VATH Automobiltechnik has unveiled their new tuning program for the Mercedes E63 AMG. Dubbed the VÄTH V63RS, the car features a sinister exterior with a starless grille, a boot spoiler , a carbon fiber diffuser, and a carbon fiber front lip spoiler. Other styling tweaks include a suspension lowering module, which reduces the ride height by 30 mm, and 20-inch forged three-piece alloy wheels wrapped in high performance rubber.

It’s still in concept stage, but the 2009 300 SL Panamericana from Gullwing-America promises to update the original “with technology from 50 years later.” If built, it would have a 300 hp 4.4 liter V8 and five-speed ZF automatic transmission from BMW, while riding on 20×9.5 inch forged wheels. Cost would be around $150k.

I was never a huge fan of the last or current generation Mercedes Benz SL, but the new SL65 AMG Black Series is an entirely different story.

It’s extremely mean looking and has the balls to back it up. And with a $320,000 price tag, it better! At 4,122 pounds, the SL65 Black runs an upgraded twin-turbcharged 6.0-liter V12 capable of producing 661 hp at 5,400 rpm and 738 lb.-ft of torque.

With a five-speed automatic gearbox equipped with AMG’s speedshift software, the SL65 Black can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to a gearing-limited top speed of 199 mph.

Expect the SL65 AMG Black Series to debut in Paris, with sales beginning in the U.S. early next year.

Feast your eyes on the first Mercedes C230K Widebody Benz in the World! After two years of waiting for a job that should’ve been finished in two months… here she is! The sun came up for a couple hours after yesterday night and I had about 30 minutes after work to capture these before the light was all gone.

I’ll get some better shots hopefully during the weekend if it doesn’t rain (crossfingers). There are some interior parts that I’ve never talked about or even shown yet. ;)

The color is titanium gunmetal with a touch of blue. It’s a highly metallic color which results in this chrome-like finish in certain lights and angles.

Pics: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

An exceptional chronograph for a mythic automobile in a limited edition; the dream becomes accessible to almost everyone. After the incredible success of the first “SLR Chronograph by TAG Heuer“ Calibre 36-R at Baselworld 2004, TAG Heuer proudly launches the TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz, an exceptional new piece of watchmaking prowess. Destined for fans of exclusive automobiles and connoisseurs of high-end timepieces, the new SLR chronograph celebrates the long and fruitful alliance between TAG Heuer, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz.

The first SLR chronograph, produced in 2004, marked the next step in a partnership that has linked Mercedes-Benz with TAG Heuer since 1995 (and McLaren since 1985) These high-luxury brands share the same values dearly: performance, design, prestige, innovation, and, of course, a passion for car racing. These values find their roots in their mutual history and heritage. In 1955 Juan Manuel Fangio drove the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (Sports, Light, Racing) “Silver Arrow” around the hairpin turns of the “Mille Miglia,” one of the most breathtaking circuits in motor racing. Fangio was wearing on his wrist that day, just as every Formula One driver since, a TAG Heuer timepiece – called Heuer at the time.

From zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of over 300 km/h, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, launched in 2003, is one of the world’s most powerful and exclusive sports cars. Like the high-performance, luxury sports car that inspired it, the TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz is an audacious creation, blending Classicism and Avant-Garde, with an overall design that reflects the values of the “dream car”: power, performance, motor-racing spirit, innovation and elegance. Launched in a limited edition of 3,500 pcs, its pushbuttons are boldly positioned on the top of the case, ergonomically inclined at 45 degrees; a timekeeping scale is audaciously placed inside the case on a rotating, mechanic, unidirectional ring driven by a second crown at 9 o’clock. The exterior bezel, elegantly polished in black finish and engraved “SLR,” is thus able to feature a tachymeter, like those used by professional racers to calculate speed. To accentuate these innovations even further, the dial features superbly high-end finishings: ten double index diamond facets have been applied by hand one-by-one; two rhodium-plated rings elegantly circle the counters at 3 and 9 o’clock; and the hands have been diamond-tipped by hand.

The alliance of two brands of prestige – “TAG Heuer” and “Mercedes-Benz” – discretely adorn the dial in silver at 12 o’clock.
The chronograph’s classic alligator bracelet is boldly integrated inside the case, thus allowing for a perfectly streamlined profile on the wrist. The bracelet also features a safety buckle operated by pushbuttons and engraved with “SLR.”

A strong design (43mm diameter) for a powerful automobile, the TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz is a high-end creation of character reserved for admirers of the world’s most exclusive timepieces.

The world’s fastest open-top four-seater.

