Mercedes-Benz – Page 66 – Automobiles Review

2012 Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference

The new tuning made by Hartmann is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model. The interior of the vehicle is absolutely spectacular and combines luxury and refinement in every possible level. At its core the vehicle is a salon with two single seats and two swivel chairs. In addition, they are also covered with the best genuine Mercedes-Benz nappa leather in “Sunset red” colour or fine Alcantara in “Java” colour.

Furthermore, they are heated as well. In the centre of this Sprinter is a seat and table rail system, which were created in colaboration with TÜV Nord. The side panels and the canopy were also covered in the high-quality leather.

In the rear part of the interior, Hartmann tuners installed different furnishings made of non-distorting boat plywood, which was additionally covered with makassar veneer on both sides, a 6-fold coat of paint and polished. Moreover, there are two highly luxurious roller front cupboards suitable for wardrobe and files, including two 12-Volt connections and an external 220-Volt connection for an additional power supply.

Adding to the spectacular interior there were also installed a catering cabinet for some dishes, a cabinet with an integrated compressor cooling box and a Nespresso coffee bar. The entire setup is lit by ambience lighting with warm-light LED lamps in the canopy and lighting under the rear worktables. Of course, the Sprinter was fully insulated to enhance even further the privacy.

2012 Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference — Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference Interior (2012)

Another refinement with leather and alcantara was made on the drivers and passengers area. In addition, the technicians installed a Pioneer head unit with route planner, Bluetooth phone, DVD-/CD-changer and Ampire low-range bass, as well as a sophisticated speaker system. The tuners didin’t miss the steering wheel: it was covered in special leather in black and sunset red.

There were also included individual carpets in dark red wool velour. In addition to all this, 2012 Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference comes with aluminium wheel set, equipped with 265/40R20 tyres; aerodynamics construction set, including front spoiler skirt, a side sill set and tail skirt create a skilfully sportive appearance.

Source: Hartmann Tuning

March 2, 2012

Some facts about Electric Vehicles

Behind the history of the electric vehicle are more than hundred years. Yes, I was surprised to find out this too. In particular, their history began in the middle years of the 19th century. However, at this time it was really costly to afford such automobile. Moreover, compared to internal combustion vehicles, the electric ones had much lower speed. Gradually this led to their extinction worldwide. Nowadays what we experience is quite the opposite. As we can see ourselves on the market are gradually being launched vehicles, which are powered by alternative fuel or are electric ones. This of course has to do with environmental issues.

The hydrocarbon fueled vehicles seem to cause great damage to the environment, because of the gases they emit. Or in other words, the automotive industry is now trying to take some precautions for the evil done, develop and promote environmental friendly vehicles and raise the global awareness in this particular area. We all want to live in less contaminated and better world, don’t we?

Electric car from early 20th century charging

In fact, for the first time in history, electric cars became popular after the mid-nineteenth century. Then the electricity was actually a strongly preferred method for automobile propulsion. Back in 1987 the electric cars found their first commercial use in the United States. For instance, the taxies in New York City were electric. They were manufactured by the Philadelphian Electric Carriage and Wagon Company. During the twentieth century the main manufacturers of electric vehicles in the U.S. were Anthony Electric, Baker, Columbia, Anderson, Edison, Riker, Milburn and many more.

Although that at this time the electric cars produced relatively slow speed, they had some advantages over their rivals. What I have in mind here is that they produced less noise, vibration and smell, which were a characteristic of gasoline powered vehicles. In addition, they did not require gear changes. And hence the electric car became famous among people living in the city, who could use their optimum potential. Furthermore, the electric powered vehicles didn’t require manual start as oppose to gasoline ones and were easier to drive, which lead their popularity growth among women.

And even back in the beginning of the twentieth century the electric car was considered the cleaner, quieter and of course the more fuel-efficient car, in comparison to the gasoline vehicle. However, by the 1930s the latter one became the “bigger star” and more importantly – what made it more popular was its lower price. They also developed far greater speed to their equivalent electrics. And adding to all this – the invention of the electric starter by Charles Kattering (in 1912) – gasoline cars became easier to operate. Then came the use of the muffler, which reduced significantly the noise they produced.

