Rides : Mercedes unleashes first SLS AMG Black Series trailer

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

 

 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : Check Out The All New 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series has been officially unveiled ahead of its launch in mid-2013.

After starting its public life while being spied testing on the famous German track the Nurburgring earlier this year, and with the carmaker releasing a teaser image just a few hours ago, the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is being placed into the spotlights for the first time now, with the company releasing the very first images and details with the supercar.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series has borrowed some styling cues from the GT3 version, like the 20mm and 24mm wider front and rear tracks. The model is also receiving the standard carbon ceramic brakes, 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels, carbon fiber rear diffuser, side skirts and front splitter, quad tailpipes, titanium exhaust system and more.
The interior design of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is getting a carbon fiber center console, an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, lightweight sports seats and some other features, while losing the COMAND multimedia system in order to save weight.
Power to the supercar is being provided by the same 6.2 liter V8 engine, which is now producing a total output of 622 horsepower (464 kW) and 634 Nm of torque (468 lb-ft), thanks to the new camshafts, air intake, improved oil and water cooling and some other tweaks. The model can now spring from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph). The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is burning 13.7 liters of fuel every 100 km (20.6 mpg UK / 17 mpg US) and it’s emitting 321 g/km of CO2. No pricing details have been released yet.

Rides : Check out The KICHERER Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – Supercharged GT Edition

KICHERER’s new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Supercharged GT bears some resemblance to the Fisker Karma, but its all Mercedes underneath the hood. The Gt is equipped with a supercharger pumping out 700hp (original was 583hp), a stainless-steel sports exhaust system, adjustable shocks, carbon fiber interior trims, and KICHERER’s own 20- &; 21-inch alloy wheels and can easily go from 0 to 63 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
  

Car Porn : Watch David Coulthard catch a speeding golf ball in an SLS AMG Roadster

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

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

 

Credit : Autoblog

Car Porn : Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series testing at the Nurburgring

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series has been recently caught on camera while it was being tested at the Nurburgring.

With the current SLS AMG generation coming to a stop thanks to the updated version, which will add a GT badge to its name along with some minor exterior updates and a small power boost, the German supercar will be getting a new version, which will be the most powerful yet. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, or Black Edition as it is expected to be named, has been tested on the Nurburgring track in Germany, where it was also captured on camera.
There is no official word on the SLS AMG Black Series from the car manufacturer just yet, but the only new version confirmed until now is the SLS AMG GT, which will get a reprogrammed ECU, and the total output of the 6.2 liter AMG V8 engine will increase by 20 horsepower, to a total of 591 horsepower. This minor power boost will allow the German supercar to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will be priced at 204,680 euros for the Coupe and 213,010 euros for the Roadster to the SLS AMG Black Series will be significantly more expensive.

Rides : Check Out the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by Inden Design

The aftermarket specialists at Inden Design have recently pulled the wraps off their latest creation, an upgrade package for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar.

According to the German tuner, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is being promoted by the German photo model, television personality and dancer, Katja Runiello, and the photos found below this article have been entitled “Haute Couture meets Tuning. But the main role isn’t played by the beautiful girl and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is actually the one standing into the spotlights.
As you can see from the images posted below, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been fitted with a fresh set of 21-inch light metal rims, which have been painted in high-gloss black combined with gloss-lathed beddings, wrapped in 265/30 and 295/25 tires, front to rear. The German supercar is also coming with tweaked manifold and exhaust catalysts.
The 6.3 liter (6,208 cc) V8 engine in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is now developing a total output of 623 horsepower, thanks to the ECU remapping, compared to the standard 571 horsepower, but the German tuner didn’t say anything about the performance or price tag of the supercar modified by Inden Design.

Rides : Check Out The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by Inden Design

The German aftermarket specialists at Inden Design have recently presented their latest creation, based on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

One of the hottest sports cars ever made by either Mercedes-Benz or its AMG performance division, the SLS model, has just become even hotter, on paper anyway, because its power has suddenly increased, thanks to the tuners at Inden Design, and some fresh wheels have been fitted on it. According to the German aftermarket specialists at Inden Design, the 6.2 liter V8 engine powering the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is now developing a total output of 614 horsepower, thanks to a remapped ECU and a sports exhaust system which is coming with catalytic converters and manifolds.
The power increase isn’t quite what you might call spectacular, but an extra boost is always welcomed in any car, even if that car is a Ferrari 458 Italia or simply a Volkswagen Polo. The standard Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is developing a total output of 563 horsepower and it has a peak torque of 650 Nm, from the same 6.2 liter V8 engine. Last but not least, the tuners at Inden Design have fitted the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with new wheels, 10.5×20 inch, wrapped in 265/30 tires on the front, and 295/30 on the rear.

