Autoblog

Gullwing America turns SLS AMG Roadster into stunning 1955 300 SC redux

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

Gullwing America specializes in what it calls "retro styling meets modern technology." It's next demonstration of that is the convertible above, a stylized recreation of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SC (inset) supported by the structure of a 2012 SLS AMG Roadster. Commissioned by a client in Eastern Europe, the resulting car is called the 300 SLC.

The hand-formed aluminum bodywork required just a few changes to the SLS AMG Roadster, namely reworking the headlights into a stacked arrangement of LEDs and relocating the pop-up spoiler behind the cabin. The retro grille and long, straight hood evoke the past, the custom exhaust, height-adjustable suspension, 21-inch wheels up front and 22-inch wheels in back, however, stray a little further from history. The 300 SLC will come with a hardtop and be one-of-a-kind, making it even rarer than its inspiration, of which 92 were made.

If you have any more questions, they can probably be answered in the high-res photo gallery above and press release below.

Continue reading Gullwing America turns SLS AMG Roadster into stunning 1955 300 SC redux

Gullwing America turns SLS AMG Roadster into stunning 1955 300 SC redux originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tiff Needell Track Battle: SLS AMG Roadster vs. DBS Volante

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Here we have another EVO TV video that's a fine recipe for car-guy action: the 3,990-pound Aston Martin DBS Volante and its 510-horsepower 6.0-liter V12, the 3,661-pound Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster and its 571-horse 6.2-liter V8, one English track, Tiff Needell, and one million drops of rain. Mix, record, and voila.

Needell's mission was to see whether the English GT or German missile could lap the wet track more quickly. While the end result might not be surprising, how closely the two cars finished was. Watch Tiff go to work below.

Continue reading Tiff Needell Track Battle: SLS AMG Roadster vs. DBS Volante

Tiff Needell Track Battle: SLS AMG Roadster vs. DBS Volante originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hamann Hawk Roadster is an eyeful

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

So, you find the Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster a bit too demure for your tastes. You're either high enough to play hopscotch in the clouds or suffering from some sort of psychosis. Maybe both. You're likely also the target demographic for the red sled you see above.

Hamann has given the convertible Mercedes-Benz supercar a little more of everything at the Geneva Motor Show. Wild bodywork, heaps of carbon fiber, massive 21-inch wheels and a peak output of 636 horsepower are all part of the Hamann Hawk package.

The vehicle is more than just a body kit and a little extra horsepower, however. The droptop has received a few suspension tweaks in the form of a new set of coilovers complete with progressively wound springs. All told, the car can sit as much as 1.18 inches lower than stock.

Jump inside, and you'll enjoy a full custom interior swaddled in plenty of suede, leather and other rich materials. Hey, it's not our cup of tea, but that doesn't mean it can't be yours. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Hamann Hawk Roadster is an eyeful

Hamann Hawk Roadster is an eyeful originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shooting the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Zach Bowman — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

If you've ever glanced through a new vehicle's official PR photographs and wondered exactly what went into their creation, we have something special for you. Mercedes-Benz has released a quick video detailing the work involved in photographing the company's SLS AMG Roadster. Let's just say it wasn't one guy in a parking lot with a point-and-shoot. The endeavor looks to have taken more talent than a shuttle launch to execute, with Michael and Ralf Schumacher on hand as models, multiple grips, and arsenal of photo technology. Color us jealous.

We think that the SLS AMG Roadster looks sexy in any situation, but the professional photography sure doesn't hurt, either. Hit the jump to check out the making-of video for yourself.

Continue reading Shooting the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Shooting the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMG Performance Media Telemetry display in action around Hockenheim

Zach Bowman — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Europe, Technology, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

At the heart of every dyed-in-the-wool car nut is someone who loves gadgetry. Lately, automakers like Mercedes-Benz have been fueling that symbiotic passion with a host of incredible on-board technology integrations. The SLS AMG Roadster is the latest model to flex its technical muscles with the AMG Performance Media telemetry system. The kit uses the central Command display to serve up a variety of information, from G-force load on the vehicle to power data and, most importantly, track times. It's all very impressive, and Mercedes-Benz says that the tech will spread to the SLS AMG coupe for 2012. The rest of the AMG line won't be far behind.

Now, as much as we like our toys, we have to say that the only thing we're interested in on the instrument cluster while we're banging out a few hard laps is whether or not the engine is going to vomit out its guts before we make it to pit lane. Anything beyond a quick glance at oil pressure and coolant temp is time we're spending not lining up the next apex. Maybe things are different in a Mercedes-Benz supercar, but we doubt it. Hit the jump to check out the tech in action.

Continue reading AMG Performance Media Telemetry display in action around Hockenheim

AMG Performance Media Telemetry display in action around Hockenheim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster [w/videos]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

How This Supercar Fares Without Its Signature Doors

There are several ways to get to Monte Carlo once you've landed in Nice. There's the train, a 23-minute meandering trek over and through the wooded undulations of the intervening cities that deposits you at Monte Carlo's downtown station. There's a taxi, more than 30 times the cost of a train, and it takes twice as long, but it does offer service porte à porte. Or there's Heli Air Monaco with a fleet of choppers stationed at the Nice airport. Those fine gents can get you to the Monaco heliport in eight minutes, floating past seafront redoubts and over an azure Mediterranean dotted with billions of dollars of sailing and motor yachts.