The total eradication of the electric automobile from the world was also possible due to the mass production of the gasoline Henry Ford vehicles, which even were at an extraordinary price – more than six time cheaper than the electric ones. After this expansion, no one really remembered the electric cars …

Until the late 1970’s and early 1980’s when the world experienced the first big energy crises. This led to the renewed attention on alternative fuel and electric vehicles. As a result, in the beginning of the 1990’s, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) set the requirements for the development of more fuel-efficient and lower-emissions vehicles.

The highest aim here was the production of zero-emissions vehicles. The electric ones were what they were looking for. Then the automotive world came to see some great electric models, such as Chrysler TEVan, Ford Ranger EV pickup truck, Honda EV Plus hatchback, or Toyota RAV4 EV.

However, the market wasn’t fully prepared to embrace this new ecologically orientated step, so the models were taken off production in the end. Another recession followed in the 2000’s, which lead to the increased need for smaller cars, hybrid cars and of course electric ones. One of the most famous nowadays electric cars manufacturer Tesla Motors, in 2004 began the development of the Tesla Roadster, which was firstly launched on the market four years later. Nowadays we have many examples of electric cars, developed and produced by famous carmakers. Such are: Mitsubishi i MiEV, Nissan Leaf, Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell, Smart ED and many more.

Nissan LEAF

To sum up, when the electric vehicles were invented, they seemed to be the best choice of and for the future. Moreover, the electric car produces no pollution to the environment and can be the greatest choice for the city dwellers, who are concerned about the world around them and want to make a positive change.

People won’t loose from comfort, road handling, safety, performance or durability, because the electric vehicles are similar to the gasoline powered ones. Another big advantage is also their low cost to operate and more importantly they have the potential to be more reliable because they include fewer parts and mature technology.

February 25, 2012

Mercedes-Benz iPhone on wheels – A-Class interior [pictures]

Mercedes-Benz will fully integrate Apple iPhone into their vehicles. This means that Mercedes-Benz is now able to offer the Facebook generation its natural home on four wheels, in the form of the new A-Class. Along with Facebook, Twitter and so on, the “Digital DriveStyle App” developed by Daimler offers further services and content to suit the digital lifestyle and will be available to download free of charge from the Apple iTunes store. Its highlights include:

Personalised internet radio by AUPEO! Personal Radio, which offers radio stations that compile an individual program for listeners and recommend similar music by genre or artists based on personal taste.
The advanced navigation software from Garmin, with internet-based real-time traffic information, online POI searches and 3D map display, all of which work even in combination with the entry-level multimedia system Audio 20
A socially interactive experience involving “sharing”, “posting” and the integration of music and other content from social networks including text-to-speech.
An intuitive ‘Car Finder’ which automatically stores the vehicle’s location. Pedestrian navigation makes it completely easy to find your way back to the car.
Access to the voice-based intelligent companion Siri™.

The manufacturer has also released two official images of the interior of the new A-Class. The smallest Mercedes will have in its engine range five petrol and four diesel engines with power from 109PS (80 kW) to 204PS (155 kW). There will be also an AMG version of the new A-Class with a turbocharged 2.0 liter petrol delivering 355PS (261 kW). It is aimed to compete against the masterpiece – BMW 1-Series ///M.

Full iPhone integration is not only possible in conjunction with the COMAND Online multimedia system. All functions, including navigation, can also be used even with the entry-level Audio 20 system. Mercedes-Benz is thus making it possible for the A-Class’s younger target group in particular to continue their digital lifestyle seamlessly inside the vehicle. Both the “Digital DriveStyle App” and the “Drive Kit Plus for the Apple iPhone” will be making their debut in the new A-Class. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, next month.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 23, 2012

SR Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

The new project developed from the tuners SR Auto Group is the astonishing SR Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. It is all painted with matte black, thus making it look far greater and empowering. The color is one the best ones which any sport car can have today. This unique shade gives even sportier stance and when one sees its mate black body one will turn their head twice for sure!

This project has been done with the collaboration of SR Auto Group with Inspired Autosport – well known tuners from Toronto. This is their latest joint project features – the brand new matte SR Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe, which by the way can speak for itself. A night shadow theme encompasses the exterior and allows the crimson red of the calipers to shine through the twenty inch Niche wheels.

SR Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Source: SR Auto Group

February 23, 2012

Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is the world’s first electric van, which is now eligible for the Government’s new Plug-In Van Grant, reducing costs by 20%. There are several regulations needed to be fulfilled like emitting less than 75g/km CO2, be capable of at least 60 miles (100 km) between charges and a top speed of more than 50mph (80 km/h).