Rides : Check Out The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by Senner Tuning

Senner Tuning has recently released an upgrade package for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

According to the aftermarket specialists at Senner Tuning, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been packed with custom made rims from Aerottechnik, 9×20 inch for the front and 11×20 inch for the rear, wrapped in tires size 255/30 for the front and 285/30 for the rear. Senner Tuning also says that the supercar has been fitted with KW adjustable coilovers, but don’t expect the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to be extremely modified, because most of the times that leads to either something ugly or something which can’t be driven, so this recipe seems to work.
Senner Tuning has brought a mild power boost to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG’s engine, which, thanks to a remapped ECU, a high performance air filter kit and a stainless steel exhaust system, is now developing an additional 35 horsepower and 40 Nm of torque, from the same 6.2 liter V8 engine which is coming with 563 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque (479 lb-ft). The upgrade package has been priced at 19.500 euros, VAT included, but if you’re an SLS AMG owner, and you want something extra, Senner Tuning can always fit it, for the additional cost.

Rides : Mercedes-Benz SLS Black Series will have 650 HP

The German based automaker Mercedes-Benz is planning to release its Black Series version of the SLS supercar, where the vehicle will come with 650 horsepower.

According to the automotive journalists at autobild.de, the SLS Black Series made by Mercedes-Benz and the AMG division, will be coming with the 6.2 liter engine which has now been tuned in order to develop a total output of 650 horsepower, which is about 70 more than what the standard version has. Even if this won’t actually be enough to challenge the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Lamborghini Aventador or the McLaren MP4-12C, future owners of the Mercedes-Benz SLS Black Series will definitely have that smile on their faces.

As a reminder, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a luxury grand tourer vehicle made by Mercedes-AMG to replace the SLR McLaren. The SLS was officially unveiled in 2009 at the IAA and sales began in mid-201- in Europe and in mid-2011 in the United States. The SLS is coming with two body styles, two-door coupe and two-door roadster, and a front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, being powered by the 6.2 liter DOHC V8 engine which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz offers new Ride Control suspension on SLS AMG

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. 

 

Press Release

AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive damping: New optional extras for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Groß-Dölln/Affalterbach – The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is now even more attractive and individual. The new high-tech option of the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive damping combines concerted performance-orientation with optimal comfort on long journeys. Blind Spot Assist improves active safety on board the gull-wing model. Further optional features such as AMG 10-spoke forged wheels painted in matt black, red-painted brake callipers or AMG high-gloss black trim make for even more exclusivity.

A glance at the centre console of the SLS AMG not only reveals the stylishly designed, new E-SELECT lever with its embossed AMG emblem, but also a new shock absorber symbol in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. This key symbolises the new AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with variable, electronically controlled damping. Depending on the driving situation, speed and road surface conditions, this optional system almost instantly varies the damping characteristics and automatically reduces the body roll angles. For the driver this means immediate and variable adaptation between the greatest possible agility and the best possible ride comfort – for any driving style and route.

Maximum individuality: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus"

A small key with a major effect: pressing the shock absorber symbol allows individual, convenient adjustment of the damping characteristics. There is a choice of three modes: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus". The currently selected mode is shown in the AMG main menu.

"Comfort" is automatically active whenever the engine is started, and provides a sensitive damper responce with comfort-oriented characteristics. "Comfort" is recommended for cruising at moderate speeds – e.g. in urban traffic or on motorway sections with speed restrictions. But even on poor, bumpy road surfaces, "Comfort" mode will be the first choice of many SLS AMG drivers by virtue of the softer damper setup.

To select "Sport" mode the key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT is pressed once. The left control lamp in the key and the AMG main menu display tell the driver that "Sport" mode has been manually activated. In "Sport" mode the shock absorbers have a tauter response depending on the driving situation, which not only ensures better road contact when driving in a sporty manner, but also more effectively reduces body roll and pitching. In most driving situations, "Sport" mode provides the best compromise between satisfactory suspension comfort, low body movements and high agility.

"Sport plus" is recommended for fast lap times on a race circuit: apart from higher damping forces, this mode has special control algorithms configured for a decidedly sporty driving style on uneven road surfaces. The driver is able to store his personal setup using the AMG key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Sustained pressure on the AMG symbol stores the currently selected suspension mode and also the selected transmission mode. As before, the driver has four different transmission modes available: fuel economy mode "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual). Brief pressure on the AMG key quickly and conveniently activates the preferred combination.

