First there was the new-generation SLK.  Then came the new-generation CLS.  And of course, who can forget the new-generation SL-Class?

Just when you thought you had your fill of new-generation premiers, today Mercedes has another - yes another - new-generation model celebrating its unveiling, and this time, it's of the SUV variety.  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Mercedes M-Class is the latest of several to undergo its mid-life revision, and thanks to a host of improvements, the popular model is now even more distinctive and feature-laden than ever...

Keep Reading "More Dynamic And More Powerful:  Mercedes Unveils New-Generation M-Class"

Daimler yesterday took a moment to anounce the new-and-improved AMG Mercedes roster for the 2008 DTM season.  Grabbing the nine positions for the upcoming year are none other than:

-Bernd Schneider (age: 43, home: Germany)

-Bruno Spengler (age: 24, home: Canada)

-Jamie Green (age: 25, home: England)

The full list after the jump...

Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz DTM Driver Line-Up Is Revealed"

For the complete engine, power transfer, chassis, dimension, weight, performance and fuel consumption data pertaining to the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class range, click through for the full details of each model...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  Technical Data"

Top of the line in the exclusive 12-cylinder roadster segment is the SL 65 AMG. Its AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine produces 450 kW/612 hp with maximum torque of 1000 Newton metres – unrivalled figures even four years after the market launch. The SL 65 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, impressive testimony to the outstanding power of the AMG V12 engine; top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

This exclusive dynamism is down to the outstanding power of the 5980cc AMG V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG: the peak output of 450 kW/612 hp is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm, while the electronically limited maximum torque of 1000 Newton metres is on tap between 2000 and 4000 rpm. At just 1000 rpm the AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers a torque of 570 Newton metres to the crankshaft, and 750 Newton metres at 1500 rpm...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  SL65 AMG"

The innovative technology of the new SL 63 AMG is reflected in the athletic and dynamic lines of the AMG bodystyling. At the same time the new high-performance roadster is visually more distinguishable from the series production SL-Class than ever before. The distinctive AMG bonnet more than hints at the unique power unit underneath, as does the “6.3 AMG” lettering on the matt-silver-painted AMG trim panels on the front wings. A striking and unmistakable impression is also made by the new-look front apron with a more pronounced wedge shape, black-painted radiator grille, larger cooling air intakes and lower transverse fin painted in black. The hot air from the additional engine oil cooler in the front wheel arch escapes through side air outlets in the front apron. Bi-xenon headlamps with their dark surrounds, and large round fog lamps set well to the side in chrome surrounds also emphasise the vehicle's width. The exterior mirrors also have a completely new look: the side indicator repeaters are not only in ultra-fast LED technology, but also have a pronounced arrow shape...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  AMG Design And Equipment"

Exhilarating agility, high cornering speeds, optimal roadholding and the long-distance comfort typical of a Mercedes is what sports car enthusiasts expect of an SL made by AMG. The technical basis for this convincing result is the suspension technology of the SL 63 AMG: at the front a state-of-the-art four-link suspension and at the rear the tried-and-tested multi-link independent suspension – both with a thoroughly revised, AMG-specific configuration. The front axle bearings, the spring links and the torque strut along with individual strut bearings at the rear have been retuned to deliver greater agility and shorter stopping distances. In partnership with the optimised speed-sensitive power steering the SL 63 AMG now feels even more direct and livelier – enabling the driver to fully utilise the linear steering and oversteer/understeer characteristics typical of a sports car, especially on winding roads or a private racetrack...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  AMG Sports Suspension And High-Performance Braking System"

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is an all-new, unique concept available exclusively in the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG. At the heart of this newly developed transmission lies a wet start-up clutch, which runs in an oil bath and replaces the previous torque converter. The resulting direct connection to the powertrain, together with the double-declutching and Race Start functions, guarantees an extremely emotional, supremely dynamic driving experience...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed Sports Transmission"

The new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG is powered by the most muscular version of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine introduced in 2005. As in the high-performance S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG, this state-of-the-art eight-cylinder power unit delivers an output of 386 kW/525 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 630 Newton metres in the Roadster. Thanks to its large displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres, this completely in-house development by AMG generates around 20 percent more torque than comparable naturally aspirated engines in this performance class...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  AMG 6.3-Liter V8 Engine"

