Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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[These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of <i>male</i> ownership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-male/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-male/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-male/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Last week we brought you Inside Line's list of the 10 cars most likely to be owned by a women. The Volvo S40 came out on top among the ladies. But what's most likely to be owned by a guy? Minivans? Fuel-efficient hatchbacks? Hybrids?

No.

At the top of Inside Line's list is the very masculine, testosterone-oozing Ferrari 458 Italia. It should be no surprise that 95.3% of 458 owners are men. We sure would like to meet the other 4.7%.

Ahem. Anyway, in second place is the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, then the Audi R8, the Mercedes SLS AMG and then, at No. 5, the Ferrari California. So far, we've pretty much recited every male motorhead's ultimate wish list. Seriously, what self-respecting man doesn't put himself to sleep every night running through the gears of any of those cars?

At No. 6, is the perennial Porsche 911, then the Nissan GT-R at No. 7 with 87.9% male ownership. No. 8 is the obligatory GMC Sierra pickup closely followed by the Ford F-Series at No. 9. Rounding out the list at No. 10 is the consummate mid-life crisis Chevy Corvette with 86.9% male ownership.

So where does that leave the Ford F-650? Are there really that many women buying that monster?

These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of male ownership originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series m coupechevroletcorvettef150Ferrari 458 Italiaferrari californiagmc sierraguy carsporsche 911r8sls amgFri, 06 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20207105/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/06/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-male/20207105/article-detail.xml 20207105 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ferrari-458-italia-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ferrari-458-italia-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series caught braving the cold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-caught-braving-the-cold/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-caught-braving-the-cold/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-caught-braving-the-cold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series cold-weather testing spy shots

Mercedes-Benz has a history of offering performance models that would make any niche supercar manufacturer cower. The latest among them is the SLS AMG, but the gullwing coupe and its roadster counterpart aren't the extent of what the German automaker's skunkworks have in store. No, that place of honor at the top of the Mercedes-Benz lineup will soon be taken by an SLS AMG Black Series.

Following in the footsteps of the SLK55 AMG Black Series, CLK63 AMG Black Series, SL65 AMG Black Series and (most recently) the C63 AMG Black Series, the new SLS AMG Black Series promises to eclipse them all with an anticipated 560 horsepower, reduced curb weight and aggressive aerodynamics package.

These spy shots, snapped while the vehicle was undergoing cold-weather testing in the frigid north, also show the tell-tale widened fenders to house the upgraded rolling stock and a new front bumper to feed the over-clocked engine with all the air it needs to breathe.

We're told to expect the SLS AMG Black Series sometime next year, but you can check out the spy shots now in our high-resolution image gallery.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series caught braving the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black seriesmercedes-benzsls amgsls amg black seriesspy photosspy picsspy shotsFri, 23 Mar 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20199175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/23/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-caught-braving-the-cold/20199175/article-detail.xml 20199175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/websls-amg-blackspy-02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/websls-amg-blackspy-02.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell reveals its inner workings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



BMW has its i8, Audi has its R8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz has its SLS AMG E-Cell. The electron-powered, gullwinged coupe will use batteries supplied by SK Innovations that power four synchronous electric motors into developing 525 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque. It is predicted to run from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds - that's up from a previously estimated 3.7 seconds.

Mercedes has loosed a little more info on the technology behind the SLS AMG E-Cell. Its powertrain arrangement necessitated a new front axle, so the conventional-powered car's double wishbones have been supplanted by horizontal, pushrod damper struts. Torque vectoring to the motors mounted near the wheels, not on the hubs, aims to keep electric enthusiasm pointed in the right direction. And the Mercedes F1 team has assisted in the kinetic energy recovery system that will help to extend the coupe's as-yet-unannounced range.

When it goes on sale sometime next year, what you see in the gallery of high-res photos will be wrapped in an SLS AMG body enhanced by a carbon fiber spine. See below for the company's press release and have a look at the future in the gallery of high-res photos.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell reveals its inner workings

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell reveals its inner workings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sls amg e-cellmercedes-benzsls amgsls amg e-celltechnologyMon, 12 Mar 2012 17:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20190510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/12/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/20190510/article-detail.xml 20190510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sls-amge-cell-ch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sls-amge-cell-ch.jpg <![CDATA[Hamann Hawk Roadster is an eyeful]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/hamann-hawk-roadster-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/hamann-hawk-roadster-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/hamann-hawk-roadster-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hamann Hawk Roadster