With immediate effect, the new AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension is available on request for the SLS AMG Coupé and Roadster. Alternatively the gull-wing model is available with the basic AMG suspension or the AMG Performance suspension, both without variable damping characteristics.

Numerous parameters monitored by electronics

The electronic damper control is based on acceleration sensors which register dynamic vehicle body and wheel movements, both absolutely and in relation to each other. Other factors relevant to the driving dynamics, such as drive and braking moments, the steering angle and lateral/linear acceleration are continuously registered and evaluated. The current vehicle speed, wheel rotation speeds and selected gear ratios are also continuously analysed. High-performance control electronics in permanent dialogue with the engine and transmission control unit ensure that the forces of the four newly developed shock absorbers are adapted practically instantly.

Depending on the selected suspension mode, different control configurations and parameter weightings are active to strike the best possible balance between comfort and dynamic performance. Electromagnetically actuated valves in the shock absorbers control the oil flow between the lower and upper chamber. In "Comfort" mode more oil flows through the valves, and less in "Sport" and "Sport plus" mode.

Double wishbone suspension of forged aluminium

All four wheels are located on double wishbones with a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing right through to Formula 1. With a double-wishbone axle, the wheel location and suspension functions remain separate; the spring/damper struts are supported on the lower wishbone. The double-wishbone concept with its high camber and track rigidity positively locates the wheel with minimal elastic movements, providing the driver with an optimum sense of road contact when driving at the limits.

Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers at the front and rear are made entirely from forged aluminium – substantially reducing the unsprung masses; this configuration also notably improves the suspension response. The long wheelbase of 2680 millimetres not only results in outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts, significantly reducing the vehicle's tendency to dive and squat when braking and accelerating. The broad track width – front 1682, rear 1653 millimetres – ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tyres to retain more grip.

The chosen solution with a front-mid-engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for consummate driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low inertia with spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction.

Direct steering, differential lock and 3-stage ESP®

The rack-and-pinion steering gear provides a consistently direct steering feel with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1, in tune with the high expectations placed on a super sports car. The power steering provides speed-sensitive assistance and improves feedback for the driver as the road speed increases: an indispensable factor for high-speed straight-line driving. Mounting the steering gear in front of the engine on the integral subframe enables the engine to be set down very low. The SLS AMG comes with 3-stage ESP® as standard, providing the driver with access to the three "ESP ON", "SPORT Handling mode" and "ESP OFF" modes at the touch of a button. In "ESP OFF" mode too, vigorously operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP® functions.

The acceleration skid control (ASR) system's traction logic is active in all three ESP® modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to improve traction significantly – especially in conjunction with the standard-fit mechanical multi-disc limited-slip differential. This means that the engine power is transferred to the road even more effectively when driving in a particularly dynamic style.

Blind Spot Assist increases active safety

The new, optionally available Blind Spot Assist is able to increase active safety. This visual and acoustic warning system uses the close-range radar sensors of the standard PARKTRONIC system to recognise vehicles in good time where visibility is restricted. When the system registers another vehicle in the blind spot, this is indicated to the driver by a red triangle lighting up in the relevant exterior mirror. An acoustic warning also sounds if the driver operates the indicators despite the visual warning.

Blind Spot Assist is operational from a speed of 30 km/h. It monitors the area around the vehicle to a distance of around 3.5 metres on each side and three metres beyond the rear. Vehicles in the process of overtaking are shown immediately when they enter the monitored area of the difference in relative speeds between the two vehicles is not more than 16 km/h. Vehicles that have just been overtaken are however shown with a delay of 1.5 seconds after entering the monitored area, thus preventing distraction by unnecessary warnings.

New optional appointments for more style and design

Available as an optional extra, the car's visual appearance is enhanced by weight-optimised AMG 10-spoke forged wheels shod with tyres in size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear). Their matt black paint finish corresponds perfectly with the high-sheen rim flange. Optional red-painted brake callipers all-round provide a further visual highlight.

Single-tone or two-tone designo leather in espresso brown is available as a new interior colour – this dark shade of brown perfectly matches the new metallic paint finish AMG Sepang brown. New AMG high-gloss black trim (optional) is an exclusive alternative to the standard centre conslole in solid metal or the optional carbon-fibre trim.

All prices for the new features at a glance (incl. 19 % VAT):

AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive damping: € 2320.50
AMG 10-spoke forged wheels with matt black paint finish and high-sheen rim flange: € 3272.50
Red-painted brake callipers: € 714.20
Blind Spot Assist: € 773.50
AMG Sepang brown metallic: € 2439.50
AMG high-gloss black trim: € 2320