Showing posts with label sls amg roadster. Show all posts

"The Best Cars of 2012": The M-Class SUV and the SLS AMG Roadster are the best cars in their classes

By | Published Thursday, 26 January 2012

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is the best car among off-road vehicles, while the SLS AMG Roadster super sports car is the best cabriolet. These are the results of a reader survey conducted by specialist German motoring magazine "auto motor und sport". The SLS has now received the title of "Best Car of The Year" for the third time in a row.


The motoring magazine "auto motor und sport" has been conducting its vote for the "Best Cars of The Year" in ten different categories since 1977. This year around 210,000 readers from 14 European countries, as well as China and Brazil, took part in the longstanding survey to decide the best cars of 2012. When it came to off-road vehicles, the majority of readers voted for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, thereby acknowledging not only its characteristically distinctive design and variable interior, with that all-important sense of wellbeing, but also its excellent energy efficiency and thus environmental acceptability. In addition, the permanent all-wheel drive system of the M-Class also impressed with its well-balanced ride comfort combined with excellent driving dynamics both on and off road, along with the car's outstanding range and high level of safety. The G-Class picked up second place.

In the case of the cabriolets, the readers of "auto motor und sport" placed the SLS AMG Roadster in pole position, honouring it as the best car of 2012 in its category and as such paying tribute to both its uniquely exciting design as well its exquisite engineering and technology. The super sports car excels with its uncompromising lightweight construction, superior driving dynamics and exemplary safety. These attributes are ensured by a unique technology package consisting of a lightweight aluminium spaceframe body, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine producing 420 kW (571 hp), seven-speed dual clutch transmission and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbone suspension. This combination guarantees dynamic performance at the very highest level.
Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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"iF product design award 2012": Five-fold success for Mercedes-Benz design

By | Published Tuesday, 24 January 2012

The designers at Mercedes-Benz have picked up yet another prize for no fewer than four models in the form of the internationally renowned "iF product design award 2012". A top-class specialist jury has bestowed the award on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster, and the Concept A-CLASS show car, as well as the smart electric mobility concept, all for their outstanding designs.


First presented in 1953, the "iF product design award" ranks among the world's most important design awards and represents the seal of approval for good design. For 2012 the 24-member jury was again faced with the task of choosing its favourites, this time from more than 2000 candidates. Four models from Mercedes-Benz stood out in particular: the M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster and the Concept A-CLASS show car.

The M-Class won thanks to its characteristically distinctive SUV design and its variable interior with high wellness factor. The open-top SLS AMG Roadster, meanwhile, owes its victory to its exciting lines, which are reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL from the 1950s. The SLK Roadster also dominated the competition with its powerful sports car design, which portrays its outstanding qualities to brilliant visual effect - stylish comfort, light-footed sportiness and exemplary ecology.

With the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-CLASS, the jury acknowledged the birth of a new vehicle generation which provides a glimpse of the expressive design of the future A-Class.

As an overall concept, the trend-setting developments achieved by the automotive brand smart in the field of electric mobility also received the coveted "iF product design award 2012". For its innovative e-mobility concept, smart created one-off vehicles such as the open-top smart forspeed, the smart e-scooter and also the smart e-bike, which is to be incorporated into the smart product line this year.
Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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World Debut at the 2011 ESSEN MOTOR SHOW: BRABUS refines the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

By | Published Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Style & Performance: that’s the guiding principle for BRABUS to refine the new Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster now as well. The exclusive program comprises an aerodynamic-enhancement kit made from clear-coated carbon fiber, extremely lightweight BRABUS forged wheels with a comfortable sport suspension, engine tuning that produces a maximum power output of 611 hp (600 bhp) / 448 kW, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronic sound management, and a fully customiz interior tailored to the owner’s individual preferences in every last detail.


The BRABUS designers have adapted the aerodynamic-enhancement program originally developed for the coupe version of the SLS to the new roadster. Just like in top-flight motorsports the various components are manufactured from extremely lightweight carbon fiber. Customers can choose between aerodynamic-enhancement components with a high-gloss finish or with a matte finish for undiluted racing looks. Upon request the components can also be painted in body or contrasting color.

