The new SLS AMG GT: Enhanced driving dynamics

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT boasts enhanced driving dynamics and even better race track performance. With a maximum output of 435 kW (591 hp), the optimised AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and the redeveloped AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension, the SLS AMG GT – which is available both as a Coupé and a Roadster – has raised the bar even higher. As a further highlight, the new high-quality AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather is now also available as an optional extra for all SLS AMG models. According to Tobias Moers, Board Member and Head of Overall Vehicle Development for Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "The new SLS AMG GT demonstrates the sort of potential which lies in AMG's super sports cars. With its even higher levels of performance, the SLS AMG GT excites out on the race track in particular by providing an emotionally enjoyable and passionate driving experience."

Masculine and decidedly athletic: with darkened headlamps and tail lights as well as red-painted brake callipers, the new SLS AMG GT also features a unique look. The wing-shaped cross fins and the star recess in the radiator grille also retain a high-gloss finish, as do the exterior mirrors and the fins on the bonnet and wings. The AMG logo on the right of the boot lid also features the additional letters "GT".

One look at the technical specifications highlights the fact that AMG has succeeded in enhancing the dynamic profile of the SLS AMG GT even further. The maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine is 435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The SLS AMG GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and can reach a speed of 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds.

The key data at a glance:

	Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
Cylinder arrangement	V8
Valves per cylinder	4
Displacement	6208 cc
Bore x stroke	102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio	11.3:1
Output	435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm
Max. torque	650 Nm at 4750 rpm
Fuel consumption NEDC combined	13.2 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	308 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	3.7 s
Top speed	320 km/h*

* electronically limited

Mercedes-AMG has achieved the output of 435 kW (591 hp) through in-engine dethrottling measures in conjunction with an increase in peak pressure. The GT version of the AMG 6.3-litre eight-cylinder front mid-engine responds with even greater agility to accelerator pedal movements and excites with even sportier-tuned performance characteristics. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed sports transmission located on the rear axle is more direct and spontaneous in the manual "M" transmission mode: thanks to newly developed gear change functions and optimised transmission control, it has been possible to shorten reaction time significantly. When changing gears manually via the real metal shift paddles on the AMG Performance steering wheel, control commands right through to the noticeable gear change are executed markedly quicker than previously – all of which is ideal when striving to achieve some ambitious lap times on a closed-off race circuit.

The reaction time experienced by the driver is made even more emotional as a result of more distinct gear changes. The automatic double-declutching function when shifting down is also more pronounced in the SLS AMG GT. Due to an increase in engine torque in manual mode, the shift procedure is even quicker than previously – and is accompanied by some passionate acoustic feedback for the driver. Overall, the optimisation of the dual clutch transmission complements the sporty nature of the SLS AMG GT perfectly.

New AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension

But it is not just the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine and the optimised dual clutch transmission which are responsible for increasing the driving dynamics of the SLS AMG GT. The newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension also enhances the vehicle's sportiness. In the case of the SLS AMG GT, Mercedes-AMG has combined the sophisticated suspension layout with twin aluminium wishbones all round and variable, electronically controlled damping. Compared with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, the new AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension features basically stiffer spring/damper tuning and dispenses with "Comfort" mode.

"Sport" mode is recommended as the optimum setting for undulating road surfaces and routes requiring increased suspension travel – such as found on rural roads or the legendary North Loop of the Nürburgring, for example. The control algorithm of the AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension reacts best to fluctuations in the road surface with a tendency towards lower damper force levels. The resulting effect is the best possible performance by effectively preventing rolling and pitching and providing excellent contact with the road when adopting a sporty driving style. The enhanced driving dynamics and even better race track performance are measureable: as part of an internal comparison with the SLS AMG, the SLS AMG GT was able to achieve faster
lap times on a race track.

"Sport plus" provides higher damping forces and features specific control algorithms which have been adjusted for a decidedly sporty driving style on routes with a level road surface - such as when trying to achieve ambitious lap times on a race circuit such as Hockenheim.

