Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class 2013 News

AMG has revealed the first official images of the new SLS AMG GT Final Edition, with the limited-build variant forming a farewell to the SLS supercar ahead of its 2014 demise. Teased earlier this week in a series of detail shots, the SLS Final Edition is set to make its public debut at this week’s Tokyo and LA motor shows, and these new images confirm plans for both gullwing hardtop and convertible versions.As hinted by the teaser images, the SLS Final Edition follows a similar formula to the C63 AMG Edition 507 by borrowing elements from the flagship Black Series, like the carbon fibre-look bonnet, carbon fibre front splitter, rear wing and mirror housings, plus 507-inspired snowflake wheels.Unlike the 507 though, there’s no extra power for the Final Edition, using the same 435kW/650Nm version of the 6.2 litre V8 as the SLS AMG GT already available overseas. Sadly, the Final Edition is also the finale for this engine, with future AMG V8 power coming from the twin-turbo 5.5-litre used in the S63 AMG -- although some reports suggest it could also be retired because they can't squeeze any more out of it -- or the new twin-turbo 4.0-litre that is expected to be under the bonnet of the new sub-SLS sports car and C63.But for now the 6.2-litre gets a swan song with gullwings, and helps get the Final Edition to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, to 200km/h in 11.2 seconds and on to a top speed electronically limited to 317km/h.Mercedes has confirmed that production of the car will be limited to just 350 units. Please form an orderly queue.

Mercedes-Benz has taken the SLS AMG to the famed Nurburgring for a bit of a blast -- and for our video pleasure. With a trio of cameras catching the action and the data, you get a good sense of just how well this devil of a car can tackle the circuit known as the Green Hell.It doesn't turn in a Ring record, but still posts a respectable 7 minutes 25.67 seconds lap. And as well as giving you three angles on action, you get the sound of the V8 engine on the job. And as our reviews of the SLS Black have reported, that's glorious music -- albeit an expensive symphony at $640,000 for the entry price.The 6.2-litre V8 snarls its way up to the 8000rpm redline, delivering 464kW of power and a whopping 635Nm of torque along the way via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the lightweight 1550kg screaming to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds.That weightsaving comes from the use of liberal amounts of carbon-fibre, a lighter lithium-ion battery and even the use of titanium for the exhaust system. 

AMG has revealed a series of teaser images this week that look to preview a new version of its SLS supercar flagship, ahead of a public debut at next week’s Los Angeles motor show.The first shows a standard SLS front fascia adorned with a carbon-fibre lip spoiler, and was followed by an image of an alloy wheel that echoes the design of those fitted to the existing C63 AMG Edition 507.A third shot shows a diamond-stitched interior trim with carbon fibre trim, and the most recent image shows what looks to be a naked carbon fibre version of the SLS Black Series bonnet.The bonnet and wheel design suggests we are looking at a new sub-Black Series SLS model, likely to follow the formula of the C63 Edition 507.If so, it could ape the 507 in carrying a name based on its power output in metric horsepower, and sit between the existing 591PS (435kW) and 631PS (464kW) outputs of the existing GT and Black Series SLS variants.The new SLS variant is likely to form a swansong for the gullwinged supercar ahead of its production ending in 2014, with testing of the expected Porsche 911-rivalling downsized replacement well underway.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

