2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing - Official Photos and Info

The Gullwing returns! Mercedes releases the first details and images for its updated icon

The car didn't appear at the Geneva auto show—it will instead debut at this September's Frankfurt show—but Mercedes-Benz nevertheless used the Swiss event as an excuse to release some tantalizing details regarding its long-rumored, new-generation Gullwing supercar. At the 2009 New York auto show, the automaker went one further and unveiled how the two-seat, carbon-fiber-laced interior will be configured

The Cadillac of Names

First of all, the remixed icon won’t be called the Gullwing or even the SLC as we had believed; its official name is Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. (That said, Mercedes does refer to the car as the “new Gullwing” in its press materials and also confirms the car will utilize the unique door configuration.) We’re wondering if Cadillac will object to the SLS moniker, but we doubt anyone will confuse this super-Benz with a full-size, four-door Caddy. This might be a good time to mention that we don’t yet know what the SLS will look like. Mercedes is holding back on releasing official exterior pictures of the car, but expect to see images surface early this summer. For now, information from Mercedes-Benz is limited to what’s under the SLS’s skin. Judging by the underlying structure, the car appears as if it will have proportions drawn directly from its 1950s forebear. Even the angles of the front and rear window openings look similar. The gullwing doors will pop off in the event of a rollover to allow occupants to escape.

 2010 Mercedes E550 Review

More Power from AMG’s Stonking V-8

Powering the SLS is a revised version of AMG’s now-familiar 6.2-liter 32-valve V-8. In the SLS, the engine makes 563 hp at 6800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm. Revisions to the engine for use in the SLS include a new magnesium intake with eight separate velocity stacks; two electronically controlled throttle plates feed the new intake. On the exhaust side, a new equal-length exhaust manifold reduces backpressure. Lubricating the engine is a new dry-sump system that allows the engine to sit low, thus reducing the center of gravity. But the engine doesn’t just sit low; it also sits behind the front axle line, an arrangement that is partially responsible for the SLS’s claimed 48 percent/52 percent front/rear weight distribution.

AMG Shifts Its Thinking

AMG has seen fit to design a new seven-speed transaxle gearbox for the SLS. Mounted at the rear axle and encompassing the differential, the new gearbox is a dual-clutch automated manual transmission that will shift gears by itself or at the driver’s command. This is unlike the MCT unit in the SL63 AMG, which is a variation of Merc’s seven-speed automatic that uses a planetary gearset and a clutch pack instead of a fluid torque converter. Connecting the engine to the rear-mounted transaxle is a torque tube housing a lightweight carbon-fiber composite driveshaft. One commonality with the SL63’s transmission is the SLS’s Race Start launch-control setting; it revs the engine and dumps the clutch for foolproof and optimal acceleration. How quick will the SLS be? Mercedes is projecting a 0-to-62-mph time of 3.8 seconds and says the top speed is governed at 196 mph.

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When the time comes to stop, the SLS will be hauled down by standard cast-iron and aluminum compound disc brakes measuring 15.4 inches in the front and 14.2 inches in back. For those who need more fade resistance and crave reduced unsprung weight, carbon-ceramic rotors will be optional. The carbon-ceramic rotors are larger in front and measure 15.8 inches. The rear carbon-ceramic rotors have the same diameter as the cast-iron units but are thicker. Both brake systems will squeeze six-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers at the rear. New Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires were developed specifically for the car, and are sized 265/35-19 up front and 295/30-20 in the rear.

Lighter Than an SLR McLaren

Underpinning the SLS is an all-new, 531-lb aluminum space frame designed specifically for this model. Mercedes is claiming a preliminary curb weight of 3571 pounds, which would make the SLS nearly 300 pounds lighter than the $455,000 carbon-fiber Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren’s 3858-lb weight, and far lighter than the 4220-lb Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series. The wheelbase measures a longish 105.5 inches, which is largely due to the car’s front/mid-engine layout. The SLS also has a front track that is about 1.2 inches wider than the rear and is 76.4 inches wide. At 182.7 inches long, it is nearly as long as the SLR and about a half a foot longer than the Ferrari F430. Height was not revealed.

What will the SLS cost? We're estimating that the car will cost between $200,000 and $250,000 when it goes on sale in the spring of next year, or quite a bit less than the $300,000 SL65 AMG Black Series. Thus priced, the SLS would be competitively priced against the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and the upcoming Superleggera version of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. And it can be considered a hefty bargain against the roughly $500,000 it takes to buy a vintage 300SL Gullwing.

 

2010 Mercedes E550 Review

2010 Mercedes E550 Review
With so much improved about the all-new 2010 E-Class, hold on to your wallet, because there’s more to come 

Mercedes-Benz is in the midst of a product renaissance. The CLS started the ball rolling, while the revamped C-Class, SL, new GLK and SLS AMG have kept the world buzzing. However, the new E-Class is the one that matters the most. 

