What's more, modern underlying structures are stiffer and there's little in the way of the noise, vibration and harshness penalties that there used to be.

In terms of innovation, nobody has done more to advance the everyday livability of the convertible than Mercedes-Benz. They kept the faith back in the late 70s/early 80s when nearly everyone had gotten out of the convertible business. They brought back the folding hardtop. They came up with the pop-up roll hoop to augment rollover safety. They created Airscarf. Aircap, too. Hell, with this 2013 SL550, they've even invented a new windshield wiper fluid delivery system to prevent errant spritzing when driving with the top down (more on that in a minute).

On its face, a typically sober German engineering approach would seem to be at odds with the very idea of a top-down bauble, but Mercedes has taken a very logical approach to building something so frivolous. Amazingly, this philosophy works in the SL's favor... most of the time.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes SL550 [w/video]

2013 Mercedes SL550 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sl550edition 1featuredfirst driveFirstDrivemagic vision controlmercedesmercedes-benzslsl 550sl-550sl-classsl-klassesl550Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20205724/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/09/2013-mercedes-sl550-w-video/20205724/article-detail.xml 20205724 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-mercedes-benz-sl550-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-mercedes-benz-sl550-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG packs an earth-moving 738 pound-feet of torque]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-packs-an-earth-moving-738-pound-feet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-packs-an-earth-moving-738-pound-feet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-packs-an-earth-moving-738-pound-feet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG live reveal at 2012 NY Auto Show

It takes a special type of individual to take a look at a twin-turbo V8 roadster with 530 horsepower like the new Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and say, "Nope, that's not enough." And for just such an individual, Mercedes now presents the new SL65 AMG.

Unveiled here at the New York Auto Show alongside the facelifted GL and GLK crossovers, the new SL65 replaces its predecessor with a pair of turbos and twelve cylinders good for a monumental 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It also gets a seven-gear Speedshift transmission that has been beefed up enough to handle all that twist in place of the five-speed that soldiered on through the last model.

All that is packed, of course, into the newer, (relatively) lighter new SL-Class, complete with Airscarf and Magic Sky Control and all that jazz. The new roadster sits at the very top of the SL range, and if the outgoing model is any indication, this droptop is likely to receive a starting price well over $200,000.

We were on hand for the new SL65's unveiled here at the Javitz Center, and you can join us for a closer look in the high-resolution image gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG packs an earth-moving 738 pound-feet of torque

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG packs an earth-moving 738 pound-feet of torque originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 new york auto show2013 mercedes-benz sl65 amgamgmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sl65 amgnew yorknew york 2012new york auto showslsl-classsl-klassesl65sl65 amgWed, 04 Apr 2012 16:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20208217/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/04/2013-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-packs-an-earth-moving-738-pound-feet/20208217/article-detail.xml 20208217 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mb-sl65-amgny1204-copy-1333558182_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mb-sl65-amgny1204-copy-1333558182.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is big and beastly, not so beautiful]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG live in Geneva

We'll come right out and say it: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL isn't exactly pretty. And while this new SL63 adds all of the go-fast appearance bits befitting any AMG model, it doesn't exactly help the big roadster's appearance. And by the way, when we say big, we mean big. The photos don't quite do it justice - this is one seriously large two-seater.

Large and in charge as it may be, the 2013 SL63 AMG is actually far prettier beneath the skin. For one thing, it's 275 pounds lighter than the model it replaces, thanks largely to the use of high-strength but lightweight aluminum parts. Even so, this bad boy tips the scales at just over 4,050 pounds, but never fear - there's one heck of a powerplant underhood to get this grandaddy moving with a quickness.

Just like the entire new crop of AMG products, the SL63 uses Merc's twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter M157 V8, good for 530 horsepower and 593 pound-feet of torque. Tick the box for the optional AMG Performance Package and those numbers increase to 557 and 664(!) respectively. With that additional grunt, the SL63 will shoot to 60 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds (4.2 without the Performance Pack), on its way to relaxed top speed of 186 miles per hour (non PP-equipped models top out at 155).