High technology derived from motorsport, the handling dynamism of the racetrack, a sensational visual appearance and the utmost exclusivity – the new Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet is guaranteed to make the hearts of true car lovers beat faster. A limited edition of 100, the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet is capable of a fulminating performance with its 428-kW/582-hp AMG 5.5-litre, supercharged V8, a newly developed AMG sports suspension, optional sports tyres and aerodynamics refined in the wind tunnel: this high-performance AMG sports car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited). This makes the new high-performance AMG Cabriolet the world’s fastest open-top four-seater.

The great demand for the CLK DTM AMG Coupé, which was likewise a limited edition of 100 and rapidly sold out, provided the initial impetus for the development of the powerful high-performance AMG Cabriolet. It was also modelled on the most successful car in the German Touring Car Masters – the racing version of the Mercedes-Benz CLK with which Bernd Schneider was able to win the DTM championship in the 2003 season. The equipment of the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet also takes its lead from the racetrack: AMG sports bucket seats with leather/Alcantara upholstery guarantee optimal lateral support, while the buckskin-covered, oval AMG racing steering wheel and the AMG instrument cluster with its 360 km/h speedometer scale lend an unmistakable motorsport touch to the interior.

The exterior design of the new CLK DTM AMG already suggests outstanding performance at the level of thoroughbred sports cars, and demonstrates the transfer of top-class technology from the world of motor racing: a deep-drawn front apron with large air inlets, prominently flared wheel arches, 19 and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and the diffuser-look rear end with its aerofoil are reminiscent of the successful CLK racing tourers from the DTM. Numerous body components are made from particularly strong and lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CRP), for example the bonnet, doors, front wings, flared rear wheel arches and aerofoil.

Performance at the level of a super sports car

The Cabriolet is powered by the supercharged AMG eight-cylinder engine, which is familiar from other AMG cars but has been specifically reengineered with modifications to the crankcase, pistons, valve gear, cooling, intake manifold, supercharger and exhaust system. The AMG V8 engine generates a maximum output of 428 kW/582 hp at 6100 rpm from a displacement of 5439 cubic centimetres, while the maximum torque of 800 Newton metres is available at 3500 rpm.

Instant response to movements of the accelerator, a powerful surge of torque, exhilarating liveliness and an unmistakable V8 sound are the particular strengths of this ultra-powerful, supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 unit, which gives the new CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet the sort of performance levels found in super sports cars. the 100 km/h mark is reached from standstill in just 4.0 seconds, and the top speed is 300 km/h (electronically limited) – no other open-top four-seater in regular production can match these figures. A racing touch is also provided by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission: the five gears are changed by briefly pulling the shift paddles on the steering wheel, with extremely short shift times guaranteeing a particularly sporty and direct driving experience.

Newly developed torsion suspension, limited-slip differential

The suspension is fully the equal of the high-performance engine. In line with usual motor racing practice, a height-adjustable torsion suspension system is used. The rear axle has been redesigned with completely new spring links and wheel carriers, as well as reinforced drive shafts. The usual rubber elements are replaced by uni-ball joints on both axles to produce outstandingly precise handling. A multi-disc limited slip differential on the rear axle ensures optimal traction, while acceleration skid control (ASR) and the Electronic Stability Program ESP® have been adapted to suit the increased performance potential.

Optional Dunlop sports tyres for particularly good grip

Outstanding road contact is provided by the optional sports tyres by the DTM motorsport partner Dunlop; these size 225/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 20 (rear). These tyres have particularly good grip and are fitted to multi-piece 9 x 19 and 10 x 20-inch AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. These elegant spokes are not only an eye-catching feature, but also ensure effective ventilation of the brakes. Superb deceleration is provided by the newly developed AMG high-performance composite braking system with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and four-piston fixed callipers at the rear.

Functional racing atmosphere in the interior

The interior of the CLK DTM AMG is characterised by a functional motor racing atmosphere, with a judicious touch of the exclusivity expected of a genuine AMG high-performance car. AMG sports bucket seats of ultra-light CRP with leather/ Alcantara upholstery provide the occupants with outstanding lateral support, while the AMG sports steering wheel with its oval rim is covered in high-grip buckskin and gives the driver an excellent feel for the vehicle. Like the instrument cluster, the door linings and other interior components are of lightweight CRP. The silver-coloured shift gate, starter button and four rocker switches are eye-catching features on the redesigned centre console.