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2012geneva motor showhamannhamann hawk roadsterhawk roadstermercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgmercedes-benz sls amg roadstersls amgsls amg roadsterTue, 06 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186985/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/hamann-hawk-roadster-geneva-2012/20186985/article-detail.xml 20186985 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/hamann-hawk-roadster-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/hamann-hawk-roadster-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Four-door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG suggested by patent filings?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/four-door-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-suggested-by-patent-filings/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/four-door-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-suggested-by-patent-filings/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/four-door-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-suggested-by-patent-filings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG four-door patent drawing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz sls amgamgdeutsches patent- und markenamtgullwingmercedes gullwingpatentpatent filingslssls amgsls amg four-doorsls four-doorWed, 22 Feb 2012 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20177351/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/four-door-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-suggested-by-patent-filings/20177351/article-detail.xml 20177351 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/sls-four-door-4-patent-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/sls-four-door-4-patent-1.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Juke-R vs Supercar Challenge

When is a Nissan Juke not a Nissan Juke? When it's the 480-horsepower, Godzilla-powered Juke-R, that's when. Then it's a supercar-beater. And to prove the point, Nissan UK took its one-off super-crossover down to Dubai for a little street racing action.

So what did Nissan pit its Juke-R against? No, not other crossovers, but a pack of the leanest, meanest supercars on the market: the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. We first saw video footage shot from the sidelines a couple of weeks ago, but since the publicity stunt proved so popular, Nissan responded by releasing an official, high-quality version, complete with in-car footage and plenty of tire squealing. Follow the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai

Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italiadubaiferrari 458 italiagallardojukejuke-rjuke-r vs supercar challengelamborghinilamborghini gallardomercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgnissannissan jukenissan juke-rsls amgstreet racevideoTue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/20160833/article-detail.xml 20160833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/juke-rvsupercars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/juke-rvsupercars.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Juke-R takes on Gallardo, 458 Italia and SLS AMG in Dubai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nissan-juke-r-takes-on-gallardo-458-italia-and-sls-amg-in-dubai/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nissan-juke-r-takes-on-gallardo-458-italia-and-sls-amg-in-dubai/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nissan-juke-r-takes-on-gallardo-458-italia-and-sls-amg-in-dubai/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Nissan Juke-R found some adventurous extracurriculars to take part in while in Dubai to pace the Dunlop 24-Hour race. Nissan said it would be making a film of the Juke-R taking on other street-legal supercars in the Dubai International Marina, but that race is meant to include a Mercedes/McLaren SLR-engined Mercedes-Benz SLK.

This appears to be something different, with the Juke-R going up against a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, a Mercedes SLS AMG, and a Ferrari 458 Italia. Lucas Ordonez, the first GTAcademy winner from 2008 is reportedly behind the wheel of the Juke-R. We don't know the driving level of his competition, but we do know this: Nissan's little beastie is really, really quick. Check out the (admittedly grainy) video after the jump to have your horizons expanded.

Continue reading Nissan Juke-R takes on Gallardo, 458 Italia and SLS AMG in Dubai

Nissan Juke-R takes on Gallardo, 458 Italia and SLS AMG in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 nissan juke458 italiadubaigallardo lp560-4jukejuke-rlucas ordoneznissan jukesls amgvideoyoutubeFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152958/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/nissan-juke-r-takes-on-gallardo-458-italia-and-sls-amg-in-dubai/20152958/article-detail.xml 20152958 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jukersupercarracedubai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jukersupercarracedubai.jpg <![CDATA[The future of AMG includes electrification, starts with all-electric SLS E-Cell]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/the-future-of-amg-includes-electrification-begins-with-all-elec/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/the-future-of-amg-includes-electrification-begins-with-all-elec/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/the-future-of-amg-includes-electrification-begins-with-all-elec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With alternative powertrains staking a larger claim in the mainstream, it's simply a matter of time before automakers begin adapting the technology for performance applications. The in-house tuning division of Mercedes-Benz won't be left behind, and we'll see the first all-electric AMG product by the end of next year.

Mercedes will begin taking orders for the SLS AMG E-Cell towards the middle of 2012, with test drives and deliveries slated to begin late next year and in early 2013. Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz AMG, says development of the all-wheel-drive, all-electric supercar is moving along at a brisk pace, although official specs, range and curb weight haven't been firmed up just yet. However, Källenius is confident that despite the additional weight of the lithium-ion battery packs occupying the torque tube tunnel, performance will be exceptional, particularly with AMG's ability to independently control torque output to each wheel via the four electric motors.