Available as a coupe, convertible or sedan, the E hits the broadest point in the company’s line-up. And while the four-door E350 and E63 AMG offer either great value or massive performance at either end of the spectrum, it’s the E550 that tries to balance those two attributes.

FAITHFUL 5.5L V8 DELIVERS THE GOODS

As expected, the E550 differentiates itself by its engine: in this case, a 5.5-liter V8 that produces 382 hp at 6000 rpm and 391 ft-lbs of torque from 2800 to 4800 rpm. It’s still reasonably competitive compared to its rivals and the standard seven-speed automatic transmission allows for a quick 0-60 mph sprint of just 5.2 seconds. The sound doesn’t have the sharp, muscle car roar of the AMG cars, but it is throaty enough.
Fuel efficiency isn’t bad either, with 16/24-mpg (city/highway) being above average in the class. Because of some creative construction techniques, curb weight is relatively svelte at 4,034 lb.

MUCH IMPROVED DRIVING DYNAMICS FOR NEW MODEL

When it comes to putting that power to the road, the E-Class is a willing partner. It banishes the waftiness that came standard with every previous generation car. What’s left is a machine that’s much more controlled on every surface. It doesn’t have the right-now reflexes of a sharpened BMW 5-Series, but it’s not sloppy either. The standard 17-inch wheels are stylish, and the low-ish profile tires don’t beat you up over rough pavement.
The steering is responsive and offers a decent level of feedback through the wheel. And the brakes are fuss free, backed up by standard ABS and brake assist.

SPORTY OR LUXURIOUS? YOUR CHOICE

Other than cheating by looking at the badges, it’s difficult to spot the differences between the lesser V6 models and the more powerful ones. Regardless of engine, the E550 features chiseled flanks with ‘those’ rear arches, and it is miles more attractive than the bland-new 5-Series or over-the-hill Audi A6.
This brings the potential buyer to a serious decision: you can have your E550 in two flavors, regular or spicy, with no extra cost. The Luxury Styling is the more traditional, with the smaller wheels, wood-lined interior and softer settings. The Sport Styling throws on deeper sills, 18-inch AMG wheels, aluminum accents instead of the lumber, and a three-spoke AMG steering wheel. The changes are subtle – but the driving experience is so good to start with. And the sport suspension settings firm things up nicely.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing - Official Photos and Info

One other mechanical option is the company’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which adds $2,500 to the bottom line. 4MATIC also adds just over 100 lbs. of weight and makes it slightly slower to 60 mph (5.3 sec), but adds a big measure of stability in harsher climes.

TRUE LUXURY APPOINTMENTS, WITH NO END OF OPTIONS

Speaking of harsher climes, the E550’s cabin gives you plenty of space required to get away from the crush of everyday hassles. The seats are comfortable and supportive, the gauges are clear and bright, and the dash mimics the no-nonsense style of the C-Class, but with better materials. The rear seats won’t make passengers feel unwanted either.
But, since this is a very German car, the list of options and packages is lengthy. The Premium 1 package adds a hard-drive based navigation system with voice control, a harmon/kardon audio system, a rear-view camera, power rear sunshade, and heated and cooled front seats, all for $4,400. Stump up another $2,200 to upgrade to Premium package 2, and you get active bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, heated headlight washers and Keyless-Go.

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For those who don’t like paying attention to traffic, the $2,900 Driver Assistance Package includes Distronic active cruise control with Pre-Safe braking, along with blind spot assist and lane keeping assist. Further standalone options include anything from Parktronic, to split-folding rear seats, to a night-vision pedestrian-detection system.

THE VERDICT

Start adding any of those to the E550’s base price of $56,300 and without much trouble, you’re looking at the nearly $70,000. Hardly a value proposition. With the new twin-turbo V8 5-Series and 400-plus horsepower Infiniti M56 rolling into dealerships soon, the E550 will be outgunned for at least a year while Mercedes-Benz rolls out its new twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 to fight fire with fire.
Until then, the E550 still delivers more than its badge promises, which reflects the company’s positive change in attitude towards building great products. And it does successfully straddle the line between performance and panache.

Bugatti veyron price

Bugatti Veyron Price - Dr Evil Would Be Proud
 The Bugatti Veyron was recently showcased on National Geographic as being one of the baddest, most expensive cars you can buy. How expensive? Many people will gasp when they read what the Bugatti Veryon sticker price is...Let's just say that Dr. Evil would have been pleased if he could have one in place of destroying the world...how does One...MILLION dollars sound?

The Veyron is indeed a best, with over 1000 horsepower and a 0-60 time of under 3 seconds. What more could you ask for with such a small amount of money? Small for Bill Gates perhaps. The funny thing is that the car was engineered and built by the people who brought you the cute little Volkswagen Beetle. My friend had a 1964 Beetle, and let me tell you, we were lucky if that car would even make it up to 45 mph, let alone 60. In fact, if we hit 60, we were more than likely heading down the mountains of Southwestern Pennsylvania with no brakes.