For over five decades the SL models have been among the technology trendsetters in the sports-car segment. Groundbreaking inventions made it to series production for the first time in one of the Mercedes roadsters. In the 1950s, the 300 SL set the standard with direct petrol injection and all-round disc brakes, in the 1960s the 230 SL was the world's first sports car fitted with a safety body and sturdy hardtop, nicknamed the "pagoda" on account of its shape. The R 107 series offered enhanced safety in the 1970s courtesy of its advanced-design body offering 50 percent more strength, while the SL set the benchmark for other sports cars with its automatic pop-up roll-over bar, draught stop and integral seats in 1989. In its footsteps comes the current SL Roadster with new technology innovations which no other car in its class can match...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  Technology"

Looking to the past points the way to the future - a paradox at the heart of the guiding principles followed by the Mercedes engineers. Building on the Stuttgart manufacturer’s illustrious history, these principles spark the impetus and creativity for new, enthralling ideas. Not least because the future is built on our heritage.

This is made clear at first glance of the 2008 SL: unmistakably, the new-look front section pays tribute to the "facial traits" of the first SL models, adapting them to the contemporary Mercedes design idiom and combining traditional features with new styling elements to pave the way for future design concepts. After all, the SL has always been a one-off in the Mercedes design philosophy, positioned firmly outside the usual vehicle hierarchy, setting the style trends for other future models to follow. And it is a feat Mercedes-Benz has pulled off successfully several times throughout the history of the SL...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  Design"

"Sporty" and "Lightweight" were the hallmarks of the car unveiled more than 50 years ago that became a legend: the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. In 1954, it entered series production as the "Gullwing", followed in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster.

Since then the SL name has captured the hearts of sports car fans around the world - two letters that became synonymous with a legend on wheels, a legend set to continue well into the future.

Mercedes-Benz has developed, upgraded and improved the SL-Class down to the smallest detail - far beyond any normal facelift. This new generation builds on the glorious SL heritage in all departments: the design once again merits its "upscale" tag; the technology bar has been raised even further and the equipment and appointments are more discerning than ever...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  Model Range"

Emotional performance courtesy of cutting-edge engineering: the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG in a nutshell. The roadster is powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 386 kW/ 525 hp and 630 Newton metres - which makes it today’s most powerful model with a V8 naturally aspirated engine in its class.

The SL 63 AMG comes exclusively with the all-new, innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The newly developed power transfer concept features a compact, wet start-up clutch that replaces the conventional torque converter. The resulting direct connection to the powertrain, together with the double-declutching and Race Start functions, guarantees an extremely emotional, supremely dynamic driving experience. The SL 63 AMG sets new standards in the open-top sports car segment thanks to this outstanding drive combination and the retuned, even more agile AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  Enthralment And Emotion Redefined With AMG"

Safety

• Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function
  Intelligent Light System with five lighting functions, including cornering light function
  

Comfort

• AIRSCARF neck-level heating
  

Engines and transmission

• New SL 280 with V6 engine developing 170 kW/231 hp
  
  
• New high-revving sports engine (232 kW/316 hp) for the SL 350
  
  
• Fuel consumption reduced by up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres
  
  
• Seven-speed automatic transmission in the SL 350, including double-declutching function...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  At A Glance"

Mercedes yesterday took a moment to publish some additional details of the forthcoming 2009 SL-Class, but due to the impressive magnitude of the information they released I wasn't quite able to get it out before day's end.  This morning, however, I was finally able to wrap up each the twelve sections contained in the press kit, as well as the 120 or so photos that go along with them.  Although I didn't elaborate on any, due to the fact we've already brought you the details of the new model range on several occasions, for those of you who want to know every intricate detail of the 2009 SL, there should be plenty to keep you occupied...

Keep Reading "The New-Generation 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:  Sportier Than Ever"

Mercedes today has unveiled the two vehicles they've created to hold title as the Official F1 Safety Car and Medical Car - a specially enhanced SL63 AMG, and an equally capable C63 AMG Estate.  Designed and created by the AMG development team and the PERFORMANCE STUDIO, both vehicles will make their debut in Melbourne, Australia, when the Grand Prix season kicks off March 14th-16th...

Keep Reading "Mercedes Unveils The Official SL63 AMG F1 Safety Car And The C63 AMG Estate F1 Medical Car"