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[A closer look at the Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/a-closer-look-at-the-cigarette-amg-electric-drive-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/a-closer-look-at-the-cigarette-amg-electric-drive-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/a-closer-look-at-the-cigarette-amg-electric-drive-concept/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cigarrette AMG Electric Drive Concept with Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG electric supercar at Miami Boat Show

Mercedes-Benz hosted us in Miami a several weeks ago to get more acquainted with its latest cooperative adventure - a partnership with Cigarette Racing to build an all-electric racing boat. While we posted on the Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept after its worldwide introduction at the Miami Boat Show, its automotive-based technology is innovative enough to warrant a closer look.

Cigarette Racing has been building some of the world's finest high-performance boats - and racing them to victory - since the late 1960s. With more than four decades of experience under its decks, there might not be another boatmaker that offers a range combining this much military, yachting, aerospace and boat-building technologies. Cigarettes are hideously expensive, but they appeal to those seeking watercraft that are fast, uncompromising and exclusive. It goes without saying that they occupy rare waters - the highlighter-yellow boat seen above even more so than most.

Continue reading A closer look at the Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept

A closer look at the Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgcigarettecigarette amg electric drivecigarette boatelectric boatelectric drive conceptmercedes-benz boatmercedes-benz cigarette boatmiami boat showslssls amgsls amg electric driveSun, 17 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20469912/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/a-closer-look-at-the-cigarette-amg-electric-drive-concept/20469912/article-detail.xml 20469912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/628cigarette01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/628cigarette01.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes rules out hybrid supercar, promises SLS successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/mercedes-rules-out-hybrid-supercar-promises-sls-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/mercedes-rules-out-hybrid-supercar-promises-sls-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/mercedes-rules-out-hybrid-supercar-promises-sls-successor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT - red - front three-quarter view

The recent Geneva Motor Show was a festival of hypercars, with the presence of not one, but three over-the-top debuts: the Lamborghini Veneno, McLaren P1 and Ferrari LeFerrari. The latter two have hitched their carbon fiber bumpers to the electrification bandwagon by using hybrid-electric powertrains not entirely unlike the propulsion systems we've come to know in cars like the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt. Does that mean the flow of electrons up the four-wheeled food chain will eventually consume our hallowed supercars? Not if AMG has anything to say about it.

AMG Director of Vehicle Development Tobias Moers recently confirmed that not only will there be a successor to the Mercedes-Benz performance division's SLS AMG, he notes that its internal combustion engine will most definitely not be sharing living quarters with an electric drivetrain. Instead, AMG plans to focus on further pushing the power and efficiency envelope of the internal combustion engine and advancing the use of lightweight materials to achieve their goals. The first example of this effort can be seen in the new SLS AMG Black Series that incorporates many weight-saving techniques to shed some 154 pounds from the SLS AMG GT (above), which itself is lighter than the standard SLS AMG.

Furthermore, Moers remarks that his company is happy to leave the hypercar segment to companies like Ferrari and McLaren. He admits that, "Ferrari in the hyper-car segment is still a different brand than AMG. We have to be honest..." So rather than taking the SLS further upmarket to do battle with bulls and stallions, Moers hinted that the next-generation SLS may be joined by another performance model that fits neatly between itself and the C63 AMG.

Mercedes rules out hybrid supercar, promises SLS successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sls amg gtamghybrid supercarhypercarmercedes-benzslssls amgSat, 16 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20505710/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/16/mercedes-rules-out-hybrid-supercar-promises-sls-successor/20505710/article-detail.xml 20505710 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/10-2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt-qs-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/10-2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt-qs-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Now Even Sharper Than The Razor's Edge

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

There have been four Black Series models since the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG Black Series introduced itself to European audiences in 2006. Following that, the Black Series club has hosted appearances by the 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series, the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series and last year's 2013 C63 AMG Black Series. The sixth member of the group is one we would have thought already was a Black Series car in its standard guise. Right out of the box, the SLS AMG is loud, frenetic, cozy, boisterous and frightfully easy to oversteer. How much more Black did it need to get?