But the SLS AMG E-Cell is only the first step - even though it's a massive leap forward for the brand. Electric drivetrains and implementing some sort of a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) will be part of AMG products in the future, although Källenius won't commit to saying which models would benefit from the technology. "We must look at everything," Källenius told Autoblog, and utilizing alternative powertrains in the pursuit of ultimate performance will be key to AMG's tire-shredding efforts in the future.

The future of AMG includes electrification, starts with all-electric SLS E-Cell originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amge-cellmercedes-benzsls amgsls amg e-cellTue, 15 Nov 2011 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/15/the-future-of-amg-includes-electrification-begins-with-all-elec/20107053/article-detail.xml 20107053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/08-sls-e-cell-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/08-sls-e-cell-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes greenlights 911 fighter, reviving SLC name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/mercedes-greenlights-911-fighter-reviving-slc-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/mercedes-greenlights-911-fighter-reviving-slc-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/mercedes-greenlights-911-fighter-reviving-slc-name/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Way back when we were calling the SLS the SLC, the men and women at AMG in Affalterbach were keeping a secret: there would be an SLC in addition to the SLS. The current car that we have had the opportunity to love in coupe and roadster forms is slated to end production in 2015. What will pick up where it leaves off is the SLC, a so-called "baby SLS" with a 4.0-liter V8 and an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

Car magazine predicts the future coupe will have aluminum-intensive construction and be a better performer than the SLS it replaces. It could also be a median point, itself a 911 rival but perhaps serving as the basis for both an SLK variant and some other carbon fiber supercar beyond the SLS that could challenge a McLaren. After the unloved offspring that was the Mercedes McLaren SLR, we'd be in the front row of any grudge match to see if a hotted-up SLC could settle that sore score.

Mercedes greenlights 911 fighter, reviving SLC name originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgmercedes-benzslcsls amgWed, 09 Nov 2011 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20101854/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/09/mercedes-greenlights-911-fighter-reviving-slc-name/20101854/article-detail.xml 20101854 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mercedesslc2015_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mercedesslc2015.jpg <![CDATA[Shooting the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/mercedes-releases-sls-amg-roadster-photo-shoot-making-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/mercedes-releases-sls-amg-roadster-photo-shoot-making-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/mercedes-releases-sls-amg-roadster-photo-shoot-making-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster video screen capture

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz sls amg roadsteramgmercedes-benzroadsterslssls amgsls amg roadstervideoSun, 06 Nov 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099782/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/06/mercedes-releases-sls-amg-roadster-photo-shoot-making-of/20099782/article-detail.xml 20099782 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/sls-amg-roadster-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/sls-amg-roadster-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mika Hakkinen returns for Le Mans series debut in Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/mika-hakkinen-returns-for-le-mans-series-debut-in-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/mika-hakkinen-returns-for-le-mans-series-debut-in-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/mika-hakkinen-returns-for-le-mans-series-debut-in-mercedes-benz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mika Hakkinen with Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Despite what longtime rival Michael Schumacher might have to say about it, when you're a multiple Formula One world champion, you don't have anything left to prove. That leaves you free to do pretty much whatever you want with the rest of your life.

In the case of Mika Hakkinen, that has involved a handful of seasons (and a few wins) driving for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM series, but when he'd had his fill, that was it. He's essentially been retired since the end of 2007 season, but is about to don his racing helmet one more time for a race in China.

The race in question is the 1000 km of Zhuhai, the Chinese round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. That's where he'll be sharing a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 with Lance David Arnold and Cong Fu Cheng in the AMG Customer Sports Team China as the squad's guest driver.

It'll be the first time in a career dominated by formula racing that Hakkinen, now 43 years old, will be competing in a sports racer, and should be an interesting spectacle. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Mika Hakkinen returns for Le Mans series debut in Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Mika Hakkinen returns for Le Mans series debut in Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000 km of zhuhaiamgchinaintercontinental le mans cuple mansmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amg gt3mika hakkinensls amgsls amg gt3zhuhaiMon, 24 Oct 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20088332/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/24/mika-hakkinen-returns-for-le-mans-series-debut-in-mercedes-benz/20088332/article-detail.xml 20088332 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webhakkinen-sls-gt3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webhakkinen-sls-gt3.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series takes to the track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-takes-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-takes-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-takes-to-the-track/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series spy photos

The Black Series epidemic has claimed the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as its latest victim. Our spy photographers recently managed to catch a few photos of the SLS AMG Black Series out for a little testing on the Nürburgring.

