by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) August 31st, 2010 at 12:42 am
After some spy photos showing the 2012 Mercedes SLK being tested while wrapped in heavy camouflage, photographers have succeeded to take a much revealing photo of the German coupe-convertible.
Based on the photo, the automobile showed some improvements and modifications in its body, even though the enhancements that really matter, which includes the more aggressive front nose is still hidden in thin layer of camouflage.
On the next generation SLK, the side mirrors will also be modified, as they are now much larger and adjusted further back than the present version. It is also situated on the doors and not in the front front of the side window.
Nonetheless, those who were aspiring for a design transformation with the latest SLK may be disappointed, as the SLK continues to carry the design cues that is familiar to its model.
With regards to the engine, it is anticipated that the SLK will feature four and six-cylinder petrol engines, with an average of 180 hp, and a much stronger AMG version of one of them is also to be also presented.
The AMG SLK will also be fitted with a smaller, twin-turbocharged engine (possibly a V6), rather than the present 5.4l V8. Though it is much smaller, the engine will be at about the same levels as in the present SLK AMG Black Series, with at least 400HP.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 24th, 2010 at 7:19 am
What’s the best thing about tuners? Is it the radical body kits that they slap on a car? Or is it the sophisticated interior that totally transforms a vehicle inside out? Well, maybe for some, yes. But for most auto enthusiasts, the real worth of a tuner is in their ability to bring out the best in a vehicle’s stock engine. And for Mercedes-Benz tuner MKB, nothing comes closer to that than their latest creation.
The car in question is a Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series. These Swabian engineers added not 100 nor 200 horsepower to its 670hp engine but 345 horses, bringing up the total power to an unbelievable 1,015hp. Of course, you’re going to ask how much torque are delivered to its rear wheels. MKB’s answer is an astounding 1,300 Nm torque, electronically limited to prevent mechanical damage to the engine.
If you’re thinking you can just bring your SL 65 AMG Black Series to MKB and ask them to work their magic, you have to understand that it involves a major engine conversion. These guys are known for transforming ordinary both sports and luxury cars into Autobahn addicts. Their creations reach speeds wherein jet fighters would have already retracted their landing gear. And no, there haven’t been any news of their cars taking off—not without wings at the least.
How are they able to reach such speeds without launching off the ground? Through downforce engineering. And so enough said. Enjoy the pictures, guys. Because you likely won’t be able to catch a glimpse of this beast on the road, not unless you’re driving a Veyron.
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by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) August 21st, 2010 at 8:00 am
Based on the spy photo, the team behind AMG have been hard at work on a latest Mercedes-Benz model. Behind all the camouflage is the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. Even with all of the plastic concealing its bodywork, it is certain that the engineers attempt for the convertible to have some air intakes in its front face. Based on the rumors, the reason for this has something to do with the large sized brakes of this automobile. If you examine its front brakes closely, you should notice six-pot calipers compressed on cross-drilled rotors.
According to the news, the SL63 AMG is powered by a 571 horsepower twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, thus the supposed need for a much tougher breaking system. Additionally, it is also said to include an AMG Speedshift seven-speed gearbox to provide for its shifting tasks.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 7th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Not all bad ideas turn out to as planned, do they? That is exactly the case with Helvetic Motor Company’s plans to take a perfectly running Merecedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and turn it into something hideously old. Unfortunately for them, the final product turned out sharper than everyone expected, and the company has no one else to blame, err, credit for its success.
Dubbed the ‘Hidalgo’, it’s a mixture of Bugatti Atlantic design language that rolls on a Silver Arrow’s powertrain. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Well, it should, especially with the 5.5-liter V8 that’s sitting under the hood. This baby is capable of 355hp and 376lb-ft. If you’re thinking of buying a BMW-powered Morgan, you better think twice.
