Tag: cars (Page 3 of 3)

ON DISPLAY: The First-Ever Rolls Royce Exhibition at BMW Museum

March 19, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The first ever Rolls-Royce Motor Cars exhibition at the BMW Museum in Munich officially opens tomorrow. The unique exhibition, entitled ‘Strive for Perfection’, celebrates the tenth year of the renaissance of the Rolls‑Royce marque under BMW Group ownership. The exhibition also commemorates yet another key milestone in the history of the Rolls-Royce brand – the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Sir Henry Royce.

The displays tell the story of the world’s leading super-luxury goods manufacturer in chronological detail; from the meeting of the company’s founding fathers, Sir Henry Royce and the Honourable Charles Stewart Rolls in 1904, through to the present day.

Situated in the landmark BMW Museum bowl and covering more than 1,000 square metres over five floors, the exhibition includes 15 original Rolls‑Royce motor cars dating from 1907 to 2012. The collection includes the famous Rolls-Royce 10EX, one of the most significant experimental cars in the world, built in 1926 to demonstrate the performance potential of the ‘New Phantom’. Sir Henry Royce engineered and drove 10EX himself in his relentless pursuit of automotive perfection.

The historic cars are complemented by beautiful descriptive displays, with themes including coachbuilding, craftmanship, Bespoke design, engineering and advertising. The narrative includes historic displays of the famous Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and the ‘Pantheon’ radiator grille, both unmistakable icons associated with Rolls-Royce motor cars.

The exhibition is accompanied by displays of timeless craftsmanship from other British luxury manufacturers, including men’s and women’s fashion, leather goods, time pieces, shoes, silver and glass ware.

“This outstanding and historic exhibition proudly celebrates the tenth anniversary of the renaissance of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars under BMW Group ownership”, said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer. “Our contemporary motor cars present a unique blend of German expertise and technology and outstanding British craftsmanship and design. It is therefore appropriate that this key moment in the story of this Great British manufacturing success story is told in the BMW Museum, an iconic location which is both the ‘soul and the memory’ of the BMW Group.”

DESERT STORM: Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6×6 Near-Series Show Vehicle

March 15, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Stuttgart. Superior 6×6 all-wheel drive technology, AMG V8 biturbo power and looks that leave no room for any doubt: the Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6×6 near-series show vehicle is an off-roader which represents the last word in forward-thrusting power far from the beaten track. 400 kW (544 hp), a 6×6 drive, low-range ratio, five differential locks, portal axles, tyre pressure control system and a special chassis allow this pick-up to make good progress in environments where the concept of individual mobility normally bites the dust as soon as the road ends. But anyone who imagines that this is a Dakar-Rally-style vehicle is on the wrong track. Thanks to the wealth of interior enhancements from the AMG stable, the occupants can enjoy the highest possible degree of comfort, even when negotiating the worst that the combined forces of topography and meteorology can throw at them. The exclusive touches even extend to the load area which is finished in solid bamboo.

The Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6×6 near-series show vehicle brings together the best of three worlds. The latest, revised G-Class series-production models lend the cultured off-roader the effortless superiority and refinement of a vehicle which has dominated the off-road scene for 34 years. They are also the source of the up-to-date interior concept with the contemporary dashboard featuring impressive new instruments and a large, central colour display. Unreserved robustness as well as practicality and a can-do attitude to off-road driving are the traits inherited from the military and the commercial G-Class models. Finally, the renowned Mercedes-AMG luxury and performance division contributes the superior engine technology and the interior which is as luxurious as it is comfortable.

6×6 technology: to the ends of the earth – and beyond

A look at the key data of the G 63 AMG 6×6 makes it clear that this model’s off-road world begins at a point where anything less than a vehicle with caterpillar tracks would have to give up the fight. Six driven wheels, an off-road low-range ratio in the transfer case, portal axles, five differential locks which can be engaged on the move and a tyre-pressure control system which allows the pressure in the huge 37-inch tyres to be adjusted in record time while the vehicle is running – all these are features which one seeks in vain in conventional cross-country vehicles. Together, they ensure that the G 63 AMG 6×6 has driving dynamics which are more than a match for the toughest terrain. As a result, the show vehicle is able to storm up the highest sand dunes with ease while sand tracks hold no fears thanks to its unshakable directional stability. Rocky terrain is negotiated with all the agility of a mountain goat; traversing a river becomes almost child’s play thanks to the impressive fording capability of one metre. And anyone exploring the on-road performance is certain to be impressed by the catapult-like acceleration of this 3.85-tonne pick-up.