The Miss Universe pageant took place in Moscow over the weekend. And in the lead-up to the gala judging, Russian race driver Alexey Karachev was enlisted to fling a few of them around the capital's international raceway in a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.Entrants from Austria, Poland, Germany and Russia got to experience the thrill of the car at high speeds, with the expected shrieks and giggles.Being an experienced racer, Karachev remained composed throughout the action -- although he did briefly take his eyes off the track when Miss Germany felt the need to adjust her cleavage.Watch the Miss Universe Merc SLS AMG video here.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar is getting on in years, and we’ve already seen several sightings of smaller Mercedes sportscar prototypes that have until now thought to be a new sub-SLS model known as SLC.However, Car and Driver is reporting that this new model will be known as Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, and will replace the SLS altogether as Mercedes’ supercar flagship. The GT moniker is already applied to a slightly hotter version of the SLS supercar overseas, which could represent a phasing-in of the badge ahead of the new model.The use of GT (short for Gran Turismo or Grand Tourer) would be a natural fit for the proportions already evident in the prototypes, which continue the SLS’ classic long-nose, short tail profile that is reminiscent of several Grand Tourers of the past.The SLS AMG is due to be phased out some time in 2014, and the report suggests the GT will ride on a smaller version of its platform codenamed C190. A soft top version is also expected, with both versions likely to more closely challenge the Porsche 911 for size and price.In Australia, the current SLS is more than double the price of the entry 911 Carrera, and is nearly 150mm longer and 300kg heavier. Even the top-spec 911 Turbo S undercuts the SLS by nearly $30,000.The curtain closing on the SLS will also likely mean the end for its naturally aspirated 6.2 litre V8, with the new model expected to use a version of the twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 already used by the E63, CLS 63, SL63, ML63,G63, S63 and CL63 AMG models, and the new C63 expected to use a twin-turbo 4.0-litre version when it arrives next year.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

But do we really care more about volts and hertz than kiloWatts and Newton-metres?

Hybrids, for a long time, were synonymous with everything that isn't fun about driving--commutes, traffic, gas mileage, and penny pinching. Lately, they've taken on a new high-performance sheen, perhaps nowhere as much so as at Ferrari.The LaFerrari hypercar is, put simply, obscene in its perversion of hybrid technology. We love it. It's a 708kW, no-all-electric-mode, sub-three-second-to-100km/h, more than 350-km/h-top-speed, this-clearly-isn't-about-saving-the-planet hybrid. But don't call it an electric car, or Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo might get a bit cross with you.Why? According to Bloomberg, di Montezemolo doesn't believe in electric cars. Presumably, that means he finds them unsuitable to Ferrari's mission of exclusive performance rather than merely unsuitable for reality.With examples like the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive out setting sub-8-minute Nordschleife laps, it's clear EVs can be made quick, if not quite truly fast, but then you'd expect it of a 560kW/1000Nm supercar, whatever fuel delivers that power. Unfortunately, the maximum range of the (roughly) US$550,000 SLS AMG Electric Drive is just 250km even with much more temperate use, and it takes about 20 hours to charge without the optional quick charger. Perhaps that's what di Montezemolo is talking about.Ferrari, meanwhile, is already joined at the upper end of the exotic hybrid segment with the McLaren P1 knocking out similar acceleration and top speed figures, despite sporting just 673kW, and the Porsche 918 Spyder making do with 653kW yet still achieving similar performance.Whose machine will reign supreme? Allez hybrids!www.motorauthority.com 

The SLS will get a new look to the grille and lamps, but Carparazzi predicts nothing major on the mechanical front.

Only two of the 10 Black Series SLS AMG coupes ordered by Benz Australia remain to be sold. That's despite an astronomical price tag of $639,000 apiece which does not include on-road costs, easily making it the most expensive Benz you can buy here.But it's by no means the most expensive Benz ever sold here. That honour goes to the million plus Maybach followed by the SL 65 AMG Black Series at $700K.The next most expensive Benz in the current line-up is the long wheel base, 6.0-litre V12 S-Class 65 AMG at a thumping $498,700. Benz has a short but notable tradition of making these cars.The SLS following in the footsteps of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007), the SL 65 AMG Black Series (2008) and the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series (2011).With engine mods and every conceivable option the Black Series is the hi-end version of its super sports car version of its gullwing model. "The SLS AMG Coupe Black Series perfectly embodies the transition of performance technology from motorsport to the open road" Benz boss Horst Von Sanden said."The new SLS AMG Coupe Black Series further enhances the success of the Black Series, which has thrilled our customers since 2007"The enhanced AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers a maximum output of 464 kW and up to 635Nm of torque, affirming the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series as the most powerful high-performance car from AMG with a combustion engine.Its outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromised lightweight construction, in accordance with the 'AMG Lightweight Performance' strategy, determine that the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, and attains a top speed of 315 km/h.Combining scintillating performance with meticulous attention to detail, the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series offers a highly emotional driving experience in every respect, with no half-hearted compromises.

