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Motor Authority - blog Category: SL Class

  • Blind Man Posts 200 MPH Record In A Mercedes SL 65 Black Series

    Blind Man Posts 200 MPH Record In A Mercedes SL 65 Black Series October 7th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 7th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Blind Man Posts 200 MPH Record In A Mercedes SL 65 Black Series

    South Africa’s Hein Wagner has posted a new land speed record of 200 mph in a Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series. Why the record headline? Because Wagner is completely blind and has been from birth.

    This wasn’t Wagner’s first record, however. The motivational speaker from Durbanville previously broke the land speed record for a blind person back in 2005 behind the wheel of a Maserati Grand Sport.

    His latest achievement took place on a closed off runway at Upington International Airport in South Africa. During the run, Wagner maintained the 200 mph record speed for more than half a mile before coming to a standstill. To...

    South Africa’s Hein Wagner has posted a new land speed record of 200 mph in a Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series. Why the record headline? Because Wagner is completely blind and has been from birth. This wasn’t Wagner’s first record, however. The motivational speaker from Durbanville previously broke the land speed record for a blind person back in 2005 behind the wheel of a Maserati Grand Sport. His latest achievement took place on a closed off runway at Upington International Airport in South Africa. During the run, Wagner maintained the 200 mph record speed for more than half a mile before coming to a standstill. To ensure he stayed on track, close friend Ray Wakefield sat shotgun to guide him. Wagner described his achievement of cracking the 200 mph mark as a milestone for any driver, regardless of whether they're sighted or blind. He now wants to use funds raised from the event to support Vision Trust organisation, which is aimed at making technology more accessible to the blind. [News24] Read More

  • Spy shots: Mercedes Benz SLK caught at the Nurburgring

    Spy shots: Mercedes Benz SLK caught at the Nurburgring July 15th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 15th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 3 Comments

    Spy shots: Mercedes Benz SLK caught at the Nurburgring The SLK roadster has served Mercedes Benz well over its life since introduction in 2004, and like all cars its once-cutting-edge design has become somewhat tired, despite a mid-cycle facelift. An all-new SLK is in the works, however, and it's been spotted testing in the still-wintry German weather.

    Aside from the car's general proportions not much is clear thanks to generous slabs of camouflage cladding. Nevertheless, the car's LED daytime running lights, common to all of Mercedes' most recent models, are obvious. The door-mounted side mirrors stand out further on thinner stalks than the outgoing model, while the general proportions of the... The SLK roadster has served Mercedes Benz well over its life since introduction in 2004, and like all cars its once-cutting-edge design has become somewhat tired, despite a mid-cycle facelift. An all-new SLK is in the works, however, and it's been spotted testing in the still-wintry German weather. Aside from the car's general proportions not much is clear thanks to generous slabs of camouflage cladding. Nevertheless, the car's LED daytime running lights, common to all of Mercedes' most recent models, are obvious. The door-mounted side mirrors stand out further on thinner stalks than the outgoing model, while the general proportions of the car with the top up seem to reflect a longer hood and more rearward seating position. The sharper angle between the rear of the hard top and the rear deck area also mimics the 2010 SLC to a degree, though the real design cues shared with that car are expected to be located around the front fascia. At any rate, it's clear that Mercedes has dumped the controversial front end of the current models for something new. Powertrains expected for the next-generation SLK include the 2.2L four-cylinder diesel found in the current C250 CDI. Rated at 204hp (152kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm) in its C-Class application, the engine would be sporty, but whether Americans would find it palatable is an open question. Mercedes has discussed bringing diesels to the U.S., but in the GLK and C-Class, not a sporty model like the SLK. Petrol engines featuring evolutionary developments on the current range are expected, though there is also talk of a possible twin-turbo 3.5L V6 generating over 470hp (350kW) for an AMG version. More details and specifics will emerge as the car moves forward in its development cycle. The next-generation SLK is expected to make its debut in late 2010. Pricing for the current model starts just under $46,000 in the U.S., and the next model is expected to stay near that mark.2011 Mercedes Benz SLK 63 AMGNext-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK spy shots Read More

  • Germany’s Gullwing dishes out another 300SL Gullwing replica

    Germany’s Gullwing dishes out another 300SL Gullwing replica May 7th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 7th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    Germany’s Gullwing dishes out another 300SL Gullwing replica Last month we saw some concept sketches for a retro-designed gullwing coupe based on the original Mercedes Benz SL300 Gullwing from the 1950s. The car we’re talking about is the disturbingly cute 300 SL Panamericana from Gullwing-America. Now, we have a second custom gullwing but this time its lines are an exact copy of Mercedes’ original style setter.