Quite a bit so, apparently. The SLS AMG Black Series has lost weight, gained power and been refitted with upgrades and aero bits from front to rear. If you liked the way it looked before, you'll probably be an even bigger fan of this one. If you thought it looked ungainly, well, this one should stay even further away from pageants. Regardless of where you come down this is the best SLS AMG variant we've driven.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series [w/video]

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mercedes-benz sls amg black seriesamgblack seriesfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivemercedes-benzslssls amgsls amg black seriesWed, 13 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20499364/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-first-drive-review-video/20499364/article-detail.xml 20499364 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-bs-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-bs-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Oakley test out its flask's durability with a parade of pricy cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/watch-oakley-test-out-its-flasks-durability-with-a-parade-of-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/watch-oakley-test-out-its-flasks-durability-with-a-parade-of-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/watch-oakley-test-out-its-flasks-durability-with-a-parade-of-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Black Ford GT tethered to Oakley / Macallan flask - video screencap

Do you like to drink in public, where big, fragile glass bottles full of expensive booze are a hassle and a liability? Do you ever drink so hard that your very drinking vessel - even a sturdy one like a metal flask - just isn't extreme enough? Do you like Scotch whisky? Do you like to drive in circles and listen to white guy blues?

If you answered "yes" to any or all of the questions above, and if you've got about $900 burning a hole in your pocket, Oakley and The Macallan have got a flask to sell you. Made from "food-grade steel, carbon fiber and aerospace-grade aluminum" we can't think of even one compelling reason to plunk down 600 pounds sterling for the flask. But hey, the completely over-the-top commercial that sells the thing has got a bunch of high-dollar sports cars, a helicopter and a naked lady in a bathtub... watch it below, and try not to drink and drive.

Continue reading Watch Oakley test out its flask's durability with a parade of pricy cars

Watch Oakley test out its flask's durability with a parade of pricy cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sls amggtm3macallanoakleyoakley flaskshelbysls amgsuperformancethe flaskthe macallanvideoWed, 27 Feb 2013 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20481192/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/27/watch-oakley-test-out-its-flasks-durability-with-a-parade-of-pr/20481192/article-detail.xml 20481192 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/oakley-macallan-flask-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/oakley-macallan-flask-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt-coupe-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt-coupe-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt-coupe-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz upgraded its SLS flagship Coupe and Roadster for the 2013 model year, and the changes are marked with them new "GT" nomenclature. Both SLS models arrive with a retuned naturally aspired 6.2-liter V8 delivering 583 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque (the horses are up from 563, but the torque remains the same) mated to a revised seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox. Rounding out the mechanical upgrades is a redeveloped AMG two-mode adaptive suspension. Physically, the revised models are differentiated by their new "GT" badging, darkened headlight/taillight buckets, red brake calipers, unique wheel colors and high gloss finish on the front grille, exterior mirrors and hood/fender fins. Inside the cabin are new red seatbelts, Alcantara upholstery and contrasting red stitching.

As it is nearly impossible to experience the aluminum gullwing beast on public roads, Mercedes invited out to Southern California's Willow Springs to wring out the 2013 SLS GT Coupe on a racing circuit.

