Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss 2010 review

         The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss is final hurrah for the fabled SLR line. The SLR Stirling Moss has a radical design, with no roof or even proper windshield. Stirling Moss is styled that looks every bit the modern interpretation of the classic race speedster Mercedes is going for, and while the modern SLR McLaren heritage is  clear, this new edition is wholly different. While the new open supercar Mercedes was again developed in conjunction with McLaren.

         It is also designed by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h.

         The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss’s entire body made of fine lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept. The SLR Stirling Moss sports an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterised by an elongated bonnet and a compact, muscular rear. It’s exterior and interior flow smoothly into one. The bonnet also stretches from its striking tip right down into the interior, giving the vehicle body a distinctly sleek air.

Specification

           * Type of engine: Supercharged AMG-Sourced V8

           * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 478 kW/650 bhp

           * Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Less than 3.5 seconds

           * Top Speed: 217 mph

           * Body Type: 2 Door, 2 Seat Open Speedster

           * Price (est): $ 1,100,000

                                                                                            

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series 2012 review

         The new 2012 Mercedes- Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series is new high-performance vehicle is the most powerful C-Class of all time, boasting a maximum output of 510 hp and a maximum torque of 457 lb-ft. The high-revving AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine delivers stunning pulling power and exceptional performance - the 2012 C63 AMG Coupe Black Series accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

        The exhaust system announces the Black Series' 510 horses for the entire world to hear. The Mercedes- Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series has four-mode semi-auto gearbox automatically matches revs on downshifts and can change gears in a claimed 100 milliseconds when in "Sport Plus" or "Manual" modes. A rear-axle differential lock is meant to provide ideal traction for the race track, while the three phases Electronic Stability Program optimizes traction for all other real world driving situations.

         The C63 AMG Coupe Black Series has A displacement of 6.3 liters, eight cylinders - one glance at the technical data and it's clear that the technology behind the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series is every bit a match for its sensational appearance. The high-torque M156 naturally aspirated engine was fine-tuned specifically for the new two doors model. It delivers impressive dynamics, tenacious grip and minimal body roll. The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering facilitates superb vehicle control, with modified mapping of the power assistance for maximum steering precision.

Specification

            * Type of engine: V8

            * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 510 hp

            * Acceleration 0-60 mph s: 4.2 seconds

            * Displacement cu in (cc): 6.3 liters

            * Top Speed: 186 mph

            * Transmission: 7-speed automatic

            * Price (est): $105,000

Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style review

        The Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style research vehicle shows the future of premium cars from a new perspective: the one off five seater executive saloon combines efficient drive technologies with unparalleled safety and convenience features as well as an emotive design idiom, which interprets current Mercedes Benz styling in line with the brand's hallmark attribute of refined sportiness. With an exterior length of 4.75 metres, the F 800 Style offers a generously-sized interior incorporating intelligent seating, control and display concepts. 

         The Mercedes Benz also touts the concept's flexible powertrain platform. The realistic option is a plug-in hybrid system that's basically an offshoot of the V6 light hybrid setup found in the S400 Sedan. Mercedes says this new plug-in gas-electric system, which is good for over 400 combined horsepower, gives the car an EV-only driving range of 18 miles. The automaker has announced that a new plug-in system is headed to the next-gen S-class, so don't dismiss the F800's hybrid setup as trendy green pandering. Save that cynicism for the concept's other powertrain option: a compact fuel cell/electric setup evolved from the one used in the current F Cell cars.

          The F 800 Style is both a technology platform and a showcar. This research vehicle was created as a result of collaboration between technical research and advanced engineering departments and the advanced design studios in Sindelfingen, Germany and Como, Italy. Its exterior appearance is marked by a long wheelbase, short body overhangs and a sensually flowing roof line.

 

Specifications

           * Transmission: 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic

           * Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 290 Nm

           * Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4.8

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster review

         The technological highlights of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster include an aluminum spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication developing a peak output of 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transaxle transmission and a sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones-  all of which will raise the pulse of sports car enthusiasts while providing outstanding driving dynamics and driving pleasure.

         In addition to maximum comfort, the key factor for driving pleasure in the new SLS AMG Roadster is the outstanding performance. The basis for this is the innovative body design: the chassis and body are made of aluminum, a design combining intelligent lightweight construction with high strength. With a curb weight of 3,661 pounds (estimated), the Roadster is only 88 pounds heavier than the Coupé. The result is a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 6.5 pounds per hp.

       Audio 250 watt subwoofer Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end sound system. Navigation COMAND with Navigation and DVD player. The interior continues the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and awakens associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent features include the dashboard in the shape of a wing and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines. The extended center console of matte, solid metal and the new E-SELECT lever in the shape of an aircraft’s thrust control are also design features adopted from the world of aviation. Another discreet, fine detail is the embossed AMG emblem on the leather-lined selector lever.

Specifications

           * Type of engine: AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid engine

           * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 563 hp

           * Body Type: aluminum spaceframe

Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG review

           The SLK 55 AMG is now even more dynamic: a new front apron and dark-tinted headlamps give this unique eight-cylinder roadster an even more athletic look even at a standstill. The handling dynamics of the SLK 55 AMG have also been sharpened. For the first time the car features the new direct steering with variable servo assistance, which makes the 360 bhp two seater even more agile and responsive. The SLK 55 AMG is also the only car in its class to feature a V8 engine, while the improved AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission now offers even faster gearchanges.

          Underneath the hood, the updated “sports” engine is discerned by the red stripes on the engine cover. The 3.5-liter displacement is unchanged; in fact, it’s almost the same engine as before. The power increase comes from an increased compression ratio of 11.7:1 (up from 10.7:1) and a 7200-rpm redline, an improvement of 1000 revs. The compression ratio is achieved simply with newly designed pistons, but the extra revs required even more changes.

         There's one big thing I don't like about the SLK55 AMG, and that's the price. The SLK55 AMG starts at over $66k with destination and gas guzzler tax. Options on my tester included navigation (which should be standard on a car this expensive), AIRSCARF (which blows warm air on your neck), and a fancier climate control system. Bottom line: $72,145. Someone get me a chair! For that kind of money, you could buy three Mazda Miatas. You could also get a BMW M3 retractable-hardtop convertible, which comes with 4 years of free maintenance and a higher fun factor. Me, I'd probably go for a soft-top BMW 135i convertible. It's not as fast or as small, but it's still plenty thrilling to drive, and even with all the options it's over $12,000 cheaper than a stripped down SLK55.

Specifications

           * Type of engine: 5,4 L V8

           * Fuel type: Gas

           * Power horse: 355 hp @ 5750 rpm

           * Price: 69,049 €