What will the vehicle bring to the table when the production version arrives? The whispers kicking around the web indicate that buyers will enjoy around 650 horsepower wrapped in a package that's lighter than the standard car. The extra power and reduced weight should get the Black Series to 60 miles per hour in around three seconds flat.

No one knows for certain, but we feel confident in guessing that the machine will also embrace a host of suspension and brake modifications for an even higher performance threshold. Don't think that all of those toys will come cheap, however. Chances are the model will cost over $500,000.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series takes to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black seriesmercedes-benzsls amgspy photosspy picsspy shotsWed, 19 Oct 2011 13:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20085481/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-takes-to-the-track/20085481/article-detail.xml 20085481 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/sls-amg-black-series-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/sls-amg-black-series-628.jpg <![CDATA[AMG Performance Media Telemetry display in action around Hockenheim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/amg-performance-media-telemetry-display-in-action-around-hockenh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/amg-performance-media-telemetry-display-in-action-around-hockenh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/amg-performance-media-telemetry-display-in-action-around-hockenh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz AMG Performance Media telemetry

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amg performance mediamercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amg roadstersls amgsls amg roadsterTue, 04 Oct 2011 19:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20073642/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/amg-performance-media-telemetry-display-in-action-around-hockenh/20073642/article-detail.xml 20073642 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/mercedes-benz-amg-performance-media-telemetry-display-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/mercedes-benz-amg-performance-media-telemetry-display-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/2012-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/2012-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/2012-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

How This Supercar Fares Without Its Signature Doors

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz sls amg roadsterfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivemercedes-benz sls amg roadsterslssls amgsls amg roadsterWed, 21 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/21/2012-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-w-video/20048111/article-detail.xml 20048111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes exec confirms even harder-core SLS AMG Black Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/mercedes-exec-confirms-even-harder-core-sls-amg-black-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/mercedes-exec-confirms-even-harder-core-sls-amg-black-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/mercedes-exec-confirms-even-harder-core-sls-amg-black-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

If the standard Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is too subdued for you, AMG reportedly has a fix in the works. Mercedes execs recently confirmed to Motor Trend that a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series will soon be a reality. We like this. We like this a lot.

In significantly lamer news, the same execs also said the street-legal version of the SLS AMG GT3 will not make it to this side of the pond. Apparently, the enormous cost of certifying the car for the U.S. isn't worth it, given its extremely low volume.

As for the SLS AMG E-Cell, ze Germans still haven't decided whether that's coming here yet. The reason, again, is the cost of certifying versus sales volume. The car is slated to go on sale in late 2012 in Europe, and be a good bit heavier and more expensive than the gas burner.

Mercedes exec confirms even harder-core SLS AMG Black Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgblack seriese-cellgt3mercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amg black seriessls amgMon, 19 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20045813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/19/mercedes-exec-confirms-even-harder-core-sls-amg-black-series/20045813/article-detail.xml 20045813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mb-sls-amg-gt3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mb-sls-amg-gt3.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz offers new Ride Control suspension on SLS AMG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/mercedes-benz-offers-new-ride-control-suspension-on-sls-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/mercedes-benz-offers-new-ride-control-suspension-on-sls-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/mercedes-benz-offers-new-ride-control-suspension-on-sls-amg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Ride Control Suspension

The flagship Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG represents the pinnacle of the company's considerable engineering prowess. Yet there are always those looking for a little more. And for such customers, Mercedes has announced a series of new options available on the Gullwing coupe and its roadster counterpart.

The list includes new wheels and paint finishes (like the Sepang Brown Metallic pictured above), as well as the company's latest blind-spot warning system. But the salient point of the announcement (which you can read in full after the jump) is the new AMG Ride Control suspension.