Driving Notes

  • It was impossible to feel the horsepower bump from the driver's seat (the track's 2,000-foot elevation negated the increase anyway), but the free-breathing V8 sounds even more spectacular each time I meet it. Gobs of low-end torque, a responsive throttle and a willingness to race to redline (7,200 rpm) make it a near-perfect driver's companion. The automaker quotes a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds - traction at launch is a problem - with a top speed of 197 miles per hour. The SLS attacked the Streets of Willow with voraciousness. I've driven hundreds of laps on the circuit, but never in a vehicle so powerful that I needed to brake hard to make Turn One after rocketing down the straight (running clockwise).
  • After finding myself bumping off the limiter repeatedly while using the wheel-mounted paddles in manual mode (an LED shift light blinks red at the top of the cluster), I put the gearbox in Sport Plus and let computers do the thinking. Overall, I was pleased with its intuitiveness and I really enjoyed the throttle blips on the downshifts.
  • A near complete lack of body roll and very firm AMG Sport suspension (I chose the damper's softest setting to combat the surface's broken pavement) meant the rear end would break loose mid-corner if the power was applied abruptly. Smoothness and consistent throttle applications were imperative to keeping the rear end planted and exiting the corner with the nose pointed down the track. Overall balance was impressively neutral and weight distribution, fore and aft, was easily controlled with the accelerator pedal.
  • The 15.4-inch perforated front steel rotors could take plenty of abuse, but I preferred the optional carbon-ceramic brake setup as they felt unaffected by the heat generated on the tight track. As an added benefit, they weigh less and look even better through the forged spokes on the wheels.
  • Driven back-to-back on the track, the updated Coupe and Roadster were nearly identical dynamically (they both weigh 3,573 pounds). From a driver's perspective, the exhaust note is more pronounced in the Roadster and there was more wiggle room for my helmeted head beneath its soft convertible top. Still, I wouldn't want to give up those signature gullwing doors.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sls amg gtfeaturedmercedes-benzquick spinquickspinsls amgsls amg gtThu, 31 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20443685/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt-coupe-quick-spin-review/20443685/article-detail.xml 20443685 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt-qs.jpg <![CDATA[Missouri Mercedes dealer offering free Smart with every SLS AMG purchase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/missouri-mercedes-dealer-offering-free-smart-with-every-sls-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/missouri-mercedes-dealer-offering-free-smart-with-every-sls-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/missouri-mercedes-dealer-offering-free-smart-with-every-sls-amg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Smart ForTwo free with Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG offer

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is an exquisite sports car that probably needs no help flying off dealer lots, even with a starting price of almost $200,000, but Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City has come up with an interesting incentive to sweeten the deal. For buyers who purchase a new SLS AMG from dealer stock before the end of the year, the dealership is throwing in a new Smart Fortwo from its inventory at no charge... with a required coupon no less.

In addition to being a great tactic to get a little free press, the spare car also makes sense as an alternative to the SLS, which measures more than 15-feet long - almost twice the length of a Fortwo - and has a 563-horsepower engine that sucks down gas at the rate of 13 miles per gallon in city driving (and even that's provided you don't give in to the devil on your shoulder). Plus, at the end of the day, this really isn't that big of an incentive. Being given a slow-selling $12,490 car for the purchase of a model starting at $199,500 represents about a six percent incentive, which is along the lines of a $1,900 rebate for a $30,000 car.

To get the free Smart, just visit the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City Facebook page, redeem the coupon and then go buy yourself a new SLS AMG. Congratulations!

Missouri Mercedes dealer offering free Smart with every SLS AMG purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sls amg2013 smart fortwofortwofree smart fortwomercedesmercedes-benzslssls amgsmartsmart carWed, 05 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20394014/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/missouri-mercedes-dealer-offering-free-smart-with-every-sls-amg/20394014/article-detail.xml 20394014 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/m-b-k-c-facebook_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/m-b-k-c-facebook.jpg <![CDATA[The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series proves that less is more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-la-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As we learned some time ago, the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is one bad boy. The car boasts 622 total horsepower, a top speed of 196 miles per hour with 0-60 coming up in 3.5 seconds, and has shed 154 pounds when compared with the "base" SLS AMG.

Seeing the Black Series in the metal for the first time this morning at the LA Auto Show, we were struck by the sheer volume of carbon fiber that has been employed in its manufacture. From the massive front splitter to the towering wing out back, the SLS is festooned with as much visible carbon as we've seen this side of a Koenigsegg.

