World’s Fastest Sports Cars – Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Review
Mercedes has long produced some of the most lavish and undoubtedly head-turning cars on the road. In recent years, the Mercedes SLR McLaren was known as one of the finest sports cars on the planet. Not a company to rest on their laurels, Mercedes quickly went to work again to produce the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to replace their award-winning model.
Sales are almost ready to begin for the SLS AMG in Europe, with the US market getting their taste in 2011. The price for this Benz is expected to be in excess of $200,000 USD, making it one of the more expensive sports cars on the road, although still behind other big names like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Mercedes immediately picked up a lot of recognition for this model when it was first unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany. Although it’s not technically out on the road yet, it is already the safety car for the Formula One Championship series, and it is also already featured in the PlayStation 3 videogame Gran Turismo 5.
The design of the SLS AMG is supposedly an update to one of the Mercedes’ all-time models in the 300SL Gullwing. The short body of this car and the passenger placement nearer the real axle make it both compact and easier to handle at higher speeds than other similar models. The wing door set-up is akin to Lamborghini’s (or Benz’s Gullwing) doors; and the doors are fully detachable.
Currently, Mercedes-Benz is planning on releasing four separate versions of the SLS AMG. The first is going to be a coupe-style vehicle with the abovementioned door features. A gold-colored version of this car made its global debut at the Dubai International Auto Show.
From 2011 to 2013, Mercedes will release their second version of the SLS AMG – a soft-top roadster with basic doors. There is also set to be an electric version of the car, although critics are already lining up to speak out against an electric sports car, as it cannot possibly perform as well.
The final version of the SLS AMG Mercedes plans to release is the Black Series. This will be the most daring of all four models, as the Black Series will be extremely trimmed down and is expected to have a reduced overall weight of 661 pounds.
As far as performance goes, the Mercedes SLS AMG is a powerful car for its size. The M 159 V8 engine has a displacement of 378.835 cubic inches and redlines at 7200 RPM. Handling the task of proper gearing will be a standard transmission – a 7-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission with a lightweight carbon construction and multiple driving modes.
This Mercedes can definitely get up and go. It’s able to reach a speed of 60 MPH in only 3.8 seconds, and it has an electronically limited speed of 197 MPH (although the car is able to go much faster in theory). Carbon-ceramic disc brakes with 40% weight reduction are in place to slow the Benz down.
Redesigned, Reengineered Mercedes-Benz C-Class for 2008
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has undergone an astonishing transformation for 2008. Offered in Sport and Luxury versions, the C-Class has been completely redesigned, setting the bar for entry level luxury sedans. The new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class adds unrivaled style, safety, and engineering, and features at a starting price of $32,425 for the C300 Sport.
The C300 Sport and C300 Luxury models are fitted with a 3.0 liter, 24 valve V6 engine making 228 hp at 6,000 rpm. Sport versions get a standard 6-speed manual, with the option for the 7-speed automatic. C300 Luxury models receive the 7-speed Touch Shift automatic as standard equipment.
The top of the line C350 Sport Sedan is equipped with a 3.5 liter, 268 hp V6 mated to the 7-speed automatic transmission. As far as gas mileage goes, the C350 has a 17 mpg in the city and a 25 mpg on highways. Standard features for the C350 also include AM/FM Radio with 100 watts and 8 speakers total; a CD Player; MP3 Player; and Sirius(R) satellite radio system with a 6-month subscription included (unavailable in Alaska or Hawaii).
A new Agility Control Sport Suspension improves handling dynamics and driving safety. Other safety features include six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and ESP stability control.
With excellent features, choosing between the Sport or Luxury version may simply be a question of preference for style. For drivers who would prefer comfort and elegance in a car, the Luxury is likely a better suit. For others who would like a little more edge, the Sport version may be more up their alley. The two versions can be distinguished by their interior trims and the look of the front grille.
The History of Mercedes Benz
Mercedes is known throughout the world as a symbol of wealth and class. Mercedes Benz cars are well known for its quality and durability. Did you know that all Mercedes cars are personally signed off to maintain its quality by top engineers in the automotive industry? The history of Mercedes Benz goes back almost 150 years ago back to when Gottlieb Daimler got together with Karl Benz to form this brand that we all know today.
More than a hundred years ago, the birth of two men set the history of Mercedes Benz. Gottlieb Daimler was born in Germany. A decade later, Karl Benz was born also in Germany. Interesting enough, there were 60 miles apart but they both shared a common interest. At a very young age, both were already exposed to machines but both had different approaches to building cars which no one believed at that time they will merge.
In the year 1886, Karl Benz made his first motorized tricycle which was soon followed by a four-wheeler in 1893. Daimler on the other hand built a horseless carriage in 1886 and two years later struck a deal with William Steinway to produce his horseless carriages in the United States. Steinway produced Mercedes cars and trucks for 3 years. This was a stepping stone for the history of Mercedes Benz.
The war in Germany, played a very important role to the birth of this prestigious car. With a downfall in economy, there were little or no fuel for cars and a high tax of 15% made automobile production disastrous and because of this, Benz sought for a strong partner considering DMG but was rejected initially. Then, the economy became worse and there were very few cars in the United States with only a third of cars produced by each Benz, Ford and DMG. Due to necessity, Benz and DMG signed an agreement of mutual interest while maintaining the individual identities.
The greatest achievement in the history of Mercedes is when both DMG and Benz merged. There was an insignia made for the merger of both companies. The insignia was a three pointed star with a laurel around it with the words Mercedes on the top and Benz at the bottom. The merge was very successful and production their cars rose to about 7000 automobiles in 1927. In 1930, the largest and most prestigious car was launched and Mercedes Benz remained one of the leading brand in automotive industry till today.