Selection of suspension modes via the AMG DRIVE UNIT

Depending on the driving conditions, speed and vehicle load, the AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension adjusts the damping characteristics at lightning speed and automatically reduces the roll angle of the body. The two modes can be selected via a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The activated suspension mode is indicated by means of indicator lamps on the button and the display in the AMG main menu.

As standard, the vehicle comes with 265/35 R 19 tyres on the front and 295/30 R 20 tyres on the rear, fitted to weight-optimised AMG forged light-alloy wheels featuring a 10-spoke design and painted in matt black and with a high-sheen finish. Three additional AMG light-alloy wheels are also available.

Interior with consistently sporty highlights

The interior too features a consistently sporty design: the SLS AMG GT combines the high-quality, exclusive ambience of a true AMG model with the functional atmosphere of a racing car. The sports seats not only have an embossed badge on the head restraints, but the centre sections are also finished in Alcantara ® . Continuing the theme, Alcantara ® is also found on the door centre panels. The black interior appointments are combined with red seat belts, plus all of the contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats, the centre console and the door panel lining is finished in red too. The floor mats also feature red edging.

The high-gloss black AMG trim on the centre console and door panel lining perfectly matches the high-gloss black edging on the adjustable cross-shaped air vents and the high-gloss real metal insert on the AMG Performance steering wheel with flattened lower section. The grip area is finished in Alcantara®, while the upper part of the steering wheel has a red 12 o'clock marking. The AMG instrument cluster is fitted with a black faceplate – at the top it also features an upshift indicator with seven LEDs.

AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather for all SLS AMG models

Also now available for all SLS AMG models is a new, highly exclusive optional extra in the form of AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather. This high-quality extra is available in single or two-tone finishes and comprises distinctive upholstery with a diamond design with contrasting stitching. The lavishly finished diamond design features not only on the AMG sports seats, but also on the door centre panels.

Other highlights include a designo leather finish for the entire dashboard, the beltlines and door armrests, the handrest on the centre console, AMG floor mats in black with porcelain leather edging, roof lining in Alcantara ® porcelain, and the parcel shelf (Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster). Seams finished in contrasting colours create exciting highlights and underscore the high-quality, hand-finished nature of this new leather package. Available colour combinations include mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey pearl/porcelain and mystic red/porcelain. The colours of all of the elements of the interior appointment such as the roof liner, carpet and centre console are perfectly matched to each other.

Other attractive optional extras for all SLS AMG models include (extract):

§  AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors

§  AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover

§  AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels)

§  AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system

§  AMG Performance Media

§  AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in other colour variants

§  AMG carbon-fibre trim

§  AIRSCARF (Roadster)

§  Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system

Six SLS AMG models

The SLS AMG Coupé presented in 2009 was the first vehicle developed independently by Mercedes-AMG. The spectacular gullwing model was followed in 2011 by the open-top SLS AMG Roadster as well as the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports racing car. Having secured 26 victories and the FIA GT3 European championship title, the SLS AMG GT3 was the most successful newcomer to the world of motorsport in 2011. With the new SLS AMG GT, available as a Coupé and Roadster, the model range has now grown to five variants. The sixth model is expected to follow in 2013 in the form of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL: Mercedes-AMG is planning an exclusive series-production run of the purely electric-driven super sports car.

The specific assembly area for the SLS AMG is located in the largest Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine comes directly from the AMG engine workshop in Affalterbach, where it is hand-assembled according to the traditional "one man, one engine" philosophy.

40 significant awards for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The SLS AMG has succeeded in winning numerous comparison tests against a host of international competitors conducted by the international specialist media – both as the gullwing model and the Roadster. Since its world premiere at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2009 and the presentation of the SLS AMG Roadster in May 2011, the super sports car from Mercedes-AMG has picked up a total of 40 awards – including such major prizes as the "German Design Award", the "Red Dot Design Award", the "Golden Steering Wheel 2009", "Classic of the Future", "Sports Car of the Year", "Best Performance Car" and "Legends on Wheels".

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Source: Mercedes-Benz Media

MERCEDES-BENZ WINS A BRACE OF FLEET WORLD HONOURS – FOUR YEARS IN A ROW

Mercedes-Benz UK is today celebrating yet another double win for both car and van at the Fleet World Honours – its fourth doubles win in a row!