The odd thing about this car is that I think it is awesome, but looking at it more, my gosh, did somebody crash this thing into the ugly stick forest? I think those who find this car beautiful are just blinded by the beauty of its performance. I guess kinda like people who think Madonna is really hot looking, but really they are just impressed by her performance...wait, I don't think that came out right.

But, in the spirit of bad choice of words, irregardless, the car happens to be a favorite to many and will most certainly be the poster replacement of Bo Derrick, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and the Lamborghini Countach of the 1970's.

Feast for car lovers hits the city

Car enthusiasts are in for a treat with some of the world's best and most expensive cars at the Auto China 2010 exhibition.

The show, which opened at the new China International Exhibition Center on Friday, run until May 2.

The newest vehicles from around the world are on show, giving buyers of the ever-growing elite car market an eyeful.

Some of Europe's top luxury carmakers will make their presence felt, with exhibits that will make the enthusiast's mouth water.

About the most expensive car at the show will be the 736-kilowatt Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, which has a price tag of 13.4 million yuan. The Veyron is powered by a W16 engine that can power the car to more than 400 km/h and accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds.

But there will be cheaper cars on show, including the latest Rolls-Royce Ghost and the Ferrari 458 Italia. Each will sell for about 4 million yuan. And if your budget can't quite stretch to that, there will be the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Bentley Continental Suportsport and the Maserati GranCabrio, all estimated to cost around the 3 million mark.

Sales of luxury marques such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley had a year-on-year growth of 208 percent, said Guo Yong, director of the information center of Yayuncun Auto Market.

Last month, more than 200 luxury cars were sold from the dealers - the biggest auto market in Beijing - including 52 Mercedes-Benz S-class, 40 BMW 7-series and 56 Audi Q7 and Q5 SUVs. In addition, 73 Porsches were sold.

Cars that are energy saving and emit lower levels of carbon are getting increasingly popular, he said.

"Diesel vehicles are gradually being accepted by the market, and imported diesel cars such as the Volkswagan Touareg 3.0TDI, Audi Q7 3.0TDI and Land Rover Freelander 2.2L have sold very well," he said.

Statistics from Ernst & Young Consulting show that the high-end car market in China will keep increasing by 10 percent every year.

Sales of high-end Audis in China now make up 20 percent of the company's global sales.

In the first quarter of 2010, Audi sold 51,449 cars in China, an increase of 77 percent over the same period last year.

Li Dan, auto analyst of China Galaxy Securities Research, said luxury car sales "depend more on the increasing wealth of the customers".

"Since the start of the year, many people accumulated wealth quite easily due to the expanding real estate industry and have become willing to spend more on replacing their cars," Li said.

The China Luxury Goods Consumption Report, prepared by Nankai University, show that luxury goods consumers are different from their Western counterparts.

In China, more consumers buy luxury goods to show off, and to express their social status, but in Western countries, the rich buy show their personal preference.

Ji Sensen is such the Chinese elite. Ji, 42, recently spent three million yuan on a Mercedes-Benz S600.

"I bought it because I love the brand; but more importantly, it is a symbol of my financial strength," he said. "After I bought this car, my business did better than before."

 Tonight: National Geographic Airs Two Hours Of Hot, Supercar Action

 Apart from a certain well-known football program, Monday isn't usually a great night for television. But tonight that may change, as the National Geographic Channel delves deep inside the secret world of luxury automobiles for two steamy hours of engineer-on-car action. Added bonus: the cars in question are the Audi R8 and the Bugatti Veyron. Not twins, but cousins at least -- if you're into that sort of thing.

The first of the two shows is technically a repeat, but it only debuted a month or so ago, so it's still fairly fresh. It features the Veyron as part of National Geographic Channel's Man Made series, in an episode unimaginatively but accurately called, "Bugatti Super Car". Nat Geo took their battery of high-end cameras to Alsace, France to show how the Veyron is made, from tip to tail. Over the course of an hour, the team does a good job of explaining the marvels behind Bugatti engineering that help push the Veyron's sticker price to $1,750,000. They also explain why ordinary stuff like fuel economy doesn't matter (in fact, can't matter) when you're talking about a car capable of 250+ mph and packing nearly 1000 bhp. If you missed this show the first time around, here's the opening segment:
 The second show is a premiere, centered on the current darling of the supercar and entertainment worlds, the Audi R8. Ultimate Factories: Audi can seem a little smarmy and over-the-top at times -- but then, that's probably to be expected from the channel that's made an entire TV series about cutting things in half. (That said, this Wednesday's Cut It In Half: Airplane is already on our Tivo queue.)

Despite the razzle-dazzle, the Nat Geo team has put together an engaging episode that explains the R8 in ample detail to hold the attention of enth