SLS AMG GT3, Perhaps Even the E-Cell, But will get the Black Series

If the standard SLS AMG with its 6.3-liter engine and 571-horses is not hot enough for you, you’ll be happy to learn that Mercedes-Benz has told Motor Trend that the company will launch not one, but two hotter versions of its supercar.

“We absolutely have to do a Black Series SLS AMG”, said Tobias Moers who is a member of the board of directors and head of vehicle development at AMG. Although he declined to provide further details, judging from recent Black Series versions such as the C 63 Coupe, we can expect more power and, of course, an impressive aero-kit and race-inspired interior.

The Black Series, however, will look tame compared to the road-legal version of the SLS AMG GT3 racer, which will be created to homologate it for Europe.

Unfortunately, it won't be heading over to this side of the Atlantic due to the massive cost of re-certifying it for the States. “AMG does not make money losing projects. We can’t afford to,” said Moers.

The 2013 SLS E-Cell electric version may be another SLS that may not cross the Atlantic. Mercedes hasn’t yet ruled out bringing the 525HP pure electric supercar to the US, but once again, the company officials are contemplating whether or not the sales volume will justify the cost of the re-certification.

Story Source: Motor Trend

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The SLS AMG has only been a few months on the market and yet Mercedes-Benz, after unveiling the roadster version, continues to add new features to its brand-new supercar. The latest add-on is the introduction of the optional AMG Ride Control suspension featuring electronically controlled damping to improve its behavior no matter what the road surface.

The adaptive suspension offers three settings: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus” which the driver can control by pushing the AMG Drive Unit with the newly-added shock absorber symbol and view the selected mode in the AMG main menu.

You can guess the suspension settings by each mode’s name: “Comfort”, which is the default setting every time the engine is started, is supple and comfort-oriented, thus suitable for everyday driving and cruising on the motorway. “Sport” is selected by pressing the AMG Drive Unit once and it firms up the dampers’ response, reducing body roll and pitching without fully sacrificing comfort.

When you feel like really going for it, press the Drive Unit a little longer to select the “Sport Plus” mode. Mercedes recommends that this setting is best suited on a race circuit, presumably because it is too harsh for road use.

The driver can store his preferred setup in the Drive Unit. If, on the other hand, you don’t feel like shelling out €2,320.50 ($3,156) for the active dampers, you can still choose the normal or the AMG Performance suspension. As with the “normal” SLS AMG the car also features four transmission modes (Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual).

Also new on the options list of both the coupe and the roadster versions of the SLS AMG is the Blind Spot Assist system (€773.50/$1,052.8) that is operational from 30 km/h (18.6 mph). This system uses the radar sensors of the standard parking assist to monitor the area around 3.5 meters on each side of the car and 3 meters on the rear and recognize vehicles in the driver’s blind spots. In this case, a red triangle lights up in the relevant exterior mirror and if the driver doesn’t react, an acoustic warning is activated.

Mercedes has also added options for the SLS’ exterior appearance. The updated list includes matt black-finish AMG 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with 265/35 R 19 and 295/30 R20 tires at the front and rear respectively (€3,272.50/$4,455) and red-painted calipers (€714.20/$972.8). Other new entries include the new “Sepang” metallic brown paintwork for the body (€2,439.50/$3,321.6) a new single- or two-tone “espresso” brown leather interior, and a high-gloss black trim on the center console (€2,320/$3,158.5).

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Mercedes-Benz Launches 125th Anniversary Scale Models and Merchandise

Mercedes-Benz announced the introduction of new collection with special scale models and branded products to mark the 125th birthday of the motor car. The lineup includes a dedicated range of scale models of legendary vehicles produced over the years by the Stuttgart-based carmaker.

The 1:43 miniature models have been chosen to celebrate milestones in the company's history. The selection includes the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car - the first motor car in history, the 1902 Mercedes Simplex – a car that featured the essential components of a modern car, and the superb 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster. Post World War II models included in the collection are the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, the 1972 S-Class and the contemporary CLS.

The models are all available in a limited edition of 1,250 units and come in a special packaging along with a booklet on the history of the model and a metal badge featuring a serial number. Each car model retails for €49.90 ($71.95).

Other anniversary products from Mercedes' collection include a polo shirt, cap, silver-plated key ring, umbrella and a bag, all featuring the black, white and silver color scheme and the “125! Years of innovation” lettering. The products also feature the silhouettes of the Patent Motor Car, the 300 SL and the CLS.

By Dan Mihalascu

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