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has knocked the S-Class off the top spot to pick up Best Luxury Car, and the mighty Sprinter van has received the prestigious Safety Award; a Fleet World Honours award win every year since 2008 for the Sprinter. The trophies were presented at a special ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall on Wednesday 16th May.

The CLS has the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon and was the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to have frameless, all-aluminium doors, as well as being the first passenger car in the world to offer LED High Performance headlamps as standard (for Sport models).

With more than a dozen driving assistance systems including Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist, which is now linked to ESP for first time, the CLS-Class builds on the pioneering four-door coupé design of its predecessor, while forging an entirely new identity.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles follow the philosophy that there is no such thing as too much safety. The Sprinter van has always led the way in this field, and was one of the first vans in the UK market to be fitted with ESP electronic stability control and a front bulkhead as standard.

With new additions like ADAPTIVE ESP®, an innovative driving dynamics control system which for the first time takes the load situation of the vehicle into account and combines the functions of the anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS) and the optional Start-off Assist system (AAS), the Sprinter is still one of the safest vans on the road today.

Commenting on the Best Luxury Car Award win, Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, said: “It may not be the most practical, but the brilliant CLS offers luxurious, stylish motoring thanks to its elegant lines and classy cabin. For those at the top end of the executive sector, or somebody looking for a luxurious limousine at a very competitive price, the CLS provides the answer.”

Van Fleet World Editor, John Kendall, said of the Sprinter: “Safety has been ingrained in the Mercedes-Benz culture for many more years than many of its rivals and that’s as true of its commercial vehicles as its cars. The Sprinter was the first van to be fitted with ESP and load-sensing ESP as standard, followed by the Vito, while this feature is still not standard on all rival models. And there’s a long list of safety options available with Mercedes-Benz vans from airbags to reversing cameras, tyre pressure monitoring, headlamps with cornering function and many more. Most of these features have been available for some time and it’s only recently that rivals have started to catch up.”

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

The judging panel is chaired by Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World, and includes John Kendall, Alex Grant and Ross Durkin from the Fleet World editorial team. Residual value, maintenance and reliability data is provided by ALD Automotive, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, Lex Autolease, LeasePlan and Arval. Market value data is provided by EurotaxGlass and VIPDATA.

Nick Andrews, Head of Fleet at Mercedes-Benz UK, added: “To be crowned as Best Luxury Car at the Fleet World Honours for the previous three years was fantastic, but to be crowned again this year with another exceptional product in the CLS, is truly outstanding.”

Steve Bridge, Van Sales and Marketing Director at Mercedes-Benz UK, concluded: “It is recognition of the strength of the Sprinter to be collecting an award at the Fleet World Honours for four consecutive years. For the 2012 award to be a safety one is a fantastic acknowledgement of the innovations that the Sprinter has championed.”

Mercedes-Benz launched two new cars – AUTO SHOW 2012

Mercedes-Benz launched India’s most powerful open top vehicle: the SLS AMG roadster and the all new M-Class in India.

The SLS AMG: While it looks like a beauty, it does ride like a beast. The eight cylinder V8 engine produces rumbling 571 horse power at 6800 rpm with a maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. It can go from 0-100 km/h in under four seconds (3.8s) and has a top speed of 317 km/h. The power and performance of a monster, the SLS AMG Roadster has all the trimmings of a formidable sports car.

The M-Class: Continuing in true M-Class tradition the third generation of this vehicle sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. Pioneering the interpretation of a contemporary SUV, the NEW M-Class sports a powerful exterior and an interior featuring high-quality detail. The vehicle leads the field in terms of safety, comfort, quality feel. It is the benchmark for comfort and load compartment capacity and offers ease of handling on and off-road. In a nutshell, the M-Class is the new benchmark for a Luxury SUV in driver’s delight, passenger convenience and overall safety, a testimony of which is the prestigious EURO NCAP 5 Star rating awarded to the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz also showcased the fresh, vibrant product design through the Concept A-Class; the car which will offer design cues to future Mercedes-Benz development.

Mercedes-Benz utilized the Auto Expo to launch a new platform apart from launching 2 new cars.