Vito E-CELL is powered by an electric motor with 82PS (60 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft). It has 16 Lithium-ion battery modules with a combined capacity of 36 kWh. This means a maximum range of 130km (80 miles) on a single six-hour charge from a 380/400 volt input.

Although that the electric Vito is not so powerful, it comes with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) as standard.

“With an enviable range, advanced safety systems and payload equal to a regular van, the zero-local emissions electric Vito E-CELL easily meets the criteria for the new Plug-In Van Grant, and we welcome its introduction.”, said Steve Bridge, Van Sales and Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz UK.

“Schemes like this help businesses to do their bit – and to join us in working hard to lower vehicle emissions. It is our ultimate goal at Mercedes-Benz to achieve emission-free driving and our first-ever series produced electric van is testament to our commitment to deliver this.”, he added.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 22, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG

The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG is another masterpiece from Mercedes-AMG. This SL 63 AMG is available with a choice of two power outputs. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 ‘biturbo’ (twin-turbocharged) engine, which delivers 395 kW (537 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. If the AMG Performance package is specified, these figures are increased to 415 kW (564 hp) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft). The acceleration is from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.3 or 4.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 12.9 or 12.6 seconds respectively. Top speed is electronically limited 250 km/h. With the AMG Performance package on board it is raised to 300 km/h (likewise electronically limited). NEDC combined consumption comes in at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres for both power outputs – a full 4.2 litres or 30 percent lower than for the outgoing model.

Behind the low fuel consumption is the lightweight construction of the SL 63 AMG. The vehicle is based on a lightweight all-aluminium bodyshell similar to that of the SLS AMG super sports car. The result is weight saving of around 110 kilograms. Moreover the components have been optimised in line with their specific purpose. For the cover, for instance, behind the tank, the engineers have used even lighter magnesium material in some cases. High-strength steel tubes are integrated into the A-pillars for safety reasons. The boot lid helps to further trim the weight: the inner support is made from lightweight carbon-fibre composite and is bonded to the plastic outer shell, resulting in a weight saving of five kilograms. Moreover, almost all of the multi-link independent rear suspension components are made of aluminium. The reduction in unsprung masses enhances both agility and the response of the spring and damper components. The all-new SL 63 AMG is equipped with an improved version of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control as standard. As a result the car has exceptional sport characteristics with reduced roll angles and firm body damping (“Sport”) or more comfort-oriented settings for a high level
of comfort on long journeys (“Comfort”). In addition for greater agility and faster cornering speeds, the SL 63 AMG has fully revised elastokinematics. Furthermore, the model is equipped with the new, electro-mechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, which now has a constant and more direct ratio, and variable power assistance which adjusts in line with the suspension settings. Further standard equipment features 3‑stage ESP®, a speciality exclusive to AMG with “SPORT Handling” mode for particularly keen drivers, while options available from the AMG Performance Studio include an AMG rear axle differential lock and AMG performance suspension.

More importantly the power transmission can be adapted to specific requirements. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission has four modes to select from: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual). To go furter into details, in “C” mode, the ECO start/stop function is active at all times and switches off the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is standing still. The engine and transmission are far more agile in “S”, “S+” and “M” mode. Here the stop/start function is deactivated. An automatic double-declutching function for downshifting and the RACE START function are also included as standard with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

When it comes to braking, the new model got the freshly developed AMG high-performance compound brake system features 390 x 36 mm compound discs with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm integral discs with single-piston floating callipers at the rear. In addition, an electric parking brake is fitted as standard, while options available from the AMG Performance Studio include red-painted callipers to denote the AMG Performance package. The SL 63 AMG sits on five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, shod with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear tyres. There are also available of course, multi-spoke AMG forged wheels from the AMG Performance Studio with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 20 rear tyres.

The new SL 63 AMG has a dynamically distinctive AMG bodystyling. It features front apron with large air dams, AMG-specific LED daytime running lamps and a lower cross strut in silver chrome, new AMG radiator grille with a double louvre in silver chrome, the side sill panels and the “V8 BITURBO” logos on the vent grilles with fins in silver chrome, AMG spoiler lip, the two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, the diffuser-style rear apron with body-coloured insert.

The sixth-generation SL retains the space-saving, electrohydraulically retractable vario-roof. It enables the the SL to transformed itself into a roadster or a coupé, as the mood takes the driver and depending on the weather, in under 20 seconds. More importantly there are three versions of this roof to choose from: painted roof, glass roof or the unique panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL.