    Built in Germany by Gullwing GmbH, the same company responsible for a modern AC Cobra replica, as well as a partner for the previously mentioned Panamericana, the latest 300 SL replica is completely faithful to the original on the outside but under the pretty sheet metal the car... Last month we saw some concept sketches for a retro-designed gullwing coupe based on the original Mercedes Benz SL300 Gullwing from the 1950s. The car we’re talking about is the disturbingly cute 300 SL Panamericana from Gullwing-America. Now, we have a second custom gullwing but this time its lines are an exact copy of Mercedes’ original style setter. Built in Germany by Gullwing GmbH, the same company responsible for a modern AC Cobra replica, as well as a partner for the previously mentioned Panamericana, the latest 300 SL replica is completely faithful to the original on the outside but under the pretty sheet metal the car is thoroughly modern. Instead of the original’s 215hp (160kW) 3.0L straight six, Gullwing has decided to go with a Mercedes Benz 5.5L V8 with 405hp (302kW) on tap and matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Other modern touches include a custom chassis and suspension set-up, performance disc brakes with ABS, air-conditioning, and a retro-styled Becker Mexico stereo with satnav. Pricing for the replica starts at €165k and if you order one today it won’t arrive for at least 10 months. Production will be limited to just 30 units per year, though there are plans to add a manual six-cylinder version as well as a new roadster model. Via: MotorTips2009 Gullwing-America 300SL Panamericana conceptMercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing replica Read More

  • Mercedes Benz SL63 Kicherer Evo upgrades to RS spec

    Mercedes Benz SL63 Kicherer Evo upgrades to RS spec April 30th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, April 30th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 6 Comments

    Mercedes Benz SL63 Kicherer Evo upgrades to RS spec Straight out of the box the Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG is already one of the sportiest models in the luxury carmaker’s lineup, but the car’s heady 525hp (392kW) output was never going to satisfy the guys at German tuner Kicherer. Applying lessons learned from its previous K60 Evo, the tuner has upgraded the 6.2L V8 engine to the tune of 560hp (425kW) and 495lb-ft (670Nm) of torque, lifting performance of the SL63 into supercar territory.

    The added performance sees Kicherer's latest SL60 Evo do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.3 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than the standard SL63), with 200km/h passing in 14.2 seconds and momentum... Straight out of the box the Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG is already one of the sportiest models in the luxury carmaker’s lineup, but the car’s heady 525hp (392kW) output was never going to satisfy the guys at German tuner Kicherer. Applying lessons learned from its previous K60 Evo, the tuner has upgraded the 6.2L V8 engine to the tune of 560hp (425kW) and 495lb-ft (670Nm) of torque, lifting performance of the SL63 into supercar territory. The added performance sees Kicherer's latest SL60 Evo do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.3 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than the standard SL63), with 200km/h passing in 14.2 seconds and momentum finally succumbing at an electronically controlled top speed of 320km/h. A fully integrated aerodynamic package gives off a menacing appearance, while being completely functional, and can be adapted to all current SL models. All additions are available in high-quality carbon-fiber, including the unique front apron that reduces lift on the front axle and allows for improved cooling of the engine. The wheels are ultra-light 20in RS-1 aluminum alloys. Up back sits a new rear diffuser housing sports exhaust tailpipes, shaded rear lights and a unique boot lid. Inside, Kicherer added an F1-style steering wheel with carbon gearshift paddles, additional instruments and extra carbon trim. Pricing for the package starts at €21,765 (approximately $32,175 ) plus a Mercedes SL.Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SL63 EvoKicherer Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG Evo RS Read More

  • Mercedes announces run-down of changes for U.S. 2010 model year

    Mercedes announces run-down of changes for U.S. 2010 model year April 29th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, April 29th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Mercedes announces run-down of changes for U.S. 2010 model year The 2010 model year is likely to be a bit of a letdown across the industry as companies back off product plans to weather the weak economy. But Mercedes-Benz has some plans for the model year, including its all-new lithium-ion powered S400 hybrid.