Check back on our initial report of the SLS AMG Black Series launch to refresh your memory about the supercar, or just dive into our gallery showing the car's debut amongst the media hordes.

Continue reading The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series proves that less is more

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series proves that less is more originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2014 mercedes-benz sls amg black seriesamgblack serieslala auto showmercedes-benzslssls amgsls amg black seriesWed, 28 Nov 2012 16:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20390502/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-la-2012/20390502/article-detail.xml 20390502 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/002-2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/002-2013-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes unleashes first SLS AMG Black Series trailer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/10/mercedes-unleashes-first-sls-amg-black-series-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/10/mercedes-unleashes-first-sls-amg-black-series-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/10/mercedes-unleashes-first-sls-amg-black-series-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

A Mercedes-Benz product isn't officially launched until the release of rolling footage set to driving choral strains akin to O Fortuna. We can hereby report that the launch of the SLS AMG Black Series is done and dusted, the minute-long video below providing a soundtrack for the 622-horsepower coupe's recent announcement.

The SLS AMG Black Series will sit still for our own cameras during its world premiere at the 2012 LA Auto Show at the end of the month. Until then, you can get your fix of the lighter, stiffer, angrier, faster, 196-mph gullwing in moving pictures below.

Continue reading Mercedes unleashes first SLS AMG Black Series trailer

Mercedes unleashes first SLS AMG Black Series trailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Nov 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mercedes-benz sls amg black seriesblack seriesmercedes-benzslssls amgsls amg black seriesvideovideosyoutubeSat, 10 Nov 2012 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376256/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/10/mercedes-unleashes-first-sls-amg-black-series-trailer/20376256/article-detail.xml 20376256 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/slsamgbstrailer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/slsamgbstrailer.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz finally reveals SLS AMG Black Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/mercedes-benz-finally-reveals-sls-amg-black-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/mercedes-benz-finally-reveals-sls-amg-black-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/mercedes-benz-finally-reveals-sls-amg-black-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - front three-quarter view, yellow

Just yesterday, Mercedes-Benz released a teaser on its Facebook page showing what we could only guess was the SLS AMG Black Series, and this morning our suspicions proved true as the automaker removed the tight-fitting cover. Preparing for the car's official debut at the 2012 LA Auto Show, the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz Black Series is by far the most impressive with extensive measures taken to improve performance and reduce weight.

Underneath the SLS' long hood, AMG has reworked the engine squeezing an extra 39 horsepower from the 6.2-liter V8 raising the output to 622 hp. And even though overall torque has dropped by 11 pound-feet, acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour is quicker at 3.5 seconds. Top speed is 196 mph. The handling of the car has also been improved on all levels, including upgraded ceramic brakes with two-piece rotors (measuring 15.8-inches in the front and 14.2-inches at the rear wheels), adjustable coil over suspension, electronically controlled rear differential and a track that has been widened by almost an inch. For added rigidity, many of the body braces in the aluminum space frame have been replaced with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) helping to shed precious pounds.

At 3,417 pounds, the SLS AMG Black Series has dropped a total of 154 pounds compared to the SLS AMG GT. Some of the numbers are actually pretty significant, such as the 35.3 pounds saved with the ceramic brakes, 29.3 pounds cut thanks to using a CFRP engine-to-transmission torque tube rather than aluminum and 28.7 pounds from the titanium exhaust system. Showing AMG's determination to shed pounds, even the car's conventional battery has been replaced with a lithium-ion battery which is good for another 17.6 pounds of curb weight savings - possibly the first such application of a lithium-ion battery outside of a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz says that the styling of the SLS AMG Black Series was inspired by its GT3 racecar, and elements like the front chin spoiler, forged alloy wheels, rear diffuser and the vented side skirts and rear fascia help the car look the part. Many of the body panels are made of CFRP, including the flared front and rear fenders. This racecar styling is also applied to the interior of the Black Series with a sport steering wheel that features a red 12 o'clock marking and plenty of exposed carbon fiber. The car shown in the images above not only sports the Solar Beam paint exclusive to this car, it also features the optional AMG Aerodynamics package that gets an adjustable CFRP rear wing with aluminum uprights and front fascia flics (the little swooshy fins below the air intakes), but all of the cars get a vented hood that increases front axle downforce.