Of those three modes of transport, only one is appropriate when Mercedes has invited you to Monte Carlo to drive its new SLS AMG Roadster. We offered the appropriate "Mercis" to our chopper pilot for providing a smooth ride.

The SLS AMG was introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The roadster was engineered alongside the coupe, but it's taken two years to remove the top for public purposes. It will take you two minutes of top-down driving to begin quoting high school poetry in homage to it: "Come with me and be my love," you'll coo, "and we will all the pleasures prove...."

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster [w/videos]

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roger Federer ditches racquet for SLS AMG Roadster

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST

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

Roger Federer drives the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster - Click above to watch video after the jump

It's not always the lucky automotive journalists that get first crack at the world's newest automobiles. Sometimes an automaker will hand over the keys to someone more... special. Mercedes-Benz has done just that, giving tennis superstar Roger Federer some seat time in the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster.

Federer is very impressed with the car, and we're very impressed with the glass-smooth desert road he found to push the Merc's pedal down to the carpet. The new droptop is a looker that also makes truly glorious noises thanks to its 563-horsepower 6.3-liter V8. We suggest you see and hear for yourself in the video posted after the jump.

We bet Federer's just happy he's not facing Rafael Nadal in a race...

Continue reading Roger Federer ditches racquet for SLS AMG Roadster

Roger Federer ditches racquet for SLS AMG Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster hits the web with online configurator

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Everyone's got their compulsions: Touching wet paint, licking a metal pole outdoors in the winter, pushing that kid into the swimming pool... you know, the usual. But Mercedes-Benz is more constructive with its own brand of obsessions.

When Mercedes makes a sportscar, they just have to turn it into a convertible. The SL may the best most obvious example, but take a look also at the SLR McLaren, which spawned three roadster versions, the Le Mans-derived CLK GTR, which was offered as a convertible (albeit in very limited quantities), or the touring car-derived CLK DTM, which was offered as a cabrio as well. Noticing a trend here?

Now Mercedes has released its latest flagship convertible in the SLS AMG Roadster, and all is right in the world once again. But knowing it's out there is one thing. Playing around with one is another. Unfortunately, most of us will never get that chance, but whether you have the means to actually place an order for one or not, you can at least play around with the new online configurator.

The tool allows you to choose from nine exterior colors (most of them various shades of silver), seven interior leather choices, three convertible top colors and four different sets of wheels. Follow the link to check it out for yourself.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster hits the web with online configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled

Noah Joseph — Sun, 29 May 2011 09:21:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

After the endless parade of rumors, conjecture, spy shots and even official information, Mercedes-Benz has finally dropped the full batch of details and photos of its latest flagship: the SLS AMG Roadster.

The new droptop loses the gullwing doors of its coupe counterpart, but those German engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure it loses nothing else in the process. Chopping the roof, fitting conventional doors, and stiffening the body as required results in a convertible that only weighs 88 lbs more than the coupe. The roof-available in black, red or beige-can be dropped or raised in just eleven seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

Top speed is electronically limited in either position to 197 mph, while officially quoted acceleration times, for some reason, drop from 3.8 seconds in the gullwing coupe to 3.7 in the Roadster. Along with the convertible roof, Mercedes has also packed in a new electronically-controlled Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension, AMG Performance Media system to track and display vehicle telemetrics, and an AMG Drive Unit to control it all.

The Roadster - which beats the anticipated convertible versions of the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C, Pagani Huayra and Lamborghini Aventador to market - will be officially unveiled this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show, around the same time that deliveries are set to begin Stateside. In the meantime, you can follow the jump for all the details and check out the extensive photo gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster trades gullwings for a soft-top

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 05 May 2011 03:01:00 EST

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

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the wraps off its latest supercar, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster. Gone are the gullwing doors and fixed roof; in their place are traditional entry-ports and a folding cloth softtop. The car is still undergoing testing, but these shots reveal far more of the car than we've previously seen in various spy photos. A more polished version will be revealed to the world at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Before the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster hits the show circuit, it needs to spend some more time with Mercedes' engineers. The MB team has put a lot of work into this drop-top SLS, and ditching the fixed roof has required more than simply taking a sawzall to the bodywork.

Though the aluminum spaceframe was originally developed with both a coupe and convertible in mind, Benz engineers added beefier side-skirts to the roadster. This allows for improvements in both crash performance and overall rigidity. Further aiding in the quest for increased strength, a cross-member that supports the dashboard was given additional bracing at both the window frame and transmission tunnel. Despite this increased rigidity, the bodyshell of the SLS AMG Roadster weighs just five pounds more than the bodyshell of the SLS AMG Coupe.

Like its hardtop sibling, the roadster is capable of hitting an electronically limited top speed of 197 miles per hour. The convertible top is constructed from three layers of fabric, magnesium, steel and aluminum. It's lightweight, strong and can be opened or closed at speeds up to 31 miles per hour.