The interior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG is as extraordinary and exciting as the exterior. It offers a lot of equipment: four air vents styled like jet engines, the E-SELECT lever, the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Standard equipment includes AMG sports seats in single-tone or two-tone nappa leather with a unique V8 seat upholstery layout and AMG badges in the seat backrests, a multicontour function and seat heating as well as AMG carbon-fibre trim, AMG illuminated door sill panels, ambient lighting and an IWC-design analogue clock, AMG performance steering wheel, AMG instrument cluster provides which includes a TFT colour monitor, AMG start-up display, AMG main menu and RACETIMER.

Further standard equipment for the SL 63 AMG include: ATTENTION ASSIST COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer, anti-theft alarm system, frontbass, remote-unlocking boot lid including power closing for boot lid, Intelligent Light System ILS, MAGIC VISION CONTROL adaptive windscreen cleaning system, NECK-PRO head restraints, PRE-SAFE® system, automatic, pop-up roll-over bars for driver and front passenger, draught-stop

The SL 63 AMG extensive range of optional extras comprises of: AIRSCARF neck-level heating, Active Parking Assist including PARKTRONIC, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, Driving Assistance package Plus (DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS, PRE‑SAFE® brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist), harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system, KEYLESS-GO Convenience package (including remote-closing boot lid and HANDS-FREE ACCESS system), Exclusive nappa leather Climatised seats, Electric draught-stop.

Furthermore, it is now possible to add even more individuality to the SL 63 AMG, with more optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio: AMG Performance package (increase in maximum power of 20 kW (27 hp) and maximum torque of 100 Nm; AMG engine cover in genuine carbon fibre, AMG rear axle differential lock, AMG spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre, red-painted callipers, AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA), AMG forged light-alloy wheels, AMG forged light-alloy wheels, painted matt black, rim flange with a high-sheen finish, AMG performance suspension, AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system, AMG Exterior Carbon package (cross strut in front apron, exterior mirror housings and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre), AMG Performance Media with telemetry function, AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA.

To mark the launch of the new SL 63 AMG, AMG Performance studio is going to launch a special edition model of the vehicle, called “Edition 1” model. The “Edition 1” includes the following as standard: AIRSCARF neck-level heating, AMG forged light-alloy wheels, painted matt black, rim flange with a high-sheen finish, AMG Performance package, Exclusive leather in classic red or deep white with contrasting topstitching, headliner in black leather, harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system, MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic vario-roof.

The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG will be launched in May 2012.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 22, 2012

Classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL – A Walkthrough

I want to talk about classics. These days we have so much technology at our front step that we have lost the ability to appreciate it. A thrust back in time might just be the thing that will kick-start the part of us which admires pure and brave automotive innovation. I am talking about the Mercedes-Benz 300SL – a car which, for a time, was the fastest one around, a car that was and still is in a class of its own.

In the 50’s, Germany was still experiencing the aftermath of war. The country was split and times of reform and renovation were still due to come. But not all was grime and despair – that same decade a car was about to change the automotive world. At that time Daimler-Benz AG were almost out of money but not out of ideas. In 1952, a strictly-for-race 300SL (W194) set out to win numerous races around the world, reaffirming the racing pedigree of the company. The thing is that the 300SL racing car wasn’t the most powerful car out there. In fact the W194 bore a really mildly impressive, production-based 3.0L. straight six engine equipped with an overhead camshaft and valves and three carburetors. The car’s innovative spirit however, manifested itself trough structure, aerodynamics and lightness (SL stands for “Super Light”). The body had a low drag coefficient and thanks to an image defining tubular frame, the W194 was rigid and lightweight.