Despite its unique drive technology, the show vehicle does not actually represent a new development in terms of technology. After 34 years of G-Class production, there is such a large array of “G” parts to draw on that the G 63 AMG 6×6 uses almost exclusively series-production components under the skin. A case in point is the drive train: the AMG V8 biturbo engine with 400 kW (544 hp) and 760 newton metres of torque, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission paired with the front drive system from the G 63 AMG and a rear twin drive train from the 6×6 version which has already proven its reliability in service with users such as the Australian army. Plus the ingenious portal axles, which also have military origins, here making their debut in a civilian vehicle.

Independent and neutral: the chassis

The chassis is largely based on the current production configuration, the only difference being that the helical springs and dampers have been adjusted to take account of the changed characteristics of the three-axle model. For the springs, too, the engineers were able to draw on the comprehensive array of “G” parts, which includes no fewer than 15 different spring rates. While the front axle takes over the reinforced springs from an armoured special-protection variant, the first rear axle has been given a significantly harder spring rate and the second rear axle a softer one. This set-up, together with the rally-proven, adjustable gas-pressure shock absorbers, results in a perfect symbiosis of sporty dynamism and composed comfort, on or off the road.

Macho outside – S-Class inside

Visually, the G 63 AMG 6×6 pickup leaves no room for any doubt as to its true calling. The large tyres on the three axles, the huge ground clearance, the height of almost 2.30 metres and the width of some 2.10 metres as well as the clean-cut lines of the pick-up immediately inspire respect. Like the G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG models before it, the super off-roader with its 5.87-metre-long body has the characteristic AMG brand face with the “twin blade” radiator grille. Other visual highlights include the use of elegant carbon fibre for the integrated LED light strips above the windscreen as well as for the large flared wheel arches while the rear load area section has a distinctive stainless-steel roll-over bar. The load area, which is lined with particularly tough and durable bamboo, can be accessed by means of a tailboard.

Sporty luxury, the hallmark of AMG, is the defining characteristic of the interior. The G 63 AMG 6×6 welcomes its occupants aboard with an exclusive ambience of classic red or light brown designo leather with contrasting topstitching and attractive diamond-pattern quilting. The four electrically adjustable individual seats are heated and ventilated. The rear compartment is equipped with a special centre console while the roof liner and pillars are finished in an Alcantara^® covering. The rear panel is trimmed in leather.

Graz is the centre of the “G” world

The two G 63 AMG 6×6 vehicles which have been built to date were developed with Mercedes-Benz at the helm. The Graz-based Mercedes-Benz G-Class development department is the centre of competence for all “G” projects and is responsible for development and series support of the legendary cross-country vehicle. Furthermore, Graz in Austria has been the production site for all civilian and commercial G-Class vehicles since 1979. The response to the near-series show vehicle will determine if and when the Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6×6 enters small-series production.

IN EXHIBITION: Ferrari Supercar: Technology. Design. Myth.

March 11, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Maranello, 8th March 2013 – Today saw the official inauguration at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello of the “Ferrari Supercar. Technology. Design. Myth” exhibition which includes the new LaFerrari, unveiled just a couple of days ago at the Geneva Motor Show, as well as all of the other limited edition special series cars that helped establish the Prancing Horse legend.

Opened by Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, “Ferrari Supercar. Technology. Design. Myth” retraces the story of all of the limited edition special series models built by Ferrari, starting with the 250 GTO, including an example of the 1964 version, and continuing with the 1984 GTO, the F40, the F50 and the Enzo, all the way up to the new model which has been named the LaFerrari as it epitomises the sweeping excellence for which the Maranello marque is renowned.

Parallel to the limited edition road cars will be the Formula 1 cars that inspired Ferrari’s design in various eras, as well as special track and competition-oriented models, such as the GTO Evoluzione, the F40 Competizione, the 599XX and the FXX.

A large section of the exhibition is devoted to the development of the LaFerrari, illustrating both its technical content and styling. The entire process from the car’s initial conception to the approval of the final car is traced, in fact, and visitors also have the opportunity to see two full-scale models in addition to the various stages the car went through in its design and development.

Information

The exhibition runs until September 30th. The Museum is open to the public between the hours of 9.30 and 18.00 until May 1st after which date it closes at 19.00. Tickets can be booked online at www.museoferrari.com, as can guided tours at museo@ferrari.com.

Special evenings at the Museum can also be booked by private and corporate groups on request at: eventimuseo@ferrari.com. The Skira publisher has created a large and wonderfully rich catalogue especially for the exhibition. It is on sale in the Museum in

Maranello.

THE LIMITED EDITION SPECIAL SERIES CARS

250 GTO

Probably the most famous of all Ferrari cars, the 250 GTO was built from 1962 to 1964.