The BRABUS front spoiler attaches to the underside of the production bumper. It lends the two-seat car a more striking front end and reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds. The two BRABUS carbon-fiber covers for the upper air ducts in the front fascia add further thrilling highlights.

On the sides the BRABUS side skirts create an optimal aerodynamic transition between the front and rear wheel wells. But that’s not all: together with the air vents in the front fenders that were newly designed by BRABUS they lend the sports car an even more dynamic profile. A special feature of these components stands out particularly in the dark: pushing the unlock button on the keyless remote or pulling on a door handle activates the blue-backlit BRABUS lettering in the new air vents and the LED entrance lights, which facilitate safe entering and exiting the vehicle in low-light conditions.

The rear end of the SLS Roadster adds even more sporty character as well: the modifications include the understated BRABUS rear spoiler, the side air vents for the rear fascia and the BRABUS diffuser with custom-tailored cutouts for the four distinctive tailpipes of the BRABUS quad sport exhaust.

The more exclusive appearance is to no small extent also the merit of the BRABUS forged wheels, which were custom-developed for the SLS. To add even more emphasis to the wedge shape of the car the wheels are mounted in a staggered combination with diameters of 21 inches on the front axle and 22 inches in the rear. The BRABUS Monoblock F "Platinum Edition" cross-spoke wheels are manufactured using a high-tech forging process, making them more than just stunning eye-catchers. Their low weight also contributes to even sportier handling. Compared to the production SLS wheels they represent weight savings of up to 12 percent. The wheels in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11Jx21 on the rear axle are available either with a high-gloss, ceramic polished or with a brushed finish. The suitable high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21 are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

Also contributing to even more agile handling is the BRABUS Ride Control smooth-ride suspension that was developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN. It can lower the ride height by up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). At the push of a button on the center console the driver can choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride than the production car.

The sport suspension and the production suspension can be upgraded with the BRABUS Front Lift System for added convenience. At the push of a button, a hydraulics system raises the front end of the roadster by 50 millimeters (2.0 inches) in just a couple of seconds. This makes it possible to safely navigate past speed bumps or parking garage ramps without any unwanted contact of the front end with the obstacle. The suspension reverts to its original position at a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph).

The sportier handling offers the perfect basis for more power. The BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS B63 S tuning kit for the 6.3-liter fast-revving V8 engine. The performance kit consists of newly calibrated engine electronics with special BRABUS mapping for ignition and injection, and the BRABUS high-performance exhaust system. This exhaust system, which can also be combined with the non-tuned production engine, features four tailpipes with a diameter of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) and enhances power output. But that’s not all: the sport exhaust is manufactured from titanium, making it 12 kilograms (26.5 lbs.) or 40 percent lighter than the production exhaust. In addition, an integrated butterfly valve provides a sound management option controlled by the driver from the cockpit: apart from the 'Sport' setting, which lends the eight-cylinder an even more thrilling exhaust note, there is also a discreet, deliberately soft 'Coming Home' mode. BRABUS B63 S tuning bumps maximum power output from standard 571 hp (563 bhp) / 420 kW to 611 hp (600 bhp) / 448 kW, making the SLS even more dynamic.

The BRABUS interior design studio gives the SLS cockpit an equally sporty and exclusive ambiance. Among the upgrades are striking accessories such as a speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and matte-anodized pedals.

The BRABUS upholstery shop can fulfill requests for custom interiors in any color and design. The artisans meticulously transform leather and Alcantara by hand into interior appointments custom-tailored to the customer’s individual preferences. Carbon-fiber and exotic-wood trim sets in any desired color and with every type of surface finish are yet another particular BRABUS specialty.






















* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Three awards for Mercedes-Benz in Auto Trophy 2011: M-Class, SLS AMG Roadster and Coupé are the best cars of 2011

By | Published Wednesday, 23 November 2011

The readers of the motor magazine Auto Zeitung have chosen the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class the best off-roader in the over 30,000 euros price segment. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG took first place twice – the Roadster as best convertible in the over 30,000 euros segment and the Coupé variant as best super sports car – for the third time in a row. All three models received the prestigious "Auto Trophy". The awards were accepted at Meilenwerk in Düsseldorf last night by Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Professor Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, and Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales and Marketing.


This was the 24th annual readers' poll conducted by Auto Zeitung to determine the best cars of the year. Almost 100,000 readers cast their votes, choosing the new
Mercedes-Benz M-Class as the best car of the year in the "over 30,000 euro off-roader segment". Following on from the "Goldenes Lenkrad" award, this is the second readers' poll to be topped by the third generation of the successful SUV, which was only presented in June 2011.

The readers valued not only the characteristic and distinctive design and variable interior, with that all-important sense of wellbeing, but also the excellent energy efficiency and thus environmental acceptability of this premium SUV. The permanent all-wheel drive system of the Mercedes-Benz M‑Class also proved a determining factor thanks to its well-balanced ride comfort along with excellent driving dynamics, both on and off road, along with the car's outstanding range and high level of safety.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing Coupé has topped the readers' poll as best super sports car for the third time in succession. The open-top SLS Roadster simultaneously scooped the award in the over 30,000 euros convertible segment to give the SLS a double victory this year. The super sports car owes this outstanding position to its fascinating lines, which evoke memories of the legendary 300 SL from the 1950s. But it backs this up by exquisite engineering and technology, including aluminium body, AMG 6.3 litre V8 front mid-engine with dry sump lubrication, a power output of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Newton metres of torque, 7-speed double clutch transmission in transaxle configuration and agile sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone axles. This unique combination of high-tech features guarantees the very highest level of driving dynamics both in the Gullwing Coupé and in the Roadster.

Traditionally, Mercedes-Benz vehicles always figure prominently in voting for the best cars of the year's crop. In 2010 the Mercedes-Benz CLS and, for the second time, the SLS AMG were awarded the "Auto-Trophy", while the year before the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and once again the SLS AMG came away with top honours.
Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Readers vote for "The most beautiful cars of 2011": Mercedes-Benz wins in four categories

By | Published Friday, 21 October 2011


The Mercedes-Benz CLS, the SLS AMG Roadster and the various models in the C-Class are the most attractive vehicles in their respective classes. Furthermore, the legendary 300 SL Gullwing of the 1950s has earned the right to be called a design icon of recent decades. Such were the results of a survey of readers undertaken by leading German motoring magazine "auto motor und sport".


22,916 readers submitted votes in this year's Autonis design awards, which are made each year by "auto motor und sport" to honour the most beautiful new cars. The survey's only criterion is to establish which car readers find the most visually appealing. The clear winners in the medium-size category, with more than two thirds of all readers' votes, were the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the coupé of the same model family. Readers showed themselves impressed by the dynamic design of the new generation C-Class. This was especially true in the case of the C-Class coupé, with its classic coupé proportions.

In the luxury segment, the magazine's very percipient readers voted the Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door coupé into first place in the beauty contest. Like its predecessor, the new version of the CLS offers a very convincing package of captivating design and refined sportiness.

When it came to the cabriolets, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster was the car that found most favour with readers. The open version of the super sports car features the same technical highlights as the coupé model with gullwing doors that caused such a stir in this same competition back in 2009. With its compact soft top, which opens and closes in just eleven seconds, the new SLS AMG Roadster combines excellent driving dynamics with breathtaking roadster fun.

Even after almost 60 years, eyes light up when one of the legendary 300 SL models appears on the scene – Gullwing or Roadster, the effect is the same. This reaction serves to underline the longevity of the car's stunning design. It also underpins "auto motor und sport" readers' decision to award the title of "Design icon of recent decades" to the 300 SL – a "lifetime achievement award", as it were.




Source: Daimler AG

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