The 2014 SLS AMG Gullwing Black Series goes on sale next summer, but Mercedes has yet to announce pricing or production numbers. Scroll down for more information than you probably need to know about the car in its lengthy official press release.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz finally reveals SLS AMG Black Series

Mercedes-Benz finally reveals SLS AMG Black Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mercedes-benz sls amg black seriesblack seriesbreakingmercedes-benzslssls amgFri, 09 Nov 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20375058/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/mercedes-benz-finally-reveals-sls-amg-black-series/20375058/article-detail.xml 20375058 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-sls-amg-black-series_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-sls-amg-black-series.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes teases SLS AMG Black Series on Facebook]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/mercedes-teases-sls-amg-black-series-on-facebook/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/mercedes-teases-sls-amg-black-series-on-facebook/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/mercedes-teases-sls-amg-black-series-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When Mercedes-Benz unveils a new model, it is not uncommon for a high-power AMG model to follow. And if the standard AMG treatment of more horsepower and aggressive bodywork doesn't get your heart pumping, AMG has you covered with Black Series versions of select models. In the past, the SL-Class has been given the noir touch, as well as the C-Class Coupe, taking the power up a notch and the refinement out the window in favor of absolute driving excitement.

But what if the model in question is the already insane SLS AMG? Kicking things up a notch indeed requires a Black Series model. To that end, Mercedes-Benz has dropped this little nugget on Facebook: a photo of a new Gullwing supercar, under wraps, accompanied by a few lines of text.

"Anticipation is supposed to be the greatest joy. But don't worry, Mercedes-AMG will not wait until Christmas to unwrap this gift. The mystery about the latest Mercedes-AMG model will be disclosed soon. In less than 24 hours, we reveal the secret under the car cover. Stay tuned and check back with us tomorrow."

We absolutely suspect that this is the forthcoming SLS AMG Black Series under the cloak, but we won't know for sure until tomorrow. So, as Mercedes-Benz suggests, stay tuned.

Mercedes teases SLS AMG Black Series on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black seriesfacebookmercedes-benzsls amgThu, 08 Nov 2012 18:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20374494/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/08/mercedes-teases-sls-amg-black-series-on-facebook/20374494/article-detail.xml 20374494 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sls-wrap-1352397735_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/sls-wrap-1352397735.jpeg <![CDATA[2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series suffers fiery wreck while testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-suffers-fiery-wreck-whil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-suffers-fiery-wreck-whil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-suffers-fiery-wreck-whil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mercedes-Benz has been running its new, and most certainly badass, SLS AMG Black Series around the Nürburgring of late, doing the sort of high-speed and handling tests that such supercars require to be perfectly super.

Getting the bugs worked out is a good thing though, as these scary images caught by our spy photographers make clear. This particular SLS seems to have crashed and, quite literally, burned while doing some high-speed runs on the Ring. We're told that the car was carrying both a driver and a passenger, and that both walked away from the wrecked exotic before the fire even started. Good on both counts, then.

As we've reported previously, expectations are that this beastly Black Series will produce horsepower figures north of 600, while also shedding weight and gaining strengthened internals. The fire-damaged hulk seen here would seem to indicate that this latest SLS will make use of the standard car's aluminum superstructure, rather than the carbon fiber used for the SLS AMG Electric Drive, however.

