The new episode of Mercedes AMG series chronicling the production of Mercedes SLS GT3 race car takes us inside the car, literally, and show us the process of fitting the seat to the driver’s specifications.

That might sound like a mundane thing to you, but it is one of the most crucial parts of developing a good race car. The driving position is hugely important, but more than that they have to make sure the driver can get in and out of the car easily and quickly, what with that thick roll bar in the way.

That makes the difference between winning and losing in an endurance race.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. The racing version of the SLS AMG has been conceived as a customer sport vehicle for participation in race series based on FIA GT3 regulations. Meticulous lightweight construction and optimized chassis, brakes and aerodynamics deliver uncompromising dynamics. It is a very well engineered car, which is why it cost roughly 400,000 Euro.

As defined in the FIA GT3 regulations, the AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine is virtually identical to that of the series production vehicle. Thanks to its low weight, the acceleration figures for the GT3 – 3.7 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 60 mph – are considerably below the already excellent figures for the series production vehicle. Depending on gear ratio, the top speed is more than 186 mph.

These days first thing you do when you are shopping for a new car is hit the web and search for long term reviews. They reveal the inside scope on the car’s real pros and cons, high and lows, strengths and weaknesses, or in short, what it’s like to live with them. Now, car makers usually only lend their hatchbacks and family saloons to car magazines as long-termers, but Autocar was lucky enough to spend five month with a Mercedes SLS. Granted, people who spend £180K on a car don’t really care about the service cost or fuel consumption, but still, this video will give you an idea of what it’s like owning a car like the SLS. In brief, it’s bloody awesome!

AMG released a new part of the SLS AMG GT3 Production series, showcasing the build and assembly process of this superb race car. In the first episode they showed us how the bits under that sleek body are bolted together by only a handful of skilled technicians, and with utter care and precision. Now we get to the body itself, and watch the engineers as they assemble the panels together and bring the SLS GT3 into life.

If you thought the Mercedes SLS GT3 is just a road car with a big wing at the back and some racing stickers, think again. Well, it could be that because the base car is so good, but it isn’t. What it is, is an exquisite product built by just a couple of AMG’s highly skilled engineers. AMG just released this video to give us an insight into the first steps of the SLS AMG GT3 production. A lot of work goes into preparing this 400,000 euro racing car.

While we’re still waiting for more news on the Mercedes SLC, it seems AMG is preparing a baby SLS for late 2012 debut.

While the SLC is said to be a rival for the Porsche 911, reports suggest this yet unnamed “Baby SLS” will be in the same class as the Cayman and the Boxster. That means it will be more focused on lightness, and handling, than brute force and raw power.

AMG’s two-seater sports car will almost certainly boast an all-aluminum body like the new SL-Class, and will be powered by a new, more fuel-efficient powertrain than the current AMG lineup.

And it will be branded AMG, not Mercedes Benz. The in-house tuner is apparently on its way to become an independent sub-brand, which means they will be developing their own cars without being burdened by Mercedes confinements.

The Baby SLS will be unveiled at a major auto show toward the end of the year, possibly the Frankfurt show.

source: MotorTrend

American tuner Weistec  has created the world’s most powerful Mercedes SLS using the magic of supercharger.

So, if you’ve always been wondering what would happen if you supercharge AMG’s naturally aspirated 6.2 liter V8, it results in a simply colossal 750 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.

Of course, there’s more to this car than just a supercharger. As you can see below the list of modifications is very long. Weistec hasn’t yet revealed the car’s performance figures with 180 hp more than the standard version, but given the fact that the standard SLS does 0 to 60mph in under four seconds, this thing must be hella fast.

The cost of the complete package is $27,999.

M159, SLS 750 Package

• 2.3L Twin-Screw Compressor Module
• Dual High Flow Cast Aluminum T6 Hardened Intake Tubes
• Brisk Spark Plugs
• Fuel Delivery Upgrade
• 1000hp Liquid to Air Intercooler Core
• High Flow Cast Aluminum T6 Hardened Lower Manifold
• High Flow Cast Aluminum T6 Hardened Throttle Body Inlet Y
• 45mm Boost Bypass Assembly
• Constant Mu, Delta Pressure (CMDP) Cog Drive System
• Billet Aluminum Cog Drive Cradle Assembly
• Poly Chain GT Carbon Fiber Cog Belt
• Supercharger Serpentine Drive Belt
• Hard Anodized Billet Aluminum Serpentine Idlers
• Johnson CM30 30 Liter/Min Intercooler Water Pump
• Intercooler Water Recovery Tank
• Cross Flow Heat Exchanger
• High Flow Fuel Rail System
• Power-Steering Reservoir Relocation Assembly
• Weistec Engineering SLS 750 Reflash (CARB E.O. D-691)

Joachim Inden of INDEN Design tuning center is a big fan of the Mercedes SLS. But he thinks there’s still room for improvement.

He definitely likes the way the SLS looks, because he leaves it intact in his tuning program for the car, and focuses only on the 6.2 liter V8 engine.

