Motor Authority - blog Category: SL

With AMG no longer focused on chasing big horsepower numbers, efficiency could quickly become the new performance benchmark for the Affalterbach tuner. To that end, Mercedes' performance arm may be cutting the displacement of its engines in addition to the debut of new direct-injection and stop-start technology.

A range of new diesel models, advanced lightweight materials and construction methods are currently in development, as well as hybrid systems, and by next year AMG will reportedly introduce engine stop-start and direct-injection technology into its lineup.

But pulling down engine displacement from the 6.2L found in the company's... With AMG no longer focused on chasing big horsepower numbers, efficiency could quickly become the new performance benchmark for the Affalterbach tuner. To that end, Mercedes' performance arm may be cutting the displacement of its engines in addition to the debut of new direct-injection and stop-start technology. A range of new diesel models, advanced lightweight materials and construction methods are currently in development, as well as hybrid systems, and by next year AMG will reportedly introduce engine stop-start and direct-injection technology into its lineup. But pulling down engine displacement from the 6.2L found in the company's '63'-branded AMG models to 4.6-5.5L could help push efficiency even higher. In order to keep power levels up to current standards, however, forced induction would be used, reports the Dutch AutoWeek. Though the addition of twin turbos could conceivably produce more power more efficiently, it will definitely add to the cost of the already expensive cars. The more readily-available and less-expensive alternatives are perhaps more likely to come to fruition, especially in the short term. According to AutoTelegraaf, the AMG stop-start set-up will work much like any other engine stop-start system, shutting down the engine when the vehicle sits in traffic and then kick-starting it into life once the brake pedal is released or the accelerator depressed. The direct-injection system will be based on the second-generation system already launched in the Mercedes Benz C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model. AMG has set itself an internal goal of reducing fuel consumption of its lineup 30% by 2012, but to achieve this engineers will require much more advanced technology than engine stop-start and direct-injection systems. While fuel-efficient diesels and hybrid models are still several years away, we have already seen the first implementation of AMG’s new green initiatives in vehicles like the SL65 Black Series. The car’s advanced composite materials and other weight-saving construction techniques are set to filter across to future models.Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Read More

Buyers of the 2010 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series coupe will be happy to know they are getting what they paid for, as Automobile has proved with its hands-on dynamometer testing of the car. Generating 573hp and 682lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels, the car's big V12 will still have its work cut out for it when drivers start aiming for the claimed 3.9 second 0-60mph (96km/h) time.

By way of comparison, the Corvette ZR-1 weighs about 700lb (320kg) less than the SL65 AMG Black Series yet generates very close to the same amount of crank horsepower: 638hp (476kW) for the 'Vette, versus 651hp (485kW) for the Mercedes. Yet the Corvette only... Buyers of the 2010 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series coupe will be happy to know they are getting what they paid for, as Automobile has proved with its hands-on dynamometer testing of the car. Generating 573hp and 682lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels, the car's big V12 will still have its work cut out for it when drivers start aiming for the claimed 3.9 second 0-60mph (96km/h) time. By way of comparison, the Corvette ZR-1 weighs about 700lb (320kg) less than the SL65 AMG Black Series yet generates very close to the same amount of crank horsepower: 638hp (476kW) for the 'Vette, versus 651hp (485kW) for the Mercedes. Yet the Corvette only claims a 3.8-second 0-60mph time, despite wearing some of the biggest rear donuts available. The Nissan GTR, severely underpowered by comparison, but with the benefit of a 200lb (85kg) advantage and AWD, barely squeaks out a 3.9 second run to 60mph without the aid of traction control. Even assuming the SL65 Black manages to pull off a GT-R like denial of the laws of physics on occasion, with the raw power on tap and far fewer interfering electronics, it will be a much more driver-dependent car. Beyond the standing-start acceleration numbers, however, there's the matter of in-gear or rolling acceleration, which is a somewhat less traction-limited affair than propelling the hefty car from a dead stop. And that's where the SL65 Black will shine - exiting 80mph corners and rocketing toward the horizon, pushing through the speed-dense atmosphere with sheer brute force as it plunges toward its electronically limited 199mph (320km/h) top speed.Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Read More

What do you get when you combine German engineering with Italian design? One example is the stunning Coupetorino, a re-design project by Alfredo Stola of StudioTorino. Based around the Mercedes SL, the Coupetorino takes a solid platform and turns it into a work of art.