So, is the Bruce Wayne in you starting to itch for a new toy? Then better start making some calls as Helvetic Motor Company is planning to sell as few as 6 samples annually. The price tag on each fully-built Hidalgo stretches around $410,000. A bit too much? Well, you’re not going to be a worthwhile collector if you can’t spend a little money on a classic. All right, it’s not a classic. It’s only a modern car that’s been dressed up to look like a classic. Would it have fooled you? Probably not.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) July 30th, 2010 at 2:32 am
The SL63 AMG is something you won’t want to keep your hands from. That is exactly the case with the boys down at Inden Design who have decided to create a high-performance wide body tuning kit for the hardtop roadster. And guess what? They’ve already put a price tag on it—19,000 euros in its most basic form.
Optional additions include a €3,500 bonnet, an €800 carbon fiber rear diffuser, and a €999 apron for the front. Labor would cost you around €8,000, while another €7,500 is needed to get your car a lacquer finish. Add all that up and you get to around €38,000 total.
It doesn’t end there, though. If you want something a little bit more special, you can dish out another €13,200 and they’ll throw in 20-inch deep dish alloys, wrapped in 275/30 R20 and 325/25 R20 Dunlops front and rear respectively. €900 would get you a rear parking camera plus another €1,500 if you want it to ride lower than very low. At €420 you’ll have daytime running lights while a sports exhaust system is available for €1,200.
Sounds a lot but if you round it all up, you get one hell of an SL63 that can pull anywhere between 518 to 560 horsepower. The power kit you’ll need to get those figures will cost you some more, though. But the pricetag on that kit hasn’t been revealed yet. So, you interested?
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) July 20th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Ready for a little bit of madness? Some time back, the guys down at Domani Motors were able to get their hands on an SL65 AMG Black Series, and put it in their showroom. However, they weren’t really intent on keeping the car in ‘stock’ form. They felt that the car was capable of even more awesomeness, and so that’s what they did. They perked up the car and made it even more other-worldly than it already is. They did this with the help of their pals down at Renntech, whose Performance Package 1 was just what the doctor ordered to make their dreams come true.
For those of you who are boggled out of your minds, it’s sort of PCP for the Silver Arrows. The teams worked together to remap the ECU, install a more open exhaust system plus a few other neat tricks to manage the impossible. The end result is around 805 horsepower and 1,000 pound per feet of torque. And what’s even more impressive is their brainchild is completely streetable, albeit with a few reminders to whoever is going to drive it. There’ll be cops on the loose, mind you.
If you do end up driving one, might we suggest that you take note of the 100-percent locking rear differential that the guys put into place. It takes all the power the engine can muster and throws it without any consideration to the rear wheels. Remember, this sort of hardware is almost similar to a spool, which is ILLEGAL in most states in the US, by the way. It’s the sort that race cars come equipped with to tear down corners on a race track. The car also comes with an upgraded tranny to comfortably handle the immense power of the engine. Excessive? Not quite. Fun? Undeniably.
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by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) July 16th, 2010 at 5:14 am
Latest pictures of the soon-to-be released next generation Mercedes-Benz SLK were recently acquired thus showing that the development of the updated AMG variant is on-going even while the current model is still at its peak. The pictures were acquired by spy photographers while the updated SLK was being tested right beside its predecessor. Photographers note that the distinctive sound of a V8 engine, more specifically AMG’s latest 5.5 litre V8, could be heard during the testing which means that this updated version of the SLK AMG might offer more than 335kW when it launches in 2011. That’s an increase of roughly 70kW over the regular model.
Among the features of the spied test car were quad-tip tailpipes, a more noteworthy frontal bumper with larger intakes and more distinct bodywork underneath its heavy camouflage. These features add credibility to this new model’s likely AMG identity. As is the identifying mark of the other models in the AMG range, this 2011 model also has large forged alloy wheels preceding bigger and more powerful brakes. The SLK AMG’s interior would probably echo the look of its supercar relative, the SLS AMG, by taking on masses of leather, aluminum highlights and other classic design fundamentals. The updated SLK is anticipated to debut in the early part of 2011, while the AMG model will follow suit a few months after.
via: TMR
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) June 20th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Anyone here fans of Kylie Minogue? Yes, the hot Australian artist who appeared on Street Fighter The Movie? Yes, that film was a flop, but you gotta’ give credit to Kylie. She looked hot in her military outfit—of sorts—and kept audiences glued to the film co-starring Jean Claude Van Damme. Well, there’s actually news that the singer is going to auction off a car her sister—Dannii Minogue—passed onto her, all for charity. Yes, she’s that generous. The car is a black SLK230 and it’s going to be put under the hammer at the Bonhams Auction House during the Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale this July 2.