Glorious as it all sounds, we still can't get past the fact that the once-timelessly beautiful SL continues to get uglier and uglier with each new generation. Sigh. See for yourself in the attached high-res image galleries.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is big and beastly, not so beautiful

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is big and beastly, not so beautiful originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sl63 amgbenzgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showmercedesmercedes-benzslsl-classsl-klassesl63 amgTue, 06 Mar 2012 16:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-geneva-2012/20186871/article-detail.xml 20186871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes AMG launches new SL63 with W03 F1 car in Barcelona [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/mercedes-amg-launches-new-sl63-with-w03-f1-car-in-barcelona-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/mercedes-amg-launches-new-sl63-with-w03-f1-car-in-barcelona-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/mercedes-amg-launches-new-sl63-with-w03-f1-car-in-barcelona-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Roadster driving top-down

Any outfit with the cash can buy a Formula One team. Integrating it into an existing automaker, however, isn't an overnight proposition. Both Lotus and Caterham are currently undergoing that process, but so is Mercedes-Benz.

The German automaker bought out what was then the World Champion Brawn GP team (previously known as Honda and before that, as British American Racing) a couple of years ago as a standalone racing team, and has been bringing it into the corporate fold ever since. This year, the team previously known as Mercedes GP has been rebranded as Mercedes AMG (as was the division that produces its F1 engines). To drive the point home, the company's broadened performance arm launched two very different cars under the same banner in Barcelona this week.

2012 Mercedes AMG W03The main event is W03, the new single-seater that Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will be driving in the 2012 Formula One World Championship. Bound to the same new set of regulations as the other teams, the new Mercedes AMG W03 shares some of the same traits as the rest of the field - most notably the stepped nose section that Mercedes' PR team cleverly calls "distinctive." Since engine development remains frozen pending the launch of the new turbo six, the W03 is powered by the same FO108Z engine - all 2.4 liters and eight cylinders of it - as last year's car, and for that matter the latest McLaren and Force India challengers are, too.

While Daimler was at it, though, it has taken the opportunity to show off its new Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Roadster for the first time. Based on the SL-Class that debuted just two months ago at the Detroit Auto Show, the SL63 packs AMG's fast-becoming-ubiquitous M157 twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 529 horsepower, but unburdened of 242 pounds of excess weight from the outgoing model (thanks primarily to the widespread use of aluminum and magnesium where the last model was made of steel), the new SL63 AMG can rocket from 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds (4.2 with the optional AMG Performance Package) while returning 30 percent better fuel economy.

Check out our high-res galleries of both open-top Three-Pointed Stars and hop through to the jump to see some videos.

Continue reading Mercedes AMG launches new SL63 with W03 F1 car in Barcelona [w/videos]

Mercedes AMG launches new SL63 with W03 F1 car in Barcelona [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes amg w032013 mercedes-benz sl63amgf1formula 1formula onemercedes amgmercedes-benzslsl 63sl-classsl-klassesl63sl63 amgw03Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20175026/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/mercedes-amg-launches-new-sl63-with-w03-f1-car-in-barcelona-w-v/20175026/article-detail.xml 20175026 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-lead.jpg <![CDATA[60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/60-years-of-the-mercedes-benz-sl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/60-years-of-the-mercedes-benz-sl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/60-years-of-the-mercedes-benz-sl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Only a tiny number of cars have been unquestioned status symbols for six straight decades. The Mercedes-Benz SL is one of them, and - just like another one, coincidentally - it's new for this year. Although "Magic Sky Control" doesn't have the same classic ring as "pagoda roof," the R231 2013 SL aims to keep the streak going.

For folks who might not know where the streak began, there's a short refresher video after the jump that will speed you from the 1952 300 SL up to the present day. Enjoy.

