Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 walkaround
Mercedes-Benz has released 10 minutes of new video footage of the SLS AMG GT3.
Set to enter competition next year, key design features include a new front fascia, a ventilated hood, a carbon fiber front splitter, a massive rear diffuser, and an enormous rear wing. Other goodies include an AMG race braking system, a six-speed racing transmission, roll cage and a steering wheel with buttons for the pit radio, headlight flashers and drink supply.
Under the hood, power is provided by a 6.3-liter V8 engine which is “virtually identical” to the one in the production car. The company declined to provide detailed performance data, but stated the GT3 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the standard car) and hit a top speed in excess of 186 mph (300 km/h).
Categories: Mercedes-Benz, Super Cars Tags: Mercedes-Benz
First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Visions of wealthy surfer dudes chasing tasty waves isn’t exactly the first image we’d associate with the freshened up 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, but right before our drive in-and-around New York City, we received this tidbit during the press preview: it’ll swallow 7-foot boards. Good to know.
While we’re guessing surf board stowage isn’t a top priority for most prospective R-Class buyers (full disclosure, we have firsthand knowledge of a guy who used his R-Class for just this purpose), the point is made — this is a luxury crossover with some unique capabilities.
Most of the changes to the U.S.-built 2011 R-Class revolve around its exterior, which is now more in line with its stablemates. Its wider-look mug is highlighted by a more angular three-bar grille and hood, revised headlamps and slick LED light-bar running lamps. The muscular theme also plays out at the rear, with shallower rear glass, rectangular exhaust tips integrated into a diffuser, and edgier taillamps. Adorning the coupe-themed greenhouse’s flanks are larger rear view mirrors with the automaker’s optional blind spot detection system — a welcome feature for a vehicle as long as the R-Class (203.1 inches).
Categories: Auto Review, Car Review, Mercedes-Benz Tags: Mercedes-Benz
New York 2010 Live: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced at $183,000 for the U.S
Mercedes-Benz trotted out the SLS AMG GT3 and E350 4Matic Wagon here in New York, and along with the racy supercoupe and bangin’ wagon, it’s announced pricing for its all-new, homegrown gullwing.
We don’t have an official MSRP breakdown yet, but our man on the floor tells us that the 2011 SLS AMG will start at $183,000 in the U.S. when it begins to go on sale this summer. That entry-level price is noticeably lower than expected, but we’re sure once you tack on the options (custom color, carbon ceramic stoppers, etc.), it’s sure to head quickly north of $200k. Ready to place an order? Read our First Drive before you tap into the kiddie’s college fund.
Categories: Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz, New York Auto Show, coupe Tags:
Brawnier 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class leaked ahead of New York debut
The R-Class has had a rough life. Not only did it suffer from odd, disproportionate styling, but Mercedes-Benz never really marketed the vehicle the way that it should have, choosing to position it as a “sports tourer,” rather than the obvious upscale family hauler that it is. Dismal sales ensued. Makes sense, then, that the 2011 R-Class benefits from a slightly more comprehensive overhaul than the standard mid-cycle refresh usually entails.
Right away, we must say that the R-Class’s new schnoz is a giant leap forward from drooping proboscis of the outgoing car. New, more chiseled headlamps accent a larger, more upright grille and a less angular hood. The revised lower fascia features the automaker’s new quad foglight design – something we’ve already seen on the E- and GL-Class. Not much has been changed out back, save the standard mid-cycle enhancements (revised taillights and a tweaked bumper).
Categories: Auto Show, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, New York Auto Show Tags:
