Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The New ‘Gullwing’

Long rumored, the new “Gullwing” is finally here. Officially dubbed the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the ‘Gullwing’ name still fits. It has those doors that have been copied by every wanna-be tuner as well as folks like Briklin and DeLorean. And since it’s a Mercedes it’s been engineered and designed to within an inch of what Stuttgart thinks a Gullwing for 2010 should be designed and engineered like.

The quick thumbnail sketch works like this: aluminum spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-liter V8 cranking out 571 hp, dry sump lubrication, seven-speed semi-auto dual-clutch transmission hanging in a transaxle out back and a aluminum double wishbone sports suspension. All that will add up to quite a car, because Mercedes wouldn’t let it be anything else (now would they).

Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH says as much: “Our customers will experience with the SLS AMG the expertise of our sports car manufacturer Mercedes-AMG, built up over 40 years of motor racing, along with the kind of scintillating design that only a top athlete from the Mercedes-Benz stable can offer.”

And Chairman of the Board Dr. Dieter Zetsche backs him up, “Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the guise of the new SLS AMG, which is bound to set the pulses of all car enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster. The SLS AMG is emotion pure and simple for the Mercedes-Benz brand and is set to become one of the most alluring sports cars of our era.”

Mercedes has paid a lot of attention to lightening the car as much as they could. Yeah, it’s still kind of porky, cause that’s Mercedes default, but at least they did carve away the pounds here and there. This is the first time, Mercedes-Benz is making a car with an aluminum chassis and body. This pares the curb weight down to 1620 kilograms excluding driver.

Naturally there’s a big mill under the bonnet. In the case of the modern Gullwing, it’s an AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine cranking out 571 hp at 6800 rpm. This gives the car a power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp. The engine’s torque comes in at 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. This is enough to scoot the Gullwing from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to top out at a speed of 315 km/h.

All that power and torque get to the tarmac via a dual-clutch transmission located out back, transaxle style and connected to the plant via a torque tube (just like they used to with their race cars way back when). This also helps with weight distribution for a front engined car – even if, as is the case with the Gullwing, the mill is set way back in the chassis.

And to haul it all down there’s a nice set of high-performance ceramic -composite brakes at all corners. Not only do these run at higher heat than metal brakes, but they also offer an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent.

Naturally the wheels and tires are beefy. They’re 9.5 x 19 inchers up front and 11.0 x 20 inches out back. The tires come in at 265/35 R19 for the front and 295/30 R20s for the rears. Or, to put it in hot rod terms, those are boss meats.

Price? Probably a lot. Find out what you could get for your first born on the open market, and then multiply that by 1.5.

2011 Ford Super Duty Truck Photos and Description

2011 FORD SUPER DUTY BOASTS REFINED TOUGHNESS ON EXTERIOR, MORE INTERIOR CONTENT, COMFORT

New inverted power dome hood restyled to complement all-new, more powerful diesel and gasoline engines of the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty; bold, vise-like industrial-grade grille strengthens the truck’s appearance, offers several chrome and body paint options
New, larger flow-through console offers flexible storage options, including lockable storage; designed to have the largest storage capacity in its class with more than 70 configurations
Interior upgrades include all-new seats with available 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, heating/cooling feature, lumbar support and lockable underseat storage
The design team for the 2011 F-Series Super Duty knows what customers demand of Ford’s hard-working pickup truck. The challenge is to deliver in new and exciting ways.

“Built Ford Tough is the most important and enduring attribute of the F-Series Super Duty truck,” said Ed Golden, chief designer. “For 2011, we’ve continued in that direction, evolving the Super Duty line with more boldness. Our customers demand a well-engineered truck, one that will perform the maximum duty they expect from it. Our design has to reflect that.”

Bigger and bolder defines the front end. With the addition of the all-new, more powerful 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel as well as a new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine, the hood was redesigned with a prominent inverted power dome that gives an indication of the significantly improved torque and horsepower each engine will deliver.

“The Super Duty is all about power and capability, and we wanted to make that obvious,” said Brad Richards, exterior design manager.

The grille surrounds especially emphasize the bigger and bolder look, with “Super Duty” stamped onto the upper grille. Combinations of chrome, black and body color are available on the multi-piece grille, depending on the series.

“One of the unique visual aspects of the Super Duty is the inlets at the outboard edges of the grille,” said Golden. “The center grille bars wrap in aerodynamically at the ends. From one side you see the bars, and from the other you see the openings – almost like a jet engine’s air intake.”

Bigger, stronger than ever

The theme of interlocking parts is echoed throughout the exterior, emphasizing the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty’s enduring strength.

The iconic Ford oval is bigger – by approximately 50 percent, to about 13 inches across – and bolder as well to complement the new front end. “It’s the biggest Ford oval anywhere except at the top of World Headquarters,” Richards quipped. “The owners of these trucks are very proud of their vehicles and like what the Super Duty says about them and their lifestyle. It’s not a bashful vehicle by any means.”

The grille openings have been optimized for maximum cooling efficiency and minimum drag. A deeper air dam – extended to about six inches – has been added to the front to deflect air away from the underpinnings for better aerodynamics, which also adds to fuel efficiency. A shorter air dam is available for off-road customers. The headlamps are the largest ever for a Super Duty.

The larger wheel lips and new wheel and tire lineup help emphasize Super Duty’s bolder look and stronger appearance, especially on two-tone models. Wheels range from 17-inch steel up to 20-inch polished units, depending on series: XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch®.

Exterior trim highlights

XL Decor package features chrome bumpers and chrome center caps on the wheels
XLT adds a chrome grille, fog lamps and chrome surrounds on the side vent badging
Lariat adds two-tone on wheel lip
King Ranch adds unique painted grille surround, wheels, Pale Adobe box top moldings and running board, and King Ranch badging
Available Tough Bed

Ford also offers Tough Bed®, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed spray-in bedliner. The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision high-pressure automated sprayer to ensure one thin, smooth, even coat – unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bedliners.

The finer application ensures the bedliner materials won’t run or sag on the inside walls of the box, and also minimizes unnecessary weight. Its uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering a premium appearance.

All-new flow-through console heads interior upgrades

Leading the list of increased interior functionality is the flow-through console. The design team took advantage of Super Duty’s steering wheel-mounted gearshift to create a console that flows from the instrument panel to the backseat, brimming with large, customizable and versatile storage space. The larger space also provides room for two HVAC ducts to the backseat.

Highlights of the new flow-through console include:

The main storage bin, which is lockable, encompasses many attributes to help make the 2011 Ford Super Duty the perfect office on wheels. The base includes a rubber mat with a lip that aids storage of items such as laptops, notebooks or binders.
Customers can use the hanging tray for change – slots for pennies through quarters are provided – or to store other items such as screwdrivers or other tools. At least $7.53 in change can be held in the slots – $4.25 in quarters, $2.30 in dimes, 80 cents in nickels and 18 cents in pennies.
The hanging tray can be removed to create file storage with the available file hangers.
The underside of the console bin lid includes storage options for pens, pencils, highlighters, business cards, tire gauges, small flashlights and tissue, among other items.
Map pockets are provided on both driver and passenger sides.
A two-level front storage compartment accommodates four cup holders, which are in two identical, removable modules. Each module can be individually removed to create larger storage tray spaces, or both can be removed and easily stowed for even more open space. A false-bottom tray, sitting just below the cup holder modules, creates an additional storage compartment that also can be removed to create one deep tub of storage space.
Standard 110-volt inverter and socket at the rear of the console.
12-volt powerpoints at the rear of the console and inside the main bin; the powerpoint in the main bin is raised for easier access and a cord pass-through notch allows coiled cords or multiple cords to pass through the console with the armrest lid closed.
The cup holders – four in front and two in the rear – are modular and configurable. Each contains a rubber insert that can be removed for larger beverages. For a thermos – or a really big thirst – the front storage compartment contains a footprint for a 64-ounce beverage, which is accessible by removing the false-bottom tray and one cup holder module.

Enhanced seats provide more comfort

The seats of the new Super Duty are based off the well-received seats from the Ford F-150 and feature improved comfort and support, upgraded cloth and leather, and have available 10-way power adjustments. The front seats can be heated and cooled, and the driver’s seat has manual lumbar support standard. Lockable, underseat storage also is available.

2010 Abarth Fiat 500 R3T Details and Pictures

Abarth introduced its latest racing gem at the 51st Sanremo Rally. The new Abarth 500 R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

For Abarth, this marks a return to promotional trophy events, a niche it has made its own for more than thirty years. Since 1977, to be precise, when the first ever Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship was held, followed by trophies for the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit.

The Abarth 500 rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm3 in capacity. This class will be the future of the specialism because it represents a good compromise between car cost and performance. Ideal for private drivers and young people who want to show their worth in a true racing car, capable of outstanding performance by any standard.

The Abarth 500 power unit is 1368 cm3 with a Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger capable of delivering a power of 180 hp (132 kw) at 5500 rpm.

The gearbox is sequential, front meshing with 6 speeds and includes a multiplate self-locking differential, twin plate clutch and special half-axles.

Great care has been taken to ensure the suspension can be adjusted to obtain a ride suited to each driver's individual driving style. The racing shock-absorbers are adjustable, with coaxial spring and wheel to alter the ground clearance plus special shims to adjust the caster and camber angles.

The 7" x 17" OZ asphalt rims are designed for 19/62-17 tyres.

The Brembo brakes are all disc, ventilated at the front with 4 callipers, solid disc at the rear with brake distributor and governor. The handbrake is hydraulic.

The Abarth 500 is equipped with a special welded roll-bar integral with the body, the required safety devices and FIA type-approved seats with 6 seat belt anchorage points.

The weight is the lowest set by the regulations for this category: 1080 kg unladen.

Great care has also been taken over the details, beginning with a livery that is most decidedly in keeping with tradition, complemented by a lovingly crafted interior and instruments.

The Abarth promotional trophy regulation and timetable will be circulated in the coming weeks.

2010 Volvo C70 Facelift at the Frankfurt Motor Show

The facelifted Volvo C70 has been given the look of the S60 concept launched this year. Currently on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Volvo C70 has been fitted with redesigned front wings to give the car a wedge shape. New headlamps are angled upwards.

Giving the front end a more aggressive shape are larger intakes and larger recesses. According to Fedde Talsma, exterior chief designer of Volvo Cars, Volvo has redesigned the front and rear of the car so that they “harmonize” better with the bigger Volvo models. At the rear, clearly seen is the larger lettering across the boot. LED lamps also prominently show. Newly introduced is a Flamenco Red Pearl color. Aside from the redesigned instrument panel, another improvement was the use of better-quality materials. Engines range from a 134bhp 2.0 diesel to the 227bhp T5 petrol.

Renault Twizy ZE Concept

With a three-meter turning circle that makes it one of the most maneuverable vehicles on the road, the Renault Twizy certainly piqued a lot of interest at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The two-seat Renault Twizy is an urban runabout in the mould of the Smart EV. A 20bhp motor attached to the Twizy is said to deliver performance equivalent to that of a 125cc scooter.

Set for launch in 2012, the Twizy was displayed beside four Renault electric concepts. It will preview the manufacturer’s range. The Twizy ZE is slender due to the 1+1 configuration even as it has a four-wheel chassis. Many particularly applauded the wraparound bodywork that gives first-class protection for both the driver and the passenger. Urban mobility is an issue that the Twizy is designed exclusively for. It will be the third concept to arrive at showrooms when it goes on sale late 2011. Renault says the four wheels and low centre of gravity provide stability and excellent handling.

Audi S5 Sportback and its red tuxedo

Audi’s new S5 Sportback made quite a big splash at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show. The car is confirmed to be entering production in the spring of 2010. It uses the same 328bhp supercharged V6 as the S4 saloon. The S5 Sportback likewise gets quattro permanent four-wheel drive and a seven-speed twin-clutch S-tronic gearbox as standard. To be offered as optional is Audi’s Sport differential, which actively distributes drive between the car’s rear wheels. Audi claims that the S5 Sportback would be able to accelerate to 62mph in 5.4sec and achieve 155mph maximum speed. The car is slated to arrive in the dealerships at the beginning of the next summer.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Preview

The latest generation W204 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been on sale since 2007 and is now due for its mid-cycle facelift. While the new model isn’t expected to be launched for several months still, images of the car momentarily appeared on the automaker’s official German website.

As the leaked images suggest, Mercedes’ designers haven’t mucked around with the stylish look of the current model, instead choosing to focus on only minor changes such as new bumper, headlight and wheel designs.

Besides the styling changes to the exterior, there will almost certainly be some updates to the interior and a number of mechanical changes. The latter will likely include modifications intended to improve the efficiency of the C-Class and boost Mercedes’ fleet wide fuel economy and emissions averages.

Some of the changes will likely include the addition of new BluTec diesel powertrains and engine stop-start systems, as well as more direct-injected models.