Look for the unscathed production version of the SLS AMG Black Series to be formally introduced sometime in 2013, most likely as a 2014 model.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series suffers fiery wreck while testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mercedes-benz sis amg black seriesamgblack seriescar firecrashmercedes-benznordschliefenurburgringprototypeslssls amgsupercarThu, 11 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20347750/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/11/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-suffers-fiery-wreck-whil/20347750/article-detail.xml 20347750 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes launches SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary racecar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/mercedes-launches-sls-amg-gt3-45th-anniversary-racecar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/mercedes-launches-sls-amg-gt3-45th-anniversary-racecar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/mercedes-launches-sls-amg-gt3-45th-anniversary-racecar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 45th Anniversary - front three-quarter view, doors up

Mercedes-Benz has whipped up a special edition of its SLS AMG GT3 customer racecar to mark the 45th anniversary of the very first SL model. The company plans to build no more than five examples, each stitched together by hand in Affalterbach. Each of the bruisers will come with a special magno graphite matte paint slathered over carbon fiber bodywork. The racer wears a composite hood, trunk lid, aero work and doors. Jump inside, and the SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary offers a full race cage painted to match the vehicle's exterior as well as carbon-shell seats for both the driver and co-driver.

Meanwhile, each machine will receive an AMG 6.2-liter V8 hand-fitted by Bernd Schneider and an AMG technician. As you may recall, Schneider carried out most of the development testing of the SLS AMG GT3 and has won the DTM championship three times.

Buyers will receive their vehicles at a handover ceremony in Affalterbach, which includes a full factory tour by Schneider himself. If you want one, better scrape up €446,250, including the 19 percent Value Added Tax. That works out to around $578,250 at current conversion rates. Zing. Take a look at the full press release below.

Continue reading Mercedes launches SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary racecar

Mercedes launches SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary racecar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgbernd schneidergullwingmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amg gt3 45th anniversaryslssls amgsls amg gt3sls amg gt3 45th anniversaryMon, 08 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20343968/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/08/mercedes-launches-sls-amg-gt3-45th-anniversary-racecar/20343968/article-detail.xml 20343968 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/sls-amg-gt3-45th-anniversary-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/sls-amg-gt3-45th-anniversary-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive laps Ascari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-laps-ascari/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-laps-ascari/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-laps-ascari/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SLS AMG Electric Drive at Ascari

A philosophical question from your automotive enthusiast future: does a supercar need to make noise in order to be a supercar? The easy answer might be no. If they're more powerful, do everything faster, attract the opposite sex, cost a gang of money and look better in orange than actual oranges, what more are you looking for?

Then watch the blue chrome, $573,000, KERS-equipped, 740-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive lap the Ascari track in Spain. It does so largely in silence, although at some points it sounds like a hidden jet flying overhead. That should be worth something when the SLS AMG ED hits the road and causes people to look up as it drives by. But is it still really a supercar?

There's no wrong answer, but feel free to refer to your Kant and Wittgenstein reference materials for assistance while you watch the video below.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive laps Ascari

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive laps Ascari originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric drivemercedes-benzsls amgsls amg electric drivevideovideosyoutubeSun, 07 Oct 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342485/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/07/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-laps-ascari/20342485/article-detail.xml 20342485 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/sls-amg-electric_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/sls-amg-electric.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive

The folks at Mercedes-Benz must have a guilty conscience when it comes to the SLS AMG supercar. Why else would the German automaker follow up the snarling V8-powered debut of the modern gullwing with the SLS AMG E-Cell, and now the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive? While the retina-searing E-Cell was a merely prototype, the vehicle you see here is a production version, and can be yours for a cool half a million bucks.

Mercedes-Benz says this electrified gullwing is the most powerful vehicle in the AMG stable. With four electric motors - one at each wheel - producing a combined 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque, the SLS Electric Drive can rocket to 62 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds. For reference, the conventionally powered SLS AMG GT puts out 583 hp, but can do the 0-60 sprint in 3.6 seconds.