Continue reading 60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL

60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sl2013 slmercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz slslsl-classsl-klassevideoyoutubeSun, 12 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/12/60-years-of-the-mercedes-benz-sl/20169615/article-detail.xml 20169615 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedesslevolution_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedesslevolution.jpg <![CDATA[Veilside bets on Black with Mercedes SL body kit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/veilside-bets-on-black-with-mercedes-sl-body-kit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/veilside-bets-on-black-with-mercedes-sl-body-kit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/veilside-bets-on-black-with-mercedes-sl-body-kit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Veilside Mercedes-Benz SL Black Fortune

There are hundreds of aftermarket tuners out there, but few hold the type of street cred that does Veilside. Long known for making Japan's greatest sportscars even greater, Veilside has now turned its attention to the Mercedes-Benz SL.

Not the newest one, mind you, because it's not out yet. Instead, Veilside has taken to the Tokyo Auto Salon to unveil a conversion kit that turns the outgoing SL into something closer to the top-of-the-line SL65 AMG Black Series.

To do so, Veilside fitted the SL with a custom body kit that includes new bumpers front and rear, new hood, fenders, side skirts, and spoiler, all crafted from carbon fiber. The result is called the Black Fortune.

The folding roof mechanism present on the stock SL - but removed on the Black Series model - appears to remain in place, so the Veilside won't encompass the kind of weight savings embodied by the factory special, but with only 300 examples of the kit to be offered at about $30,000 a pop, seeing one on the street should be about as rare a proposition.

Veilside bets on Black with Mercedes SL body kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedes-benzmercedes-benz sl-classslsl-classtokyo auto salonveilsideveilside black fortuneThu, 19 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149668/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/veilside-bets-on-black-with-mercedes-sl-body-kit/20149668/article-detail.xml 20149668 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webveilside-black1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webveilside-black1.jpg <![CDATA[Hands on with Mercedes-Benz mBrace2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-mbrace2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-mbrace2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-mbrace2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz mBrace2

Following Dr. Z's keynote here at CES, Mercedes-Benz showed off the latest iteration of its telematics and infotainment system, mBrace2.

The system simply expands and enhances what M-B's system has been doing for the last few years, integrating Facebook, Google Point of Interest searches and now Google Street View into the current COMAND interface.

There's a full-scale browser controlled by the central COMAND knob, but as you can see in the video after the jump, a combination of spotty data access (the CES show floor needs its own spectrum) and some oddly chosen user interface decisions makes for a rather clunky experience.

Data issues aside, the biggest problem is using the outmoded concept of a pointer to select things on the screen. That's fine for PCs, but using a five-way controller to pan and click around a page is infuriatingly frustrating. Here's hoping M-B irons out the kinks before mBrace2 arrives on the all-new SL and the rest of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz lineup.

Continue reading Hands on with Mercedes-Benz mBrace2

Hands on with Mercedes-Benz mBrace2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012mbracembrace2mercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzmercedes-benz mbracemercedes-benz mbrace2slsl-classWed, 11 Jan 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20145617/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-mbrace2/20145617/article-detail.xml 20145617 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mbrace2-ces-2012-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mbrace2-ces-2012-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is still the daddy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/08/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-sl550-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/08/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-sl550-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/08/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-sl550-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 - Detroit Auto Show reveal

It's the eve of press days at the Detroit Auto Show, and Mercedes-Benz has kicked off the week in fine style with the premiere of its 2013 SL. While the 60-year-old franchise has periodically undergone radical revisions, the sixth-generation should look familiar to anyone who has seen the outgoing model, but that doesn't mean that Benz hasn't tugged and pulled the SL every which way. While the general form looks very similar to the fifth-generation roadster, there are subtle tweaks everywhere, the most noticeable being the eagle's-eye LED daytime running lamps.

As before, the two-seat roadster relies on a power folding hardtop, though the folding roof can now be had with Magic Sky Control, the trick bit of electrochromatic glass with variable opacity first offered on the SLK. The original SL nomenclature stood for Sport and Lightweight, but in recent years, the latter descriptor hasn't really applied to the big coupe. The 2013 model seeks to reclaim some of that featheriness with a new all-aluminum structure and body, and Mercedes says the new SL550 weighs about 275 pounds less than the exiting model.