Some of that racing formula transferred directly to the road going 300SL (W198) which rolled out of the factory two years later in 1954. Roughly 3,258 were built in both Coupe and Roadster versions. And even by today’s standards, it was a thing of beauty. The engine was the same 3.0L found in the racing car but instead of carburetors, it had a first-ever in a 4-stroke engine, fuel injection system by BOSCH. And that was the charm that radiated from the SL – it was a first in many, many things. Because of the fuel-injection system, power was almost double to the one found in the original carbureted version (215 PS). That made the SL, the fastest production car of its time capable of speeds up to 260 km/h (161 mph). The engine was awkwardly askew so that the hood would remain as low as possible and the fenders had horizontal “eyebrows” over the wheel openings to reduce drag. Because of the same tubular frame which resembled a plane fuselage, the 300SL engineers had to figure out a way to incorporate doors. Solution came with the, now emblematic, “gullwing” doors that gave the car a unique character.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W198 - the road version) — Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W198 – the road version)

As with every ambitious and innovative project, the 300SL came with its own issues – the fuel injectors had the tendency to flood the oil pan and cylinders which proved problematic (changing the oil every thousand miles was recommended). But the sheer size of the oil tank was big enough to send an oil company into bankruptcy – ten…10…X…liters! Because of that lubricant volume the engine would never reach optimal temperature thus worsening the general effects of wear and tear. All wheels used drum brakes and at high speeds the swing axle at the back tended to act up in a terrifying manner. Regardless of the presence of doors on the “Gullwing”, one still had to be a fairly agile person to get in or out because of the remarkably high sills. The steering wheel also had to be tilt-away before even thinking about sitting at the driver’s seat. The trunk space was non-existent and the amount of fuel in the tank, to a certain extent, determined the handling of the car. And for all of that, there was the price which exceeded that of a really luxurious household.

But did all of this really matter in a bigger context? Of course it did… everything added up to form the first-ever supercar – ludicrous, impractical, dangerous, unstable and very, very exciting.

Picture source: Mercedes-Benz

February 12, 2012

Most Collectible Cars from the Present

Here is a short list of some of the most collectible cars from the present, which in my opinion, are going to cost even more amount of money in the near or distant future. They are unique in several aspects, including style, speed, expense and produced examples of their particular model. Such cars are driven for prestige and are considered as a symbol for high status.

Let’s start with Dodge Viper, which undeniably is one of the most famous cars ever produced. Its production started back in 1992 and continues till now. The vehicle has 6 speed manual transmission which allows the person behind the wheel to experience the excitement of driving. Moreover it is usually equipped with very powerful engine which produces a pleasant roaring sound and in some versions achieves the whole 600 hp (442 kW). Therefore, if you seat behind the steering wheel with the aim to achieve the top speed, then you’ll get up to 202 mph (325 km/h). Undoubtedly, this model is an emblematic one for the American automotive history and I am sure that one day models will cost a lot.

Next comes the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which production started in the near past – in 2009 and since then it is still being produced. Although it has a short history, it is the most powerful Corvette ever made. It includes six speed manual transmission, but unlike the previous discussed vehicle, it can produce the astonishing 638 hp (470 kW) at 6,500 rpm of torque. The top speed here is 205 mph (325 km/h)! It definitely deserves the investment, because it is going to be one of the most desirable collectables in the future.

Here comes the luxury Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren without which the sport car industry wouldn’t be the same. Its production began in the 2003 and lasted till 2010. Unlike the Corvette and the Viper, it has five speed automatic gearbox. Here the Mercedes achieves the 617 hp (454 kW) at 6,500 rpm, but its maximum speed is higher than Corvettes. This vehicle can reach up to 208 mph (335 km/h). And the price as well is far grater than the ZR1’s. The last one costs around $100 000. The Mercedes however, is estimated around $ 450 000. What is so typical and emblematic about this model, are its unmistakable gullwing doors.

There is a real rarity present to our attention – the two door coupe named Lamborghini Reventón, which production lasted just one year (from 2008 till 2009). What makes this car so special and priceless is that you can’t see it on the streets very often. And this isn’t due to its high price (which by the way is estimated around $1.6 million dollars), but due to the fact that there is only twenty of it produced! This beauty, has a six speed manual or six-speed paddle shift transmission, and as you expect its engine is a powerful V12 6,5 liter one. Hence, it produces the astonishing 650 hp (478 kW) at 8,000 rpm of torque. The top speed is exactly 211 mph (340 km/h).

Without a doubt a collectible one is Bugatti Veyron, for anyone who can afford it of course. It costs around 1,7 million dollars and since 2005, when it production started, is one of the most appealing cars to the famous people. Its acceleration, which for only 2.5 seconds goes from 0 to 100 km/h, is due to the unbelievable 1001 hp (736 kW) at 6,000 rpm! And not to forget the maximum speed of 268 mph (431 km/h) which makes the car one of the fastest cars in the world! But wait this is not all! The new hyper car model, which is going to make its debut in 2013, will be also powered by the famous 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Moreover, it is expected to achieve more than 1200 hp (895 kW)! This makes it a real collectable car even before its official release, isn’t it!