The all-electric SLS employs a KERS system that was developed with help from the Mercedes-AMG Formula One team. A specially designed wall box charging unit has been designed that allows a customer's home to possess the same three-hour quick charge capabilities as a public station. Without the wall box, the EV supercar charges in about 20 hours.

If you can afford the €416,500 ($537,930) entry fee, throwing down the extra dough for a wall box should not be an issue. Mercedes-Benz calls the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive "the most exclusive and dynamic way to drive an electric car." With the blue chrome finish, we would also add "eye-catching," to that description. See for yourself in the accompanying gallery.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 04:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric drivemercedes-benzparisparis 2012paris motor showsls amgsls amg electric driveFri, 28 Sep 2012 04:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20335087/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-paris-2012/20335087/article-detail.xml 20335087 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-paris.jpg <![CDATA[Watch David Coulthard pilot the SLS AMG GT around the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/watch-david-coulthard-pilot-the-sls-amg-gt-around-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/watch-david-coulthard-pilot-the-sls-amg-gt-around-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/watch-david-coulthard-pilot-the-sls-amg-gt-around-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT, replacement for the already-bonkers SLS AMG, adds 20 horsepower, stiffer springs and dampers, retunes the adaptive suspension and throws 20-inch wheels at the back end. It's a revamp that allowed the SLS AMG GT to snip five seconds off of a lap around the Nürburgring compared to the "snail-like" SLS AMG.

In this video, Mercedes DTM team driver David Coulthard takes the new gullwing out on that very same ring, talks us through its increased performance and then gives us a walkaround to show off the cosmetic changes. Not surprisingly, he's a fan. You can find out exactly why, below.

Continue reading Watch David Coulthard pilot the SLS AMG GT around the 'Ring

Watch David Coulthard pilot the SLS AMG GT around the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david coulthardmercedes-benznurburgringsls amgsls amg gtvideovideosyoutubeFri, 21 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20328671/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/21/watch-david-coulthard-pilot-the-sls-amg-gt-around-the-ring/20328671/article-detail.xml 20328671 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/coulthardslsamggt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/coulthardslsamggt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series caught on the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-caught-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-caught-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-caught-on-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Th unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series isn't that far off. Prototypes have been popping up in spy photographers' image banks for a while, now we have some video of the hardest SLS AMG the street-legal world will ever know.

The specification remains a mystery, though, even down to what engine will find its way tucked well back under that long hood. The money seems to be on a last hurrah for the 6.2-liter V8, uprated to something beyond 600 horsepower from its current 563 through engineering and not forced induction. A report in Car and Driver predicts the Black Series will lose 100 or so pounds and get strengthened running gear to cope, along with the usual fare that makes every Black Series a volcanically hard performance tool.

Scroll down for a look at the videos and to hear the sound through its quad pipes.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series caught on the 'Ring

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series caught on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black seriesmercedes-benzsls amgsls amg black seriesspy videovideovideosyoutubeTue, 14 Aug 2012 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20298945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/14/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-caught-on-the-ring/20298945/article-detail.xml 20298945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/slsamgbsvid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/slsamgbsvid.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #294]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/autoblog-podcast-294/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/autoblog-podcast-294/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/autoblog-podcast-294/#commentsFiled under:

Buyers like tech, Diesel on the upswing, Hondas getting new engines, more CVTs

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Episode #294 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week Dan is joined by Steven Ewing, Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert, and new guy George Kennedy. Topics the popularity of often-confusing technology among buyers, a small-scale diesel renaissance, and Honda getting with the program and updating engines, redesigning the Civic, and adding more CVTs. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #294:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
2012 Volkswagen Up!
2012 Nissan Leaf
2012 Ford Edge EcoBoost
2013 Scion FR-S

Hosts: Dan Roth, Steven Ewing, George Kennedy, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:14:51
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #294