A 12-percent bump in HP means that 60 miles per hour hits in just 4.5 seconds - the old car required 5.2 seconds.

Powered by Mercedes' 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8, the SL550 delivers 429 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and a whopping 516 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm. As before, that power is routed through a seven-speed auto to the rear wheels. Apart from its lightweight aluminum construction and downsized engine, Mercedes has made a few other concessions to greener motoring including standard stop/start. Despite this, the 32-percent swell in torque and 12-percent bump in horsepower means that 60 miles per hour hits in just 4.5 seconds - the old car required 5.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130 mph, and judging from the engine, it sounds like you'll be able to say hello to the governor rather quickly.

Over the years, Mercedes has made many contributions to the art of year-round top-down motoring, with items like heated seats, HVAC systems with dedicated top-down modes, Airscarf, and so on. For 2013, the SL gains a new wiper blade system dubbed Magic Vision Control that streams wiper fluid along the blade to avoid overspray into the interior when the top is dropped. The entire wiper is heated as well.

The model seen here is the limited edition "Edition 1" launch specification, which wears 19-inch AMG alloys, Designo leather, Airscarf, Harmon Kardon surround audio and available Designo crystal silver magno paintwork. We should know a bit more about pricing before the car arrives in dealers this spring.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is still the daddy

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is still the daddy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sl2013 mercedes-benz sl550detroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showmagic vision controlmercedes-benzslsl classsl-classsl-klassesl550Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20143438/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/08/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-sl550-detroit-2012/20143438/article-detail.xml 20143438 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lead-2013-mercedes-benz-sl-live_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lead-2013-mercedes-benz-sl-live.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes shows off SL's new curves with supermodel Lara Stone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/mercedes-shows-off-sls-new-curves-with-supermodel-lara-stone/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/mercedes-shows-off-sls-new-curves-with-supermodel-lara-stone/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/mercedes-shows-off-sls-new-curves-with-supermodel-lara-stone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lara Stone with Mercedes-Benz SL

Mercedes-Benz sent Calvin Klein model Lara Stone out with a 2013 SL, and put photographer Alex Prager in charge of documenting the platform-heeled, Arcadian shenanigans. The project is called the 2012 Fashion Collaboration, Icons of Style, and will be shown in its entirety at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, February 9-15, 2012. Meant to be a modern take on film noir and, apparently, Storm Catchers, Stone uses the SL to outrun a tornado.

Click here for a high-res version of the photo above, and follow the jump for a behind-the-scenes video and more details on both models - the car and the woman - and Alex Prager.

Continue reading Mercedes shows off SL's new curves with supermodel Lara Stone

Mercedes shows off SL's new curves with supermodel Lara Stone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sl2013 mercedes-benz sl-classfashion weeklara stonemercedes-benzmercedes-benz fashion weekmercedes-benz slslsl 550sl-550sl-classsl550Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134782/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/27/mercedes-shows-off-sls-new-curves-with-supermodel-lara-stone/20134782/article-detail.xml 20134782 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/sllarastonesm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/sllarastonesm.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SL makes YouTube debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/18/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-makes-youtube-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/18/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-makes-youtube-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/18/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-makes-youtube-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes sl2013 mercedes-benz2013 mercedes-benz sl2013 slmercedes slmercedes-benz slslyoutubeSun, 18 Dec 2011 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130342/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/18/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-makes-youtube-debut/20130342/article-detail.xml 20130342 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/sl2013videos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/sl2013videos.jpg <![CDATA[Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/ladies-and-gentlemen-this-is-your-2013-mercedes-benz-sl/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/ladies-and-gentlemen-this-is-your-2013-mercedes-benz-sl/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/ladies-and-gentlemen-this-is-your-2013-mercedes-benz-sl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Between our official sneak peek and the endless leaks, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is officially out of the bag before its debut at next month's Detroit Auto Show. And like its predecessors over the last five decades, the new SL continues to offer S-Class luxury and innovations in a svelte, drop-top package.