Mb.Inspired: The philosophy of Best or Nothing has always inspired Mercedes-Benz as a guiding philosophy. It has not just inspired Mercedes-Benz in pioneering many innovations, it has also helped Mercedes-Benz vehicles to be the best in the auto industry and many more. Mercedes-Benz would be promoting this philosophy in India through the mb.Inspired Initiative. A new India is on the rise and its all about youth and rising aspirations. It’s a India which is fearless about taking risks and doesn’t fear failure. Mercedes-Benz commemorates these young youth inspirational icons through mb. Inspired

Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains: “ As India readies itself for globalization, the young India seeks recognition for their talent & uncompromising attitude which have made many stand up & get recognition in their respective fields. mb Inspired is once such platform which shall recognize these individuals & collaborate with them to spread inspiration. This helps us in communicating our brand values of Best or Nothing seamlessly to the Indian consumers”

Debashis Mitra: Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said; “mb. Inspired is an initiative which synergises the Mercedes Benz ethos across various creative , sporting, business and lifestyle universes. The result is a collaborative perspective that fuels new ways of thinking and spreads inspiration.”

Farhan Akhtar, Chetan Bhagat & Masaba Gupta are all reflections of these very brand values which inspire the younger generation to take up new challenges & risks. They demonstrate the philospy of “Best or Nothing” in their own fields & spread inspiration in their peer groups.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

On my walk through the parking lot stands a beauty with a powerful soul, the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 2012 version. Exotics in India has covered the previous version of the Mercedes-Benz SLK350, however the 2012 version looks fantastic than its previous versions.

The 2012 version of the SLK350 illustrates a striking new Mercedes-Benz brand look by featuring an eye-catching radiator grill emphasizing on the well-proportioned long hood which creates a close visual link with the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gullwing.

Professor Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars says "The SLK continues the illustrious roadster tradition of Mercedes-Benz, and excitingly takes it into the future. The design idiom accentuates its lively, athletic presence, and is also sculptural. It expresses personality and sensuality. The same applies to the interior. High-grade materials, lovingly crafted details and a very exclusive finish characterize the essentially very sporty atmosphere."

Stocked with a 3.5L V6 engine, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 easily puts out a massive 302hp and torque of 273ft. lbs. This beauty takes just 5.6 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h and hits a top-speed of 250 km/h.

As standard equipment the SLK350 includes, AIRGUIDE, ATTENTION ASSIST, 7-G TRONIC, PRE-SAFE system, Bi-xenon headlamps, PARKTRONIC, Intelligent Light System with bi-xenon headlamps; LED daytime running lamps to identify a few.

Mercedes-Benz divides their vehicle safety language “integral safety concept” into 4 phases,

1. Safe Driving: During the journey, the vehicle helps the driver to identify critical situations promptly and handle them safely.

2. In Critical Situations: In the event of danger, numerous preventive measures can be activated to reduce the risk of injury. In the event of an accident,

3. During an Accident: The occupants can benefit from effective, individualised protection provided by the comprehensive range of passive safety systems.

4. After an Accident: The phase after an accident, when for example the hazard warning flashers are automatically activated to reduce the risk of new accidents.

For the 2012 SLK350, Mercedes-Benz offers genuine accessories like the MercedesSport rear spoiler, the chromed fin attachments for the bonnet and the light-alloy wheels in various designs and sizes.

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class spotted

We spotted the stylish, sharp, powerful hardtop Mercedes-Benz SLK, whose production dates back to 2008.

The 2008 SLK class is a two-passenger roadster that features a powerful retractable hardtop. It also includes bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system, 380-watt surround-sound audio system, glovebox-mounted CD changer, satellite radio, and an Airscarf system that directs heat through vents in the head restraints.

The SLK is powered by a 3.2-litre V6 engine, which produces 218bhp and is capable of reaching a top speed of 245 km/h. The car can do 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is slightly more than a Porsche Boxter S.

The SLK competes with the BMW Z4, Nissan 350Z and Porsche Boxster.

According to Edmunds.com, Mercedes-Benz isn't typically known for building true drivers' cars, but the SLK is an exception. It delivers solid performance in acceleration, braking and handling.