February 12, 2012

Some of the most wanted and expensive collectible cars from the past

Have you ever wondered which are some of the most desirable cars from the past? “Which models collectors are crazy for?” is the question asked here. And there goes the answer, including five of the most wanted and expensive cars made in the past.

The first car to be mentioned here is the 1931 Bentley 4 1/2-Liter model. This particular vehicle has only 49 similar to it, which means that there were only 50 ever produced. Hence, the immediate consequence is that the price of the model is very high. For example, sever years ago, such vehicle was sold for the amount of $ 4 510 000. In details, the car includes 2/3-passanger boat-tail body. Bentley 4½ Liter however, is a heavy car, with a total weight of 1 625 kg (3 580 lb). And although it included a manual transmission, one had to be very skillful to operate with the four gears, due to their unsynchronization. The engine contributed for the overall heavy weight of the model, because it was a heavy cast iron inline-four engine. The engine, modern for that particular period, included two double carburetors and dual ignition with Bosch magnetos. Thus it was possible for it to produce the impressive 130 hp (97 kW) at that time. Therefore, you can imagine how easy it was for this model to race in competitions.

Next comes the 1935 Dusenberg SJ model, which will surprise you in many ways. First of all, it has the whole 320 hp (239 kW)! Can you believe a car that fast in the 30’s of the last century? It included 3-Speed Manual transmission, but due to the heavy weight of 2 608 kg / 5 750 lbs, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in more than 10 seconds. Secondly, there are only two vehicles of this particular model, built in the 1935. Another interesting fact about it is that one of them belonged to the famous actor Gary Cooper and the other – to Clark Gable. The model was equipped by two special carburetors and inlet ports of special shape named “ram’s horn”.

In 1937 the luxury brand came out with the Mercedes-Benz 540K model, which now is considered to be one of the most expensive Mercedes-Benz road-going cars. A model of it was a few years ago sold for the amount of $8 235 112. In the late 30’s this model was a development of the Mercedes SSK, and was offered not only as a two seater cabriolet, but also as a four seater coupé or seven seater limousine. The 540K has the unique for that time straight 8-cylinder engine increased to 5n401 cubic centimeters. It was aspirated by twin pressurized updraft carburetors. This made possible for the vehicle to develop 115 hp (86 kW). Moreover it included four-speed or five speed manual gearbox, which had synchromesh on the top three gears. The hydraulic brakes were also vacuum-assisted. What is interesting here, is that people such as Jack Warner (from the Warner Brothers) were owners of this model.

1955 Jaguar D Type is a factory-built race car, which has 3.8 liters engine. Beside the engines it includes some of the most important innovations achieved at this time of the 20th century. What I have in mind here are the use of disc brakes and the monocoque chassis. The latter was the first type of aircraft-style engineering which was featured in a race-car design. This special monocoque technology is made using some basic principles typical for it. First the cabin and the part where the driver sat, was made from alluminium allow sheets, to which was mounted an aluminium tubing subframe. The latter par carries the bonnet, the engine, the front suspension, and the steering assembly. Eventually the rear suspension and final drive were mounted straightly to the monocoque. Another innovation included in this model, is that the fuel was carried in deformable bags inside cells within the monocoque. As you can see, another aspect of this car is the highly aerodynamic body, which was stabilized through large vertical stabilizer mounted behind the head of the driver. This D Type from 1955 has in addition larger valves (than the models in the years before) which were accommodated through a cylinder head with asymmetrical design. D-Type served its purpose well, and won a lot of top places at racing competitions. At last, probably you know the iconic Jaguar E-Type. What you might miss here is that the D Type is the actual predecessor of the aforementioned icon.

I am sure you have already wondered where the Ferrari model in this article is. Well, here comes the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California, which is an evolution of the 250 GT Tour de France and includes 12-cylinders engine which achieves the whole 280 hp (209 kW) and has three carburetors. On this model were also introduced for the first time disc brakes. A replica of this particular model was also featured in the movie from the 1986 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. What is particularly interesting here is that few years ago a black Ferrari of the model was sold for nearly 11 million dollars.