    The S-Class hybrid will be the single largest mechanical update for the new model year, bringing what is billed as the first widely-marketed lithium-ion battery in a hybrid. The new hybrid will come with the rest of the S-Class in August of this year.

    The standard S-Class sedans will also get a few updates, including new standard wheels, new driver assistance systems including Attention Assist,... The 2010 model year is likely to be a bit of a letdown across the industry as companies back off product plans to weather the weak economy. But Mercedes-Benz has some plans for the model year, including its all-new lithium-ion powered S400 hybrid. The S-Class hybrid will be the single largest mechanical update for the new model year, bringing what is billed as the first widely-marketed lithium-ion battery in a hybrid. The new hybrid will come with the rest of the S-Class in August of this year. The standard S-Class sedans will also get a few updates, including new standard wheels, new driver assistance systems including Attention Assist, Nightview Assist PLUS and Lane Keeping Assist. Other key changes include a renaming of the firm's diesel offerings from GL320, ML320 and R320 to GL350, ML350 and R350. The numbers typically indicate displacement, but in this case the name change doesn't appear to come with an engine upgrade - the same V6 turbodiesel lies under their hoods. GL-Class cars also get a facelift, POST-SAFE post-accident safety system, new options and two new paint colors: palladium silver and steel grey. M-Class cars get a hybrid addition in December in the form of the ML450 Hybrid, while the rest get standard burl walnut trim, tire pressure monitoring and upgraded steering wheels, along with the same new color options as the GL-Class. The vast majority of the rest of Mercedes' lineup goes on sale as 2010 models starting in August, with the GLK-Class already on sale, the E-Class jumping the gun in June, the CLS-Class starting in September, and the SL-Class, SLK-Class and G-Class waiting until October.2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class Coupe Official2010 Mercedes Benz S-Class facelift2010 Mercedes Benz S63 and S65 AMG sedans Read More

  • Custom gullwing roadster inspired by Mercedes’ 300 SL in the works

    Custom gullwing roadster inspired by Mercedes’ 300 SL in the works April 24th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, April 24th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Custom gullwing roadster inspired by Mercedes’ 300 SL in the works Mercedes' own modern re-interpretation of the classic 300SL Gullwing may be lapping the Nurburgring in preparation for its commercial release later this year, but for those of us who would rather something more traditional in terms of styling the folks from Gullwing- America have created their own bespoke Gullwing.

    At the moment, Gullwing-America has only released some teaser renderings of a new concept that will, fingers crossed, make it to production in the near future. The pet project of a man by the name of Arutor Alonso, the 2009 300 SL Panamericana is based on a Gullwing reproduction from German company Hoope'r. Gullwing-America... Mercedes' own modern re-interpretation of the classic 300SL Gullwing may be lapping the Nurburgring in preparation for its commercial release later this year, but for those of us who would rather something more traditional in terms of styling the folks from Gullwing- America have created their own bespoke Gullwing. At the moment, Gullwing-America has only released some teaser renderings of a new concept that will, fingers crossed, make it to production in the near future. The pet project of a man by the name of Arutor Alonso, the 2009 300 SL Panamericana is based on a Gullwing reproduction from German company Hoope'r. Gullwing-America claims that this German company produces the closest model you can get to the real Gullwings of old. Sitting under the hood of the handsome roadster will reside Mercedes' 5.5L V8 engine, the same engine used in previous AMG models as well as in the SLR supercar. The engine will be mated to a six-speed transmission and a specially made radiator and exhaust system to give a final output of around 370hp (276kW) and 390lb-ft (530Nm) of torque. A V6 option will also be made available soon after the initial launch. Despite its retro-styling, the car will have all the modern conveniences we've come to expect such as power steering, air-conditioning and safety systems. Pricing has yet to be formally announced.2009 Gullwing-America 300SL Panamericana concept Read More

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