Autoblog

Shooting the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Shooting the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

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

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

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

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

How This Supercar Fares Without Its Signature Doors

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

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

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

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

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

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Mercedes-Benz offers new Ride Control suspension on SLS AMG

Noah Joseph — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:03:00 EST

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

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.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 meets its father at Spa

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Coupe, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Racing

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.

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Watch Jay Leno flip his lid in Affalterbach driving the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:32:00 EST

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

Our greedy automotive journalist hands are shaking because we've yet to get seat time in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. A few lucky folks outside of the company have gotten seat time, and it seems video of their excursions serve to make our jealousy meter ping harder into its stop. This time around, it's Jay Leno that's been given quality time with the drop-top exotic. Leno may think he's the first, but someone else beat him to the punch.

~~To get his sloppy seconds~~, Leno trekked to Germany for his SLS seat time, and he's greeted by a waiting Roadster. From there, Jay heads to Affalterbach, which is home to AMG. Click past the jump to see - and hear - the beautiful Benz.

Continue reading Watch Jay Leno flip his lid in Affalterbach driving the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Watch Jay Leno flip his lid in Affalterbach driving the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roger Federer ditches racquet for SLS AMG Roadster

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Roger Federer ditches racquet for SLS AMG Roadster

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

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

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

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

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

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

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

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

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

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled

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

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Mercedes-Benz showcases SLS AMG ambulance concept at emergency vehicle expo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 May 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG first responder concept - Click above for high-res image

Retasking a supercar as a pace car for a racing series has almost become standard fare. We've even seen the odd exotic commissioned to serve as a police car. But as an ambulance? Of all the vehicles that could fit the task, the supercar might seem the least likely, but Mercedes-Benz is evidently out to prove this notion wrong this year at the RETTmobil emergency vehicle expo.

To highlight their medical vehicle offerings and the versatility of their range, Mercedes has outfitted their top-of-the-line SLS AMG gullwing as an emergency medical vehicle. For the task, they've equipped it with the traditional German ambulance livery, a pair of flashing lights on the hood and a host of communications equipment.

The 6.3-liter V8 engine, Alubeam "liquid metal" paint job and the gullwing doors (equipped with explosive charges to blow them off their hinges if there's a rollover) carry over from the showroom-stock model. No word on whether medical equipment like a portable defibrillator has been fitted to the first-responder concept car, but a quick spin around the block in this puppy ought to be enough to revive anyone from even the deepest coma. Follow the jump for the German-language press release.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz showcases SLS AMG ambulance concept at emergency vehicle expo

Mercedes-Benz showcases SLS AMG ambulance concept at emergency vehicle expo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kicherer blacks out the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Noah Joseph — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 Supersport GT by Kicherer - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG isn't exactly subtle to begin with, but Kicherer's take on the theme is decidedly more... stealthy. For starters, the German tuner wrapped the car in matte black vinyl for a more subdued look. It then replaced the big Silver Star in the mouth with a blacked-out blank grille that looks like a baleen whale's mouth. And while the rims on the 20-inch wheels (21 in the back) are polished for a little contrast, the spokes get a blackout treatment as well. Matte-finish carbon fiber trim and aero pieces complete the overall package.

Underhood, the engine has been tuned from the stock 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque up to 621 horsepower (equivalent to 630 on the metric scale, hence the 63 moniker) and 516 lb-ft. That's good for a claimed 3.5-second sprint to 62 mph and a 199 mph top end. Have a closer look in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 Supersport GT by Kicherer

[Source: Kicherer]

Continue reading Kicherer blacks out the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Kicherer blacks out the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG springs forward with Gulf's iconic blue and orange

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style

New York 2011: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG wearing Gulf livery - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you watched auto racing in the 1960s and 70s, your eyes likely caught sight of baby blue and orange streaks roaring to victory on tracks around the world. Gulf livery has since become an iconic paint scheme for everything from the ratty street cars of wide-eyed boy racers to expensive watches and clothing for those looking to embrace their inner McQueen. Hell, there's even a drift-happy Freightliner wearing the oil company's famous colors. Mercedes-Benz has decided to bring a touch of those famous colors in the form of a tarted-up SLS AMG.