February 11, 2012

20 Years of SVT and 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

SVT is to Ford as AMG and M are to Mercedes and BMW respectively – a performance arm focused mainly on shredding track times and delivering the ultimate driving experience. SVT was first heard of at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. This year, the Chicago Auto Show will be the site of SVT‘s 20^th anniversary and a 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible will be there mark the occasion.

The GT500 is equipped with a V8, 650-horsepower engine that shows how much exactly things have moved on since the 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra. Also on the 2013 convertible one can find a commemorative lighted sill plate to set it apart as an anniversary edition.

An optional performance package adds to the GT500‘s grunt and sheds 3.5 seconds off the car’s lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models. That racetrack behaavior is partly courtesy to the 5.8 V8 Supercharged engine but, the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers (from the performance package) and an all-new chassis tuning are also to be taken into consideration. The brakes have also been replaced with a new set of Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and overall bigger rotors at the back and front. The pads are also heavy duty for that extra, eye-popping braking power.

One button, to modes – normal, for everyday road going activities and Sport, for firming up the suspension, reducing body roll and pitch under braking. The SVT dampers allow greater customization for the perfect adaptation whether on the track or in the city.

Hardcore racing enthusiasts can opt for a package beyond the performance one – the Track Package which offers an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 (2013) — Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Looking back, SVT have gathered a wide portfolio of all kinds of cars that have managed to become a great success: including the 1993 debuts mentioned above, SVT have also gone through the F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, SVT Focus and, along side Team RS, SVT introduced to Europe the magnificent Focus ST. It goes without saying that the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (non-convertible) also deserves some credit for the company’s success – power comes from the same 5.7 V8 (probably the most powerful V8 in the world) but it has a top speed of over 200 mph due to it’s main focus on speed, lightness and agility. The 2013 model sees a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. Hopes are high that this one will make most use of the torque bomb that hides under the hood.

Source: Ford

February 8, 2012

Mercedes SL Prior Design Aerodynamics

PriorDesign, the aerodynamic kit producing company for performance cars, is out with a new offer – the PD-BlackEdition Widebody kit for the Mercedes SL (R230)*. The Prior people are notable for going for the seamless and sublime but when it comes to an SL, words such as flamboyant and dramatic come to mind. And the kit is very striking indeed.

Prior’s products are made from quality Dura-Flex FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic). This material is characterized by an excellent surface finish that provides sufficient flexibility combined with high stability. The fitments are also user-friendly without any need to alter the standard body in order to bolt them in. The part’s surface is easy and inexpensive to paint on.

The PD-BlackEdition Widebody kit for Mercedes SL comprises of:

BlackEdition front bumper
BlackEdition front lip spoiler (for BlackEdition front bumper)
BlackEdition side skirts
BlackEdition rear bumper
BlackEdition rear diffusor
BlackEdition front fenders
BlackEdition rear widenings
BlackEdition front bonnet
BlackEdition mesh grille inserts
Mounting material
TÜV parts certificate included.

Optional:

BlackEdition rear trunk spoiler

Put all of that on the an SL and the results speak for themselves:

Prior PD BlackEdition Widebody Mercedes-SL (2012)

*Fits for all Mercedes SL R230 models. If your vehicle is a model before MOPF II (until 2008), it must be converted to 2008 MOPF II model

Source: Prior Design

February 6, 2012

Mercedes with two first places in ”The Best Cars of 2012” survey

“Auto motor und sport” is a popular motoring magazine known for it’s expertise on.. well.. motoring and sport. It is German-based but it also has a significant amount of worldwide clout as it has been around since 1977. This year, more than 210,000 readers, some of them from China, others from Brazil, have cast their votes to crown the “Best Cars of 2012”.

And now, Mercedes are proud to say that for a third consecutive year, the SLS AMG Roadster heads the cabriolet nominations. And one can’t really blame the public for going with the SLS again. It is captivated by the unique blend of unconventional yet classic design and ground breaking technology. The SLS AMG boasts a lightweight aluminium spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine producing 420 kW (571 hp), seven-speed dual clutch transmission and a sports suspension with aluminum double wishbone suspension.

Another class dominated by Mercedes is the SUV segment – Mercedes-Benz M-Class won most of the reader’s hearts with its ever solid presence on the road, sustainability and safety. End even if it weren’t such a favorite SUV, other Mercs are always there to take the love – an honarable second place for the G-Class

Mercedes-Benz ML-250 BlueTEC 4MATIC (2012)

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 27, 2012

Tag: Mercedes-Benz