Despite a performance potential worthy of the racetrack, the CLK DTM AMG has all the virtues typical of any Mercedes model: everyday suitability, durability, safety, quality and standards of service to satisfy even the most demanding requirements. The fast AMG Coupé is hand-assembled in close cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and H.W.A. GmbH. The latter is one of the most successful touring car racing teams, and is also responsible for assembly and operation of the current C-Class DTM cars. The first of the limited-edition CLK DTM AMG Cabriolets will be delivered to customers during the first half of 2006. Mercedes-AMG GmbH is responsible for marketing, sales and service.

Text & photos courtesy DaimlerChrysler AG.

Exclusive, individual and powerful: These three attributes best describe the brand-new Brabus tuning program for the new Mercedes M-Class, model series W 164. Naturally Brabus (www.brabus.com) backs all components with the unique Brabus Tuning Warranty® of three years up to 100,000 kilometers (see Brabus warranty conditions as of June 2003).

Brabus offers the world’s most extensive engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles, which naturally also includes the new M-Class. For the CDI Turbodiesel models the Brabus powerplant engineers have developed the Brabus PowerXtra performance kits, which are TÃœV-certified even for vehicles equipped with a particulate filter. Models tuned with PowerXtra performance kits meet the same stringent emission limits as their production counterparts.

For the top-of-the-line diesel model ML 320 CDI Brabus designed the performance kit D6 (III). It provides a maximum power output of 272 hp / 200 kW and an enormous peak torque of 590 Nm at just 1,600 rpm.

The Brabus engine tuning program for the gasoline models ranges from the B7 performance kit, which boosts power of the ML 350 to 287 hp / 211 kW, to the 445-hp / 327-kW Brabus 6.1 S displacement engine for the ML 500. With this engine and its impressive peak torque of 635 Nm at 4,500 rpm the 4×4 accelerates in just 5.5 seconds from 0 – 100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 262 km/h.

All Brabus engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil. Custom-calibrated Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust systems with four chromed tailpipes are available for all M-Class engine variants.

For customizing the appearance of the new M-Class and to add further exclusivity Brabus offers an innovative and attractive appearance package. The front bumper is refined with the Brabus off-road molding, whose high-gloss chromed elements can be combined either with a chrome-like surface or with body color painting. The 4×4 gains further character with custom-tailored auxiliary Brabus high beams and fog lamps.

The sill areas can be optimized aerodynamically with Brabus side sills. Entrance lights integrated into the sills combine elegant design and added safety: The entrance lights are activated by pulling on a door handle or by using the standard keyless-entry remote.

The rear of the M-Class is refined with the Brabus off-road molding, which is available in the same color combinations as the front molding. It creates the perfect backdrop for the Brabus exhaust system with four tailpipes.

The exclusive Brabus looks are also characterized by the custom-tailored Brabus Monoblock wheels. The range of TÃœV-tested tire/wheel combinations starts with multi-piece Brabus Monoblock IV 10Jx18 light-alloy wheels mounted with tires in size 255/55 ZR 18 in all four corners.The SUV can also be equipped with 20-inch diameter multi-piece Brabus Monoblock VI wheels in size 9.5Jx20 with 265/45 ZR 20 or 275/40 ZR 20 tires.

The largest wheels from Brabus for the M-Class are king-size Brabus Monoblock VI 10Jx22 light-alloy wheels. The fully polished one-piece wheels feature six striking powerful double spokes and offer maximum strength and durability. Brabus technology partners Pirelli and Yokohama provide the optimal tires up to size 265/35 ZR 22 in front and size 295/30 ZR 22 on the rear axle.

The Brabus suspension components are specifically calibrated to these tire/wheel combinations. For vehicles with conventional steel springs Brabus offers a choice of sport springs for a ride-height lowering of some 30 millimeters or a sporty yet comfortable sport suspension. For M-Class models with AIRMATIC air suspension the Brabus suspension engineers developed a special control module that lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters.

To further optimize the active safety of the new SUV Brabus offers high-performance brake systems in various configurations. The top-of-the-line version features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle in combination with vented and perforated 380 x 36-millimeter discs. Together with six-piston fixed calipers on 355 x 28-mm brake discs in the rear they provide stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars.

Another Brabus specialty for the new Mercedes M-Class are exclusive interior options: Stainless-steel sill plates with illuminated Brabus logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and leather-clad door trim elements are available upgrades to the stock equipment as are exclusive Brabus fully leather interiors masterfully crafted from combinations of the finest Mastik and Alcantara leathers. The Brabus electronics specialists developed a custom-tailored multimedia system for the Mercedes M-Class, whose various equipment levels can be integrated stylishly into the interior of the SUV.