This masterpiece makes 570 hp and 650 Nm of torque in its standard factory form. Inden then fiddles with its exhaust system manifolds and air intakes and also tweaks the controlling software a bit, all for an extra 52 hp, which add up for a total output to 623 hp.

The only other modification on the car is the set of 10.5 × 20 inches matt black wheels, wrapped with 265/30-20 rubber at front and 295/30-20 at the back.

Autocar’s Vicky Parrott has been given the job to test the new Mercedes SLS Roadster to see if it’s as good as the coupe. After spending some time with the car on some twisty B roads, Vicky comes to conclusion that the Roadster drives just as good as the coupe, but it’s actually a better car because with the top down it’s even more fun and you can hear that magnificent V8 rumble even more clearly. We also like the Roadster better than the coupe because it has proper doors. The SLS Roadster is a truly stunning car, pretty much flawless.

German tuner Prior Design is quietly working on a styling package for the high-end Mercedes SLS.

The kit is still in the works, but from what we see in this teaser picture, Prior has gone for an unusually flamboyant design for the SLS. Their kits are often discrete and understated. This one though, isn’t!

You get a vented bonnet, a revised front bumper with extra air intakes for the brakes, and a spoiler lip in carbon fiber, modified side vents, new side skirts, falred arches, and, by imagine, a heavily revised rear apron with a massive diffuser and new tailpipes. A boot lid wing will probably be there as well.

We have to wait a bit longer for full details.

So yes, it’s a bit too look-at-me, but truth be told the SLS with its huge gullwing doors is a show-offy car anyway. That’s why we like the SLS Roadster more, because it has proper doors.

via: FancyTuning

Senner Tuning center has launched a new kit for the Mercedes SLS and it’s one of the smoothest and nicest we’ve seen so far.

They begin with the 571-hp and 650-Nm V8 engine and by using a new set of exhausts, software tweakery, and high-performance air filters give it an extra 35 hp / 40 Nm.

The new exhausts, which alone are responsible for 15 hp of that gain, also alter the car’s soundtrack hopefully for the better. The standard SLS sounds so nice, it’s not easy improving on it.

Styling-wise, Senner hasn’t mess with the body and thank God for that. But they’ve massively improved the looks by using KW adjustable suspension and a set of Corniche Vegas stainless steel rims. They measure at 9×20 inch rims with 255/30R20 tires at the front and 11×20 inch rims and 285/30R20 tires at the rear.

Those wheels and the lowered suspension have really suited the SLS. Can’t wait to see this treatment on the SLS Roadster.

AMG, as you may know, has created a private lounge in Affalterbach for their most special customers to meet, have a cup of coffee, talk AMG with other owners, and basically have a good time. Now garnishing the place, they’ve created a wonderful tape sketch of the Mercedes SLS GT3 race car. And here’s a time lapse video of how it was put together. Of course, they could just print the picture and stick it to the wall, but exquisite artworks like this is why the AMG Lounge is so special.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3: The racing version of the SLS AMG has been conceived as a customer sport vehicle for participation in race series based on FIA GT3 regulations. Meticulous lightweight construction and optimized chassis, brakes and aerodynamics deliver uncompromising dynamics. The extra special Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will make its race track debut in 2011.

Those amazing facts and figures you read in a car’s brochure really mean nothing until you see them in action. That’s what the guys at Autocar have done with the Lamborghini Aventador. They wanted to see if this V12 hypercar is as fast as Lambo says it is. So they lined it up against the Mercedes SLS and Porsche GT2 RS for a drag race. Granted it’s not a fair test because the Benz has a V8 and the Porsche a flat-six — and they’re both 80 grand cheaper than the Lambo — but it will give you some perspective on how fast this beast really is. The way this thing takes of the line and gathers speed is just incredible.

More details emerge on the Mercedes SLS Black Series revealing new interesting facts on this super Benz.

The main highlight of the car is its engine, of course, which is a souped up version of the same naturally-aspirated 6.3 liter AMG V8. According to German magazine AutoBild, this power plant will be tuned at 650 hp in the SLS Black. That’s 80 more than the standard.

This car is not designed to monster Ferraris and Lamborhginis on the race track, but to provide the driver with a huge amount of fun. Black Mercs are not among the fastest in their class, but they dish out more fun than any of the rivals. That’s why it is OK for them to have swollen wheelarches and massive spoilers.

The other big news regarding the SLS Black is about the roadster version. Apparently Mercedes will also introduce a Black Series SLS Roadster. That will be the first drop-top Black.

source: AutoBild

Yep, anything. Even if you have bought a SLS supercar and decided you don’t like the color, they can change it, as you can see in this time lapse video. They do have some very special colors as well, such as Yosemite Blue. It’s not offered as an option while you are speccing up you car. It’s an AMG exclusive finish and it obviously costs more. You may also use the Studio’s carbon fiber expertise to give you car an ostentatious, but unique appearance.