It's no Porsche 917... but it's still pretty cool looking, and we've got a full gallery for you to look through below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Gulf Livery: New York 2011

New York 2011: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG springs forward with Gulf's iconic blue and orange originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Podium finishes for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, Ford Focus BTCC at race debuts

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, UK, Racing

SLS AMG GT3 and Ford Focus touring car make their race debut - Click either image for high-res gallery

Teething pains are normal when developing a race car. Save for series like Formula One where every team is starting with a new car at the beginning of each season, it's to be expected that a new race car will face some difficulties when competing in its first race. That's what makes this past weekend's results so extraordinary.

Instead of being relegated to the garage with mechanical troubles, as you might expect from a new racing machine, both the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 and the Ford Focus touring car scored podium finishes on their race debuts this past weekend.

The race-prepped neo-gullwing finished third overall and first in the GT3 class at the opening round of the VLN Nürburgring Endurance Championship, fielded by the Black Falcon team. A second SLS followed in fourth place overall, with another two finishing 7th and 19th. The series consists of ten endurance races, all competed around a combination of the Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuits at the Nürburgring, and this race marked the first time that the SLS GT3, having completed its testing phase, was fielded entirely by privateers with no factory support. BMW claimed victory with a one-two finish in the M3 GT, while the Pininfarina P4/5 failed to complete the race.

The Ford triumph, meanwhile, came in the opening round of the British Touring Car Championship. As we reported recently, the BTCC is benefiting from a large field of competition that's unprecedented in size, but the new Focus surmounted the odds by cementing a third-place finish in the first of three races on the Indy configuration at Brands Hatch. Tom Chilton scored that podium finish in the "Global Ford Focus" racer while Andy Neate finished 11th in the second car, and while neither fared as well in the second or third races (finishing 11/12 and 8/15 respectively), that they finished each race at all was an accomplishment in and of itself for the new Focus and for Team AON which fielded them.

The checkered flags in the first two races went to Fifth Gear presenter and defending series champion Jason Plato in the Chevrolet Cruze, with two-time former BTCC champ Matt Neal taking the win in the third race behind the wheel of the Honda Civic. Press releases after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 race debut – VLN Nurburgring

Gallery: Ford Focus BTCC race debut – Brands Hatch

[Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Team AON]

Continue reading Podium finishes for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, Ford Focus BTCC at race debuts

Podium finishes for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, Ford Focus BTCC at race debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

[Source: CarPix]

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

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Geneva 2011: Brabus 700 Biturbo is SLS AMG turned up to 11

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury, MISC

Brabus 700 Biturbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's become quite clear that Mansory and Fab Design should leave SLS-tuning to the experts. Brabus has pulled back the wraps on its 700 Biturbo, and the results are ~~pants-tightening~~ impressive.

Brabus has taken the 6.2-liter SLS AMG V8 and attached a pair of turbochargers to the already-excellent mill. Output has gone from 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, up to 700-hp and 626 lb-ft of torque. Brabus has also gone ahead and changed the intake and exhaust manifolds, engine mapping and exhaust system on the Mercedes-Benz flagship.

In fact, Brabus has gotten down to the nitty-gritty with its 700 Biturbo at the Geneva Motor Show. Traditionally, twin-turbocharged engines have a pair of turbos both spinning in the same direction. Brabus has fitted a right-turning and left-turning exhaust to the respective sides of the engine, and this allows for optimal air flow into the engine.

All of this work has produced a luxurious grand tourer that hits 0-62 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds, and can run on to top speed of 213 mph. Brabus has managed to do all of this without slapping on eye-searing paint an ill-advised body kit (though obviously there's an extensive bit of aero-tweakery present), and for that, we thank them. (Next time, though, maybe we can find someone around to close the hood...)

Gallery: Brabus SLS AMG 700 Biturbo: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Brabus 700 Biturbo

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Brabus 700 Biturbo is SLS AMG turned up to 11

Geneva 2011: Brabus 700 Biturbo is SLS AMG turned up to 11 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Mansory Cormeum is remarkable for being not ugly

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Mansory Cormeum - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is Mansory going soft on us? The Germany-based customizer of high-end exotics has arrived in Geneva with its take on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It's called the Mansory Cormeum... and it's remarkable for not being eye-searingly ugly.

