Mercedes exec confirms even harder-core SLS AMG Black Series

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 notmake 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.

Source: Autoblog

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Mercedes Benz : Exterior and Interior AMG SLS

Exterior

The future-oriented, puristic design has drawn inspiration from the proportions of classic Mercedes-Benz sports cars. Opening the gullwing doors reveals the sweeping curved design with large opening angle. The extended bonnet, distinctive V-shaped front section and large air intakes as well as the low-position passenger compartment and the gently sloping rear of the vehicle are the embodiment of sports car design and give it the true look of a racing car. The innovative bi-xenon front headlamps with daytime driving lights and LED indicator lamps not only illuminate the road but also contribute greatly to the distinctive visual impact of the supercar.

Viewed from the side, the long wheelbase and short body overhangs are eye-catching features. The distinctive waistline that runs along the entire side wall and the prominent, powerful wheel arches underline the classic design of the SLS AMG – as if cast from a single mould.

The pronounced curved design of the rear windscreen offers an aesthetic transition from the solid B-pillar to the flat sloping boot lid. Super-flat, wing-shaped LED tail lights provide a fascinating and distinctive night design. As with a sports car, the LED reversing light and the LED rear fog lamps are centrally integrated. A robust rear bumper with diffuser and fully integrated tailpipes ensure an uninterrupted view of the wide rear tyres. The rear aerofoil, when retracted, blends seamlessly into the overall rear end design. As soon as the SLS reaches a speed of more than 120 km/h, the rear aerofoil is automatically extended. It can also be activated manually at a lower speed by pressing a button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT.


Interior

Embodying lightweight design, dynamic performance and pure emotion, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have developed a purist’s sports car interior for the new SLS. Opening the gull-wing doors offers a clear view of the impressive SLS interior. The interior combines authentic motorsport functionality with legendary Mercedes-Benz safety standards. Revealing a meticulous attention to detail, a range of fine materials, including nappa leather and real metal trim (real carbon trim available as an option), emphasise the exceptional design and hand-finished character of the SLS interior.

Design elements taken from aircraft construction are also reflected here – right down to the smallest detail. Situated prominently in the solid metal centre console, the AMG DRIVE UNIT with AMG E-SELECT selector lever mirrors the style of a jet control panel.

The wing-shaped instrument panel featuring four distinctive air vents and the AMG instrument cluster with white-backlit round dials is commanding and distinctively puristic. High-quality sports seats with magnesium backrests are finished in stylish designo leather or designo Exclusive leather and are available in nine colour shades to match the exterior. The classy designo Exclusive natural/braided leather upholstery in light brown is also available upon request.

Source: Mercedes Benz

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Rumormill: Mercedes E300 Bluetec diesel hybrid could make it to the U.S.

We're about to witness the first-ever mass-production diesel hybrid in this summer's Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 crossover; this sort of powertrain has had engineers and many consumers drooling for a few years. The miles-per-gallon possibilities and environmental benefits are fascinating right away. All that has held them at bay was the expense of development and production, plus the unwanted risk of passing that big price tag on to buyers.

Mercedes confirms that its
Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid is on the way and will be on sale by the end of 2012. We asked them right away what this means for Mercedes' diesel investment in the United States. The team members in Germany grinned a lot and said they could neither confirm or deny anything at this time. But to stay tuned.

The first viable diesel hybrid from Stuttgart for public consumption was first shown at this past March's Geneva Motor Show. It combines a latest-generation 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel good for 204 horsepower with an ultra-sophisticated 20-hp electric motor module. Effective combined torque, however, booms out at 428 pound-feet from way down low in the revs, while estimated miles per gallon in European city/highway combined cycle hits 57.4 mpg at its best. For the EPA cycle, knock that down to a more earthbound 45 mpg or so average in normal driving. Still, not too shabby for an E-Class, kids.

The lithium-ion battery assembly used in the Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid is the same one tried and liked already in the S400 Hybrid. Please, oh, please, get this baby over here for a near-future One Lap of America.

Source: Autoblog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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