Motor4toys charity car show is such a magnificent event. You get to spend time with a group of really cool people who have very cool cars, and it’s all for a good cause: helping children. Here’s another nice video from the show, featuring a new Mercedes SLS Roadster. The car wows the crowd with its hawking presence and brutal exhaust noise. We particularly love it one lift-off, that pop-pop-pop is just awesome.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Youtube.com/user/CarsandCoffeeIrvine

Brabus announced its latest creation, a 700-hp monster based on the new Mercedes SLS Roadster, to be reveal at the Essen Motor Show.

Official details of the car are yet to be released, the similarities between this and the hard-top Barbus SLS kinda make them easy to guess. Brabus recipe remains always the same: a subtle yet effective body kit, huge wheels in black, upgraded brakes, springs, active body control, and a reinforced gearbox to handle the torque of the heavily tuned engine.

That said the aero kit is different in places, probably because the Roadster has different characteristics than its gullwing brother and they need to re-engineer it.

It’s not a very pretty car to be honest, you could even call it ostentatious. But it’s got the presence, and one thing’s for sure, it’s gonna be hella fast! More details at the Essen Motor Show November 26.

Mercedes AMG Black Series family will soon have a new member. This forthcoming arrival is the Black version of Mercedes SLS supercar.

Now auto artist Jon Sibal has come up with a new rendering of the SLS Black. And if his renderings of the standard SLS and then SLS Roadster are any indication, the car will look almost exactly as you see in this pictures.

As it’s the case with Black Series Mercs, it gets massively flared arches, new bumpers with bigger air intakes at front and a more pronounced rear diffuser, and a vented bonnet. The whole car is also lower and gets bigger wheels and bigger brakes, as well as tougher suspension.

As for the engine, it will still be the 6.2 V8 and not that newer 5.5 liter biturbo. This last hurrah for the 6.2 will be developing 650 hp in the Mercedes SLS Black Series. That is of course yet to be confirmed.

Click on the picture below for the high-res version of the picture:

LeftLaneNews via JonSibal

And here’s a spy video of the SLS Black putting the hammer down on the road and the ‘Ring:

Click here to view the embedded video.

As we reported earlier, the Finn Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen, who also did some DTM after retiring from F1, is back in motorsport with the Mercedes SLS GT3 for 6-hour race Chinese race at Zhuhai next week.On this occasion Mercedes released a video of Mika preparing for the job and getting to grips with the car. Also for those young viewers who may not remember Mika in his golden days, Mika tells the story of his career.

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2011/11/video-mika-hakkinen-mercedes-sls-gt3-intro/feed/ 0 http://www.motorward.com/2011/10/bmw-m-division-wants-an-sls-rival/ http://www.motorward.com/2011/10/bmw-m-division-wants-an-sls-rival/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:38:12 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=27051

M division, the equivalent of AMG for BMW, wants to do what the guys from Affalterbach are doing and create their own bespoke supercar.

The M-boys think they’ve got the expertise and experience required to create an SLS-rivalling super car, but they are having a really hard time convincing the top brass at BMW it is worth it.

BMW officials are apparently thinking their M5 and M6 are ‘super’ enough and the company wouldn’t need investing in a bespoke model with limited production numbers. But that’s what AMG and Mercedes do with great success.

M Division also has plans for an M-tuned Z4, but again, BMW is yet to greenlight it.

“From an engineering perspective, we have the skills and we’d love to do it,” he told Autocar. “We’ve discussed it several times but we’ve never been able to make the business case. Everything we do has to make money.”

Biermann said that M was ready to adapt to the development of alternative powertrains. “Our job is to sell emotion and fun using the technology that’s socially acceptable at the time. Whether that’s a combustion engine or an electric motor, we don’t care.”

Ex Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen will be driving a Mercedes SLS GT3 in the 6-hour race at Zhuhai on 13 November.

The Finn will be a guest driver as a Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador and will race at the season finale of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup on the Chinese track with Mercedes-Benz DTM driver CongFu Cheng and Lance David Arnold.

Hakkinen’s most recent race appearance took place on 14th October 2007 when he drove an AMG Mercedes C-Class in the DTM season finale at Hockenheim. Between 2005 and 2007, he competed in 31 DTM races for Mercedes-Benz, securing three wins, three pole positions and eight podium finishes.

Come to think of it, maybe that’s what Michael Schumacher should have done instead of returning to F1 after retiring. He could have done the same for Ferrari. But he chose to go back and, well, become a big failure.

Mika Häkkinen: “It’s a great honour for me to be able to contest the first SLS AMG GT3 race in China. Although I’ve visited China many times, I’ve never raced there, which is why I’m really looking forward to Zhuhai. It will be a tough race in a competitive field, but I’ll do my best for Customer Sports Team AMG. Of course, being a guest driver in such a line-up should be a lot of fun, especially in the SLS AMG GT3. It’s a great customer motorsport vehicle which is both fast and extremely good-looking.”