While the styling might not be a radical departure from the R230 chassis that's been around since 2003, the new front fascia takes the SLS' upright nose - an element that's infecting the rest of the Mercedes line-up - and joins it with a more raked hood and bi-xenon headlamps with fiber optic accents and daytime running LEDs mounted low in the bumper. When we got a preview of the SL last month, we were smitten by the aggressive new front end, but the profile and rear view left us comfortably numb.

The interior, on the other hand, is a masterwork, with more SLS-inspired elements carrying over inside, including the crosshair vents, a beautiful combination of leather, wood and carbon fiber, and a center console that blends simplicity and elegance, topping it off with a squat transmission stalk. The "Mercedes-Benz" text engraved in aluminum on the bottom of the flat-bottom steering wheel is a particularly nice touch, but the silver gauges come across as more Dodge circa 2005 than 21st-century Benz.

The roof can be had with either standard glass or the Magic Sky Control available on the SLK. Mercedes claims it stows away in 20 seconds and is more cleanly integrated than the R230, along with weighing 13 pound less thanks to its partial magnesium construction.

As we detailed before, the new SL will be around 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing version, living up to its Sports Light moniker by coming in under 4,000 pounds. That might not be a huge reduction, but it's the first of many steps Mercedes plans to implement in the coming years.

At launch, the SL550 will come equipped with the twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 4.6-liter V8, outputting 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque - a significant boost over the old model's 384 hp and 391 lb-ft. The dash to 60 is claimed to come in around 4.5 seconds, with fuel economy improved by up to 10 percent thanks to a modified seven-speed automatic gearbox and start/stop tech.

Speed-sensitive, electromechanical steering joins two suspension options: the standard Agility Control Suspension or the Active Body Control setup that debuted on the outgoing model.

Finally, two new technologies come standard on the SL, the previously featured Magic Vision Control which integrates the spray nozzles into the wipers, and the new FrontBass system that mounts two subwoofers in the driver and passenger footwells. And naturally, all the safety gadgetry is included, ranging from Pre-Safe to Adaptive Brakes. Get the full details in the press release below the fold and look for the all-new SL to hit dealers this spring.

Continue reading Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20132013 mercedes benz sl2013 mercedes benz sl5502013 mercedes-benz sl2013 mercedes-benz sl5502013 sl550detroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benznaiasslWed, 14 Dec 2011 13:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/ladies-and-gentlemen-this-is-your-2013-mercedes-benz-sl/20127975/article-detail.xml 20127975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2013-mercedes-benz-sl628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2013-mercedes-benz-sl628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SL leaked in all its glory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-leaked-in-all-its-glory/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-leaked-in-all-its-glory/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-leaked-in-all-its-glory/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL

Here we go again, boys and girls. One day after a couple grainy black-and-white brochure shots of the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL leaked out early, a massive stash of official shots has hit the web via GermanCarForum.com.

We still can't say what powertrains Mercedes-Benz plans to put under the SL's stately hood, but we do know those horses will be saddled with 308 fewer pounds to move around. That can only mean good things for driving dynamics.

What we can say with certainty, though, is that the 2013 SL bears a completely new look that draws inspiration from its smaller SLK sibling and the SLS AMG supercar. Note the upright grille, the shape of the light clusters and the overall boxier sheetmetal.

We like what we see inside the big Benz - there's a nice mix of modern materials, leather and genuine wood trim, plus what will surely be a boatload of technology thrown in for good measure.