Seen in public first by Carsguide in AMG's German hometown of Affalterbach, the SLS Black Series - prior to being flown to the Los Angeles motor show for its public debut - has filled its 2013 quota of five and Mercedes Australia is scrambling for more.  The fifth rendition in the Black Series family is here in the second half of 2013 and Mercedes-Benz Australia already has five orders. “As it stands, our 2013 allocation is already allocated to customers,” says spokesman Jerry Stamoulis. “We are now talking to AMG and attempting to secure more to fulfil a current wait list. “Realistically the total number will not exceed 10 cars for Australia. “The final price has not been set but it's likely to be similar to the SL65 Black Series which was around $700,000.”  The new SLS Black Series, inspired by the track-only SLS GT3, showed itself at Affalterbach finished in Solar Beam metallic paint and layered with exposed carbon-fibre components, black wheels and gold brake calipers. Compared with the standard SLS, the Black Series is lower, hunkered down on its fat wheels and aggressive with its highlights of shining carbon fibre, its dominant rear spoiler and the brightness of its moor show colour. It looked like a glowing ember in the centre of an enormous, otherwise vacant warehouse amongst AMG's factories. AMG engineer Alexander Weber says its specifications are closer to a GT3 car than a road car. “But the Black Series has a more powerful engine,” he says. It has a 6.2-litre M159 V8 engine with 464kW (631hp) - up 44kW on the SLS - but torque has been clipped back to 635Nm, down 15Nm on the SLS.  Part of the reason for the torque drop is simply that the coupe doesn't need it because it has a lower final drive ratio and weighs 100kg less than the standard SLS. Weber says the transaxle's drive ratio is 4.44, lower than the standard SLS at 3.67. “The steering ratio is also shorter.” The engine is redlined at 8000rpm, up from 7200rpm in the normal SLS, allowing it to hit 100km/h from rest in 3.6 seconds and onwards to 315km/h. It has launch control - with software specifically tailored for this car - that allows for a 10 per cent slip for better acceleration.  “We changed a lot in the engine,” says Weber. “It has a new intake manifold - made shorter - and new valve gear that is a lot lighter. The oil circuit is new and so are the engine bearings. “We have reduced back pressure and fitted a 100 per cent titanium exhaust system. “There is an improved cooling system that was developed for the race track.” Much of the performance increase has come from the weight-loss program. Weber says the weight has been dropped by 100kg to 1550kg. “The torque tube for the engine drive from the front mid-mounted engine to the rear transaxle is now made of carbon fibre,” he says. “Previously it was aluminium and now the weight has come down to 13kg from 26kg.” Carbon-fibre and carbon compounds feature prominently, including trim in the cabin. It has compound carbon brake rotors and the rear spoiler is made of carbon fibre and tested in a wind tunnel to achieve downforce up by 40 per cent on the normal SLS. Each wheel is forged and 1kg lighter than the normal wheels. In total there is a 16kg weight loss over the normal car because of the wheels and the compound carbon brake rotors. Tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 measuring 275/35ZR19 at the front and 325/30ZR20 at the rear.  Weber says the car has hydraulic engine dampers that are specific only to the Black Series. “These solve problems with preventing weight distribution as the engine moves during driving,” he says. “It means no two parts are moving against each other and therefore don't change the weight distribution and therefore don't affect the handling. “This makes the Black Series a quicker car on the race track.” When asked, Weber says that other AMG cars may get this system to improve handling. The SLS Black Series is 26mm wider at the rear and 13mm wider at the front compared with the standard SLS. “You can see this in the additional bulges over the wheels and the rear indicators which are sunk into the fender, not flush like the standard car,” Weber says. “The tracks are also wider - in fact, wider than a GT3 car.” Mercedes-Benz Australia says the car will arrive in Australia from the second half of next year and that most of the buyers who have placed orders are previous AMG owners. The SLS Black Series is the fifth of this model line-up to be produced by AMG. The company started the Black Series with the SLK55 in 2006, following it with the CLK63 in 2007, SL65 in 2008 and C63 Coupe in 2011. Mercedes-AMG chairman Ola Kallenius says the latest Black Series “is a perfect study in the 100 per cent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to the road”. He says the new gull-wing is “the ultimate choice for fast laps and highly emotional driving experiences” and is the “most dynamic gull-wing model of all time”.