The Cormeum is certainly no beauty queen, but Mansory has produced some truly questionable designs in its history. Besides being more attractive than whe might have figured, the Cormeum is remarkable for having an extra 97 horsepower (for a total of 660 hp), and it weighs nearly 200 pounds less than a standard SLS. This is achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber body panels, and the added power comes from a new exhaust and engine map program. If 660 horsepower doesn't sound like enough, Mansory says it's working on an 800 hp version.

Only 15 examples of the gullwing Mansory Cormeum will be produced. If you're curious where the name comes from, Mansory founder and namesake Kourosh Mansory was inspired by the aria Vide Cor Meum. You've probably heard the music before, as it was written for the move Hannibal. All of which makes some sense, because some folks would rather eat a human being than be seen in a Mansory vehicle.

Gallery: Mansory Cormeum: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Mansory Cormeum

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Mansory Cormeum is remarkable for being not ugly

Geneva 2011: Mansory Cormeum is remarkable for being not ugly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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De Tomaso SLC SLS images come online ahead of Geneva

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Luxury, MISC

De Tomaso SLS Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here we are, just days before the doors open at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and De Tomaso has unleashed a series of images along with a few more salient details of its new SLC concept car. Well, actually, De Tomaso is now referring to the machine as the SLS (and no, it has nothing to do with the Mercedes-Benz of the same name), which stands for Sport Luxury Sedan, as opposed to SLC, or Sport Luxury Crossover.

Fret not, Benz fans (and trademark lawyers). De Tomaso says it will give its future production model a new name that will be announced in Geneva.

Irrational naming conventions aside, what we have here is a somewhat high-riding humpback machine not unlike the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. According to the company, two engines are planned at launch, a 300-horsepower V6 and a 550-horsepower V8. Power is sent to all four wheels, and a diesel engine option is planned for a later time.

De Tomaso plans to build two more vehicles on the same architecture with the goal of selling a total of 8,000 units per year. We're hoping to hear more about the marque's future plans after we hit the ground in Geneva. In the meantime, feel free to peruse our high-res image gallery below and read the awkwardly translated press release after the break.

Gallery: De Tomaso Deauville Concept

[Source: De Tomaso via All Car Index]

Continue reading De Tomaso ~~SLC~~ SLS images come online ahead of Geneva

De Tomaso ~~SLC~~ SLS images come online ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Playboy's 2011 Cars of the Year hit the casting couch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:58:00 EST

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

Are the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG's gullwing doors just giant bunny ears? - Click above for high-res image gallery

We all know the story, and we've all used the line: we read Playboy for the articles. Somehow no one ever takes us seriously, but the fact of the matter is that Playboy is a men's magazine with a wide readership and articles focusing on everything guys want to read about: sex, sports, politics and yes, even cars.

While you might think that with so many Bunnies hopping around the Mansion, the Volkswagen Rabbit would be the car of choice for Heff and company, they've actually put together their own comprehensive best-of selections again for 2011. The winner of the coveted Playboy Car of the Year? None other than the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG seen above. You can check out the other award winners by clicking through the perfectly-safe-for-work gallery below. Think they've chosen wisely? Share your thoughts in our Comments section.

Gallery: Playboy's 2011 Cars of the Year

[Source: Playboy]

Playboy's 2011 Cars of the Year hit the casting couch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

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

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

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Brabus brings the girth with Mercedes SLS Widestar

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Widestar by Brabus - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's more important, speed or girth? Brabus says can have your proverbial cake and eat it too with its new Widestar kit for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Upgrading on their previous offering (and sounding like a minivan), the Widestar SLS benefits from a carbon fiber body kit with a 20mm wider rear track, encompassing Brabus Monoblock F Platinum Edition wheels available in a variety of colors and finishes and coated in either Pirelli or Yokohama low-profile rubber (275/30ZR-20 front and 295/25ZR-21 rear).

Brabus is also offering an electronically adjustable suspension with Bilstein shocks and Ride Control system, a titanium exhaust with quadruple tips that squeezes out an extra 10 horses, while the interior can be outfitted with a number of extras you can read all about in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Widestar by Brabus

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Brabus brings the girth with Mercedes SLS Widestar

Brabus brings the girth with Mercedes SLS Widestar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied sans roof

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

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

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

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

[Source: AutoExpress]

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

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