Pricing, as you would imagine, is unavailable as of yet. While we wait for the proper time to publish all the details, satiate your curiosity with the high-res image gallery above. And remember, you'll get the chance to see it live at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL leaked in all its glory originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 detroit2013 mercedes-benz sl2013 mercedes-benz sl-classdetroitdetroit auto showmercedes-benzslsl-classTue, 13 Dec 2011 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127361/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-leaked-in-all-its-glory/20127361/article-detail.xml 20127361 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-mb-sl-leak3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-mb-sl-leak3.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SL brochure leaks ahead of Detroit reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-brochure-shots-leak-ahead-of-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-brochure-shots-leak-ahead-of-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-brochure-shots-leak-ahead-of-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL leaked image

It's getting darn near impossible for automakers to keep their latest wares hidden from view until they are good and ready to show them. Such is the case with Mercedes-Benz, who's latest SL has leaked to the internet courtesy of the crew at Autoblog.nl.

If we had to guess, we'd say these images come from a brochure of some sort, and they show the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL from the front and rear, along with the top up and down. We also get a lone shot of the interior, and though it's all in various shades of black and white, everything looks just as polished and stately as we'd expect from M-B's range-topping non-AMG machine.

We know that the 2013 SL will be a few hundred pounds lighter than its predecessor, but we don't yet know what range of engines will be in the "S-Class of Roadsters." We'd guess a few V8 options with the vestigial V12 hanging around for at least one more generation.

We'll just have to wait until the 2012 Detroit Auto Show to find out all the details, but in the meantime, have a gander at the pics in our high-res image gallery.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL brochure leaks ahead of Detroit reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sl2013 mercedes-benz sl-classdetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showmercedes-benzslsl-classsl-klasseMon, 12 Dec 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20126481/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/2013-mercedes-benz-sl-brochure-shots-leak-ahead-of-detroit/20126481/article-detail.xml 20126481 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2013-mb-sl_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2013-mb-sl.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SL begins a return to its roots]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/2012-mercedes-benz-sl-begins-a-return-to-its-roots/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/2012-mercedes-benz-sl-begins-a-return-to-its-roots/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/2012-mercedes-benz-sl-begins-a-return-to-its-roots/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL isn't set to debut for another two months at the Detroit Auto Show, but M-B gave us a sneak peak at the "S-Class of Roadsters" at its Advanced Design Studio in Carlsbad, California earlier today.

"SL" stands for Sport Light, but the last several iterations were anything but. Loaded with luxury and designed as a drop-top Grand Tourer, the SL - despite its badge - has always been a heavy weight. But for 2013, Mercedes is attempting to bring the SL back to its roots with a body in white comprised of 90 percent aluminum. Only the A pillars and roof crossmember use high-strength steel for rollover protection, and unladen with body panels, the chassis comes in 243 pounds lighter than the current model, with the production version tipping the scales at approximately 3,900 pounds - 308 pounds lighter than the 2012 version. With a revamped drivetrain (no details yet), Mercedes claims that fuel consumption will also be reduced by 30 percent.

The aluminum chassis is a first for M-B, and utilizes a smattering of high-tech production methods, including chilled cast longitudinal members, hollow extruded aluminum, a mig-welded frame and front longitudinal beams that are hydroformed for stiffness and improved packaging. All told, torsional rigidity is up by 20 percent and NVH levels should be down across the board.

Mercedes engineers and execs wouldn't go into much detail regarding powertrains and equipment - they've got to save some details for the Detroit show - but two new technologies will find their way into the SL when it goes on sale next year.

In addition to Magic Sky Control - the glass roof originally fitted to the SLK that allows drivers to adjust the amount of sunlight entering the cabin - Mercedes is introducing yet another "Magic" system. The magniloquently named Magic Vision Control is a new take on - yes - the windshield wiper, which utilizes two rows of laser-drilled holes to disperse washer fluid evenly and won't get the liquid inside the cabin when the top is down or soak pedestrians when the SL is stopped - a suitably Germanic solution to a problem no other automaker has addressed.

The SL will also be the first model fitted with the new FrontBass system, comprised of two 20-cm sub-woofers mounted flush in the bulkhead. We had the chance to sample the system in a prototype and it gets the job done, even if the inside of an automobile is still one of the worst places to get your audiophile on.