Now, hold your horses, guys. You’ve got to have at least 8,000-12,000 euros in your pockets, AND you must have experience in taking care of a Mercedes-Benz. This baby has had only 19,000 miles under its belt—mostly driving around town in pure glamour—and is still in its prime, mint condition.
Now, you all know that Kylie is as hot as she was when she started her career. Critics even refer to her as the most powerful artist in Britain. She’s all set to release her 11th album entitled Aphrodite—oh yes, that is SO appropriate—this July. Her sister Dannii, on the other hand, is famous herself for appearing as a judge on huge shows such as The X Factor—alongside feisty, totally ruthless co-judge Simon Cowell, of American Idol—and Australia’s Got Talent. Having been caressed by these two stars, the car is sure to draw crowds from all over the world—not just Britain—says Bonhams Motoring Department Head James Knight.
Can’t get Kylie out of your head? Then take a shot at her SLK230.
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by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) June 18th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Wheelsandmore is introducing a modification package for the Mercedes SL63 AMG and C63 AMG, with the products being established over a span of two years.The AMG 6.3 liter V8 unit has obtained an ECU remap and a fresh complete stainless steel exhaust system, including 4in1 manifolds, catalytic replacement tubes and rear sport mufflers that has valve flaps which can be guided through a custom remote. The Wheelsandmore Mercedes C63 AMG has been modified from 457 hp and 600 Nm of torque to 570 hp and 690 Nm of torque, while the tuner’s SL63 AMG had its output boosted from 525hp and 630 to a maximum of 600hp and 710 lb-ft of torque. Based on Wheelsandmore, the two vehicles can gain a top speed that would go beyond 185 mph (298 km/h).
The vehicles run on an ultralight 20 inch forged rims. Clients can select between two wheel designs which is the 6Sportz and TS-1. Also, the vehicles are installed with Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires. With regards to the C-Klasse, the front tires have a size of 235/30/20 and the rear tires measure 305/25/20, while on the SL, the front axle was fitted with 255/30 tires and the rear was installed with 305/25/20 tires. The Wheelsandmore modification package for the Mercedes C63 AMG would include a stainless steel full race coilover suspension that would let the driver adjust the vehicle’s compression and rebound rates. The SL roadster was modified with a LowMaXX electronic lowering module that lets the car glide very close the road. According to the company’s press release, after 2 years of rigorous development, the Wheelsandmore engineers definitively unveiled their power packages for the AMG 63 models.
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by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) June 16th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Mercedes-Benz has updated their SLK model as the spy photos show while it is being road tested alongside it precursor somewhere in Germany this week. The new model was spotted showing more of its newly designed front end and seems to be wearing lesser camouflage than other past spied development vehicles. The spy photos of the new SLK and the present-generation SLK shows the best look yet at the significant changes made on the newer model. Based on the review, the 2011 SLK is basically the same as the current model but features a new grille that resembles the SLS AMG’s frontal pattern, while the headlights, bonnet and front bumper’s designs are new.
The side mirrors of this new model seems to stick out further from the car’s body and are on more slender stalks in contrast to the present model. Also noticeable is the LED daytime running lights shown behind the camouflage wrap of the front bumper. According to the reports, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be powered by the company’s 2.2 litre BlueEfficiency four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel, with a maximum of 152kW and 500Hm of torque. There would also be a probable release of petrol engines with reports of a 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 for the AMG model of the new SLK that has an estimated torque of 200 to 260kW.
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