You can see the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster being put through the testing paces by clicking through the gallery below. Be sure to click past the jump to read more about the new SLS convertible in the full press release.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster trades gullwings for a soft-top

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster trades gullwings for a soft-top originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster hits the track and the town

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:59:00 EST

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

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

A note to prospective buyers of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: you might want to wait a bit longer to hand over your hard-earned gold bullion. The roadster version should be arriving very soon, provided you're willing to give up the coupe's gullwing doors for a bit of open sky. Spy photographers have caught the drop-top Merc pushing around the Nürburgring then taking in the sights around town. Sporting only a dash of camo, this shows us that Mercedes is close to showing the world a production version of the SLS AMG Roadster.

Once on sale, it will pose a buying conundrum for Three-Pointed Star devotees looking for a new supercar. You might have to give up the hardtop's charismatic doors, but at least you'll also hear more of the devilish gargle produced by the SLS' 563-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8. Decisions, decisions...

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster hits the track and the town originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz planning slew of debuts for New York

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Word is that Mercedes-Benz is planning a whole mess of debuts for the upcoming New York Auto Show. Among them, according to reports, are three worldwide first we've yet to see, along with three North American debuts.

The models being unveiled for the first time on this side of the Atlantic includes the new SLK, C-Class sedan and C-Class Coupe. As for the world debuts, sources suggest we'll be seeing two new variants from the AMG division and one all-new concept car. Now we already know the above-pictured C63 AMG Coupe will be among them, but rumor has it that the SLS AMG Roadster will be unveiled at the show as well.

As for that mystery concept, speculation is that it could be the new B-Class or a preview of the next M-Class crossover. We'll have to wait to find out for sure, but with less than a month to go before the doors open at the Javits Center, we won't have to wait long.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

[Source: CarScoop]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz planning slew of debuts for New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl ad director's cut reveals C-Class Coupe, SLS AMG Roadster

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz reveals new models in Super Bowl ad - click above to watch the video

Mercedes-Benz is throwing its hat into the Super Bowl advertising fray with a pretty new 60-second spot designed to celebrate the company's 125th anniversary by heralding in a wave of five new models. The spot marks the very first time that the company has ever advertised during the NFL's ultimate game. In the spot, Mercedes-Benz features four new vehicles, including a very quick peek at the upcoming C-Class Coupe and the SLS AMG Roadster.

The spot features many of the company's past and current models escaping their owners in a bid to pay homage to the newborn Benz fleet. There are plenty of fantastic vintage Silver Arrows in the spot, along with a soundtrack by Janis Joplin and at least one celebrity cameo (we won't spoil the surprise on that one). Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via Facebook]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl ad director's cut reveals C-Class Coupe, SLS AMG Roadster

Video: Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl ad director's cut reveals C-Class Coupe, SLS AMG Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster caught winter testing ahead of mooted Frankfurt debut

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

What do you call a gullwing without the gullwing doors? A roadster, of course, and according to the latest reports, that's precisely what Mercedes-Benz has in store for us at the Frankfurt Motor Show next year.

The reports stem from an interview given by AMG boss Ola Kallenius in Auto Motor und Sport, outlining what the Silver Star performance studio has in the pipeline. Among them is the long-anticipated convertible version of the Benz SLS AMG supercar, which will come as a welcome improvement for many.

The upward lifting doors on the SLS coupe may be the car's party piece, but not everyone has fallen in love with them - the roadster will offer the same retrotastic styling and the same 560-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, plus the wind-in-your-hair factor and sans the showy portals.

A prototype of the SLS droptop has just been spotted undergoing winter testing, and this is the first time we can recall seeing the canvas roof unadorned by camouflage, giving us a better look at what the finished car will look like. Check out out in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

[Source: Mercedes-Benz Passion via Motorward | Images: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster caught winter testing ahead of mooted Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied sans roof

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

A much more polished version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster has been spied, and although the gullwing doors and exploding bolts are compelling features of the hardtop, the shapely SLS looks good without them. The 200-mph convertible will use the same kind of roof last seen on the McLaren SLR Roadster, that being canvas-wrapped aluminum ribs eith electrical operation.

So far, there's been no mention of anything other big changes slated for the droptop SLS, meaning we should see the final product debut sometime next year (Frankfurt Auto Show, perhaps?). The folks at AutoExpress report that the SLS roadster will cost somewhere in the area of £180,000 ($284,851 USD), a price just as eye-popping as the car itself.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied sans roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster final form revealed in patent drawings?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST

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

Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster patent images - Click above for image gallery

Not that there's anything new to report from last week, when we saw a prototype Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster at the factory in Affalterbach, but if you're the type that gets giddy over sketches then these are for you.

As sussed out by Auto Bild, these images are said to be German patent office filings for the roadster. Apparently they sneaked out for a stein one evening and were lured back to the home of the Internet. While it's true that black-and-white drawings can only tell you so much about a car, we're thinking we might enjoy having the top down on this even more than we enjoy the coupe. Maybe. Either way, you can see it from every angle and judge for yourself in the gallery of images below.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster patent office sketches

[Source: Auto Bild (translated)]

Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster final form revealed in patent drawings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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