Expect more details on the 2013 SL to be revealed towards the middle of December before the wraps officially come off in Detroit.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL begins a return to its roots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz sl2012 slmagic vision controlmercedesmercedes-benzslsl-classTue, 15 Nov 2011 17:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/15/2012-mercedes-benz-sl-begins-a-return-to-its-roots/20107191/article-detail.xml 20107191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-mb-sl-preview-628op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-mb-sl-preview-628op.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes SL prototype says you'll never catch me, copper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/mercedes-sl-prototype-says-youll-never-catch-me-copper/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/mercedes-sl-prototype-says-youll-never-catch-me-copper/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/mercedes-sl-prototype-says-youll-never-catch-me-copper/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class spy shot

It's not every day that Mercedes-Benz comes out with a new SL. The roadster that anchors the top of the company's non-AMG production range tends to enjoy an unusually long lifecycle. The iconic first-generation Gullwing was on the market for ten years. The second-gen model lasted just eight years, but the third iteration was around for a whopping eighteen. The boxy fourth version was around for fourteen years, and the current model that replaced it has been on the market since 2003, with a facelift that came in 2008.

Fortunately, a new model is on its way and should put the MkV out to pasture after ten long years of service. Due sometime next year as a 2013 model, these are the clearest shots we've seen yet of what to expect.

Now stripped of all but a bare minimum of disguising, the 2013 SL looks a bit more svelte than the model it replaces, though that doesn't tell us if it'll be any lighter: the current two-seat folding hardtop convertible weights as much as some SUVs. The more upright front grille is both a nod to the SLS AMG and likely a measure to comply with pedestrian-impact regulations enacted in Europe.

It looks as though LEDs are lurking in the lower front intakes on either side, with what seems like it could house a side intake behind the front wheels. The test mule is draped in a new shade of copper we haven't seen before, and we suspect that those unflattering wheels are temporary. Take a gander yourself in our high-res gallery.

Mercedes SL prototype says you'll never catch me, copper originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sl2013 mercedes-benz sl-classmercedes-benz slmercedes-benz sl-classslsl-classsl-klassesl550sl600spy shotsMon, 31 Oct 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094810/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/mercedes-sl-prototype-says-youll-never-catch-me-copper/20094810/article-detail.xml 20094810 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web72013-mb-sl-spy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web72013-mb-sl-spy.jpg <![CDATA[Steelers coach gives own Mercedes to cafeteria cook for $20]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/steelers-coach-gives-own-mercedes-to-cafeteria-cook-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/steelers-coach-gives-own-mercedes-to-cafeteria-cook-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/steelers-coach-gives-own-mercedes-to-cafeteria-cook-for-20/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

99 mercedes-benz sl500

We'd be lying if we told you that we never fantasized about a generous donor arriving and delivering us one of our dream vehicles. It's not a realistic fantasy, but that doesn't mean it can never come true.

Just such a scenario took place in the real world, as Yahoo! reports that Pittsburgh Steelers cafeteria worker Maurice Matthews received the gift of a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The gift was given by Steelers secondary coach Ray Horton to Matthews for $20 on the coach's last day of work.

Horton dropped the news on Matthews by asking the food service employee, who would repeatedly ask to take his Benz for a ride, if he could borrow all the money he had. Since the two were reportedly close, Matthews gave Horton his only $20, which became the asking price for the droptop. Not too shabby, especially considering the book value on the 64,000 mile Benz is somewhere around $18k.

Steelers coach gives own Mercedes to cafeteria cook for $20 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizona cardinalsmercedes-benzmercedes-benz slpittsburgh steelersray hortonslsl 550sl-550sl500Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20009918/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/05/steelers-coach-gives-own-mercedes-to-cafeteria-cook-for-20/20009918/article-detail.xml 20009918 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/1999-mercedes-sl500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/1999-mercedes-sl500.jpg -1 2