Available as a ~$3,000 option over the stock setup, the new adjustable suspension offers drivers a choice between Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus settings. Some buyers will invariably revel in the choices, but then as Lotus founder Colin Chapman once famously quipped, "Make the suspension adjustable and they will adjust it wrong." Good thing, then, AMG has taken the guesswork out of the equation.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz offers new Ride Control suspension on SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz offers new Ride Control suspension on SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgamg ride control suspensionmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgride controlride control suspensionslssls amgSun, 11 Sep 2011 17:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039727/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/11/mercedes-benz-offers-new-ride-control-suspension-on-sls-amg/20039727/article-detail.xml 20039727 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/sls-amg-sepang_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/sls-amg-sepang.jpg <![CDATA[Nico Rosberg frightens David Coulthard around the Nordschleife]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/nico-rosberg-frightens-david-coulthard-around-the-nordschleife/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/nico-rosberg-frightens-david-coulthard-around-the-nordschleife/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/nico-rosberg-frightens-david-coulthard-around-the-nordschleife/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

David Coulthard and Nico Rosberg

There's a good reason why Formula One teams make two cars with one seat each instead of one car with two seats. Well, there are a lot of good reasons, actually, one of which is being that F1 drivers don't like riding shotgun, something that is immediately apparent after watching this video.

Even when Infiniti took Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber to the Nürburgring Nordschleife in preparation for the German Grand Prix last weekend on the neighboring circuit, they gave each driver his own car, even though they each packed five seats. Now it's time for Mercedes-Benz to take its turn, bringing its own talents to the storied Green Hell for a little fun and publicity footage.

After Michael Schumacher took his junior teammate Nico Rosberg around the legendary track for a quick tour, it was Rosberg's turn to chauffeur his employer's new brand ambassador, David Coulthard, for a hot lap in the SLS AMG. This, despite the fact that Rosberg had never driven the circuit before. Good thing DC only found out that particular bit of information after the lap was done.

Follow the jump to watch the video, and if you pay close attention towards the beginning, you just might notice Coulthard getting in little dig on his longtime rival Schumacher.

Continue reading Nico Rosberg frightens David Coulthard around the Nordschleife

Nico Rosberg frightens David Coulthard around the Nordschleife originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coultharddavid coulthardmercedes-benznico rosbergnurburgringRosbergsls amgvideoThu, 28 Jul 2011 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20003092/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/28/nico-rosberg-frightens-david-coulthard-around-the-nordschleife/20003092/article-detail.xml 20003092 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/rosberg-coulthard-sls6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/rosberg-coulthard-sls6.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 meets its father at Spa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt3-meets-its-father-at-spa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt3-meets-its-father-at-spa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt3-meets-its-father-at-spa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 and 300 SEL 6.8 AMG

Though today the letters stand for power and performance, if you go back four decades, almost nobody had ever heard of a tuning garage called AMG. That was until the Mercedes-Benz tuner showed up at the 1971 running of the 24 Hours of Spa with... a luxury sedan. But not just any luxury sedan.

AMG took the 300 SEL 6.3, complete with wood dash and carpeted floors, bored it out to 6.8 liters and raised output up to 428 horsepower and 448 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 164 mph, the car qualified fifth out of sixty entries and went on to place first in its class and second overall, beating the likes of Niki Lauda and Hans Stuck. It was a pivotal moment that put AMG on the map.

Hans Heyer was one of the three drivers who alternated behind the wheel of the car dubbed the "Red Pig" that fateful day. And now forty years later, his son Kenneth Heyer is returning to Spa in a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 in matching livery to the original. It's a trip down the memory lane of AMG's history - though not the first - reuniting one of its first race cars to its most recent, seven of which, all told, will be contesting the Belgian endurance race this weekend. Scope it out in our high-res image gallery and follow the jump for more details in the full press release.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 meets its father at Spa

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 meets its father at Spa originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300 selamggullwingmercedes-benzmercedes-benz 300 sel 6.3mercedes-benz 300 sel 6.8mercedes-benz sls amgred pigslssls amgspaspa-francorchampsThu, 28 Jul 2011 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20003109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/28/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-gt3-meets-its-father-at-spa/20003109/article-detail.xml 20003109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web-amg3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web-amg3.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster hits the web with online configurator]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-hits-the-web-with-online-configur/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-hits-the-web-with-online-configur/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-hits-the-web-with-online-configur/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz sls amg roadsterconfiguratormercedes-benz slsmercedes-benz sls amgmercedes-benz sls amg roadsteronline configuratorslssls amgsls amg roadsterTue, 07 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19955230/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/07/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-roadster-hits-the-web-with-online-configur/19955230/article-detail.xml 19955230 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/sls-roadster-config_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/sls-roadster-config.jpg -1 2