Autoblog Podcast #294 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cvtdieselecoboostedgefeaturedfordfr-shondaleafmercedesnissanpodcastscionsls amgupvolkswagenTue, 07 Aug 2012 17:55:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #294Autoblog01:14:51 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20295673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/07/autoblog-podcast-294/20295673/article-detail.xml 20295673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLC put on indefinite hold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/report-mercedes-benz-slc-put-on-indefinite-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/report-mercedes-benz-slc-put-on-indefinite-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/report-mercedes-benz-slc-put-on-indefinite-hold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLC mule - front three-quarter view

Well this is all kinds of surprising: a brief report in German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, citing unnamed Mercedes-Benz sources, says the SLC sports car has been put on indefinite hold by the company board. The baby gullwing was supposedly deemed too expensive, so it has been placed "under observation." That gives the engineers a chance to redesign the car to fulfill its required niche and profit motives, but the report says there's no way we'll see it before 2014.

Not that we figured on seeing it before 2014 anyway: the SLC, reportedly greenlit seven months ago and charged with being a Porsche 911 fighter, had been scheduled to appear around the time the SLS AMG was ending its life in 2015. It was just caught testing a couple of weeks ago, with rumors being that it would use a twin-turbo V8 and eight-speed DCT, and possibly offer a V6 as well. It would be startling to think that after the success Mercedes has had with the SLS and the sportification of its lineup that it would just completely walk way from a car with a broader appeal and more accessible price. But if and when the SLC does arrive, it looks like those gullwing doors are almost certainly toast.

Mercedes-Benz SLC put on indefinite hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedes-benzmercedes-benz slcslcslc amgsls amgFri, 29 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20268828/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/29/report-mercedes-benz-slc-put-on-indefinite-hold/20268828/article-detail.xml 20268828 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mercedesslcdelay_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mercedesslcdelay.jpg <![CDATA[Tiff Needell Track Battle: SLS AMG Roadster vs. DBS Volante]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/24/tiff-needell-track-battle-sls-amg-roadster-vs-dbs-volante/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/24/tiff-needell-track-battle-sls-amg-roadster-vs-dbs-volante/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/24/tiff-needell-track-battle-sls-amg-roadster-vs-dbs-volante/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DBS vs SLS

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martindbsdbs volanteevomercedes-benzsls amgsls amg roadstertiff needellvideovideosyoutubeSun, 24 Jun 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264874/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/24/tiff-needell-track-battle-sls-amg-roadster-vs-dbs-volante/20264874/article-detail.xml 20264874 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/tiffsls-amgdbsvolante_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/tiffsls-amgdbsvolante.jpg <![CDATA[Watch David Coulthard catch a speeding golf ball in an SLS AMG Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/watch-david-coulthard-catch-a-speeding-golf-ball-in-an-sls-amg-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/watch-david-coulthard-catch-a-speeding-golf-ball-in-an-sls-amg-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/watch-david-coulthard-catch-a-speeding-golf-ball-in-an-sls-amg-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

David Coulthard catches golf ball at 120 mph in Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

So we told you a few weeks ago about former F1 hotshot David Coulthard racing down a golf ball in a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, setting some sort of goofy world record in the process. Well, now we have video of the feat.

While you watch the footage, we encourage you to consider just how a hybrid of golf and racing might work. We think it could have legs as a professional sport, although the feasibility of setting up such a tour would be daunting - clearly golf courses wouldn't be too keen on the fairway damage. Still, the TV broadcasts would be so much more exciting than tuning into the PGA and automakers sponsor much more ridiculous stunts.

Scroll down to see the video.

Continue reading Watch David Coulthard catch a speeding golf ball in an SLS AMG Roadster

Watch David Coulthard catch a speeding golf ball in an SLS AMG Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david coulthardgolfingjake shepherdmercedesmercedes-benzslssls amgFri, 22 Jun 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264071/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/22/watch-david-coulthard-catch-a-speeding-golf-ball-in-an-sls-amg-r/20264071/article-detail.xml 20264071 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/golf-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/golf-opt.jpg -1 2