Submitted as a proposal to the 2008 Turin World Design Capital competition, the Coupetorino is, as yet, only a computer rendering and a 1/4 scale model. Converting a native-born convertible into a true coupe is no small task, but the StudioTorino team has full confidence in the computer design of the project coming to life. The end goal was to create a stunning coach-built... What do you get when you combine German engineering with Italian design? One example is the stunning Coupetorino, a re-design project by Alfredo Stola of StudioTorino. Based around the Mercedes SL, the Coupetorino takes a solid platform and turns it into a work of art. Submitted as a proposal to the 2008 Turin World Design Capital competition, the Coupetorino is, as yet, only a computer rendering and a 1/4 scale model. Converting a native-born convertible into a true coupe is no small task, but the StudioTorino team has full confidence in the computer design of the project coming to life. The end goal was to create a stunning coach-built car with the reliability and comfort of a modern production car. Mercedes has of course already turned the SL into a coupe for its SL65 AMG Black Series supercar, but its high price, massive power, carbon-fiber dominant construction and sheer rarity put it well beyond the reach of most people, not to mention out of the realm of the production car. The car, revealed today at the Turin Gallery's premiere, will be on display as part of an exhibit entitled 'Bespoke Coachwork'. To see more of StudioTorino's handiwork, check out the Maserati Cinqueporte concept, or the Porsche Cayman RK.StudioTorino Coupetorino design concept Read More

With AMG no longer focused on chasing big horsepower numbers, efficiency could quickly become the new performance benchmark for the Affalterbach-based tuner. Currently in development is a range of new diesels, advanced lightweight materials and construction methods, as well as a hybrid system for the Mercedes Benz performance workshop.

The information comes from AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg, who explained that the new environmentally-friendly measures are more likely to enhance a vehicle’s performance capability rather than erode it. “We have the technology to improve economy and performance – and you’ll see it sooner... With AMG no longer focused on chasing big horsepower numbers, efficiency could quickly become the new performance benchmark for the Affalterbach-based tuner. Currently in development is a range of new diesels, advanced lightweight materials and construction methods, as well as a hybrid system for the Mercedes Benz performance workshop. The information comes from AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg, who explained that the new environmentally-friendly measures are more likely to enhance a vehicle’s performance capability rather than erode it. “We have the technology to improve economy and performance – and you’ll see it sooner than you think,” he revealed during a recent interview with CAR. While fuel-efficient diesels and hybrids are still several years away, we have already seen the first implementation of AMG’s new green initiatives in vehicles like the SL65 Black Series. Mornhinweg said that the car’s 661hp (493kW) output could be one of the last times such a high power rating is found on an AMG car. However, its advanced composite materials and other weight-saving construction techniques will definitely be applied to future models. “Power is not a problem for us, so we’ll be focusing heavily on materials technology to lower weight and boost the power-to-weight ratios of our cars. And because they’ll be lighter, they’ll be more agile and engaging to drive,” he explained. Such an initiative couldn’t come soon enough. The standard SL65 already tips the scales at 2,043kg (4506lbs), while the new Black Series weighs in at a significantly lower 1,870kg (4122lbs). Still heavy by most supercar standards but an indication of what can be achieved with the application of weight savings mods. Beyond that, AMG will launch a mild-hybrid petrol-electric model using technology borrowed from the recently revealed S400 BlueHybrid saloon. Other ‘green’ features will include engine stop-start technology, energy-recovery systems, and cylinder-deactivation. The other advantage of hybrids is the high instantaneous torque levels of their electric motors. “AMG is all about torque, and electric engines develop their torque at standstill,” Mornhinweg commented. The launch date for the AMG hybrid is expected to fall around the end of the decade. Other initiatives include high-torque diesel models, although the number of AMG oil-burners would be kept low, possibly just a single model.Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Read More