With just 36 vehicles produced – all of which are still extant – the 250 GTO ruled on the track and on the road, winning the GT Manufacturers’ International Championship three years in a row. GTO stands for the category it raced in: in order to compete, a minimum of

100 vehicles had to be built in a year. When the Federation granted homologation as an evolution of the short-wheelbase 250 GT, it automatically became the 250 GTO, i.e., the homologated GT (GT Omologata).

It proved to be invincible with its 2953 cc V12, an evolution of the Colombo engine. It featured 300 hp, high torque even at low rpm and a 5-speed transmission, which represented a major innovation for the period. Another two key factors that contributed to the success of the 250 GTO was its dry weight of just 880 kg, and its superior agility.

Today its value has rocketed to over $20 million.

GTO

Designed for “Group B” races, the GTO project dates back to 1983. The 308 was used as the starting point for the project. The steel chassis was reinforced and work was done on thewheelbase, tracks and wheel size. A radical approach was taken for the twin-turbo V8 engine, with two heat exchangers, just like a F1 car, and the aerodynamics were improved by adding large spoilers. The car was unveiled in 1984 as a road-going vehicle as, in themeantime, the FIA had abandoned Group B racing. It was a resounding success, and instead of the planned 200 vehicles, production reached 272 units (which is nonetheless a small volume). This makes it rare and valuable today.

F40

The unexpected success of the GTO revealed the huge potential for on-road cars built using avant-garde technologies developed for racing. Unveiled at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show, the car’s minimalist passenger compartment features only what is strictly needed for driving.

The chassis is made from steel incorporating composite materials and Kevlar. Characterised by the large rear spoiler, the bodywork is made from composite materials. The 478 hp twinturbo engine – 80 hp more than the GTO – allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, with a maximum speed of 324 km/h – simply phenomenal for the time. Although it was announced that only 400 vehicles would be produced, the success was so overwhelming that Ferrari had to build 1315 cars over five years!

F50

The 50 in the name of this model represents the 50th anniversary of Ferrari, which fell in 1997. The model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995 and was designed at the same time as the last Ferrari sport prototype to be built in Maranello: the 333 SP. The inspiration for this new milestone in Ferrari technology came once again from the world of F1: a perfect combination of a carbon-fibre bodyshell and a V12 engine, just like a singleseater. In addition, just like a F1 car, the chassis integrated the engine as a stressed member. The vehicle’s design was extremely original for the time, and features a removable hardtop that can be lodged on board. With only 349 vehicles produced, the F50 is much sought-after by collectors.

Enzo Ferrari

The Enzo dates back to the years of consecutive victories in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ F1 World Championships. It was 2002, and the name of the new model served as a promise of excellence. Even the styling was inspired by F1 and the Enzo was the first road car with a manettino selector on the steering wheel to adjust the handling depending on the use of the car and road conditions. The lightweight and compact V12 engine and the vehicle dynamics systems react to inputs from the manettino, just like on the single-seaters. The system was developed from the technique used by Schumacher to change the car setup in every bend, requiring commands capable of adjusting car setup several times during the same lap. This is how the modern F1 steering wheel and the manettino, as the team and driver called it, were developed.

THE OTHER CARS IN THE EXHIBITION

599XX Evo

The 599 is not officially a supercar, but the XX version definitely belongs to this elite category, for both technical and symbolic reasons. Ferrari has an extraordinary tradition of creating high-performance front-engine vehicles. The 250 GTO is the most significant of these, but it is not the only one. It is interesting to see two berlinettas – both so technologically advanced and with outstanding track performance – side by side, separated by 50 years. At its debut, the 599XX broke the lap record on the famous and challenging Nordschleife, the 22.8 km version of the Nürgburgring track.

Technically speaking, the 599XX is an example of excellence, featuring a 730 hp aspirated V12 engine, with exceptional handling thanks to the weight distribution – 47% on the front and 53% on the rear – and to the sophisticated electronic dynamic controls system. The aerodynamic shape enhanced by the mobile rear spoiler contributes to achieving this outstanding performance. It was built specifically for track use.

GTO Evoluzione

The extraordinary commercial success enjoyed by the GTO instantly revealed to Ferrari the huge opportunities afforded by placing an extremely sporty road car at its clients’ disposal. This planted the seed for the concept of the F40, the GTO Evoluzione which, however, never actually raced and remained a development model.

F40 Competizione

The F40’s design and characteristics absolutely begged for a track version to be developed. The Ferrari importers that traditionally took part in endurance racing found the answer to their dreams in the evolution mooted by specialist Michelotto which had already made important contributions on the racing development of the likes of the 308 GTB, for instance. The car first saw the light of day in 1989 but its development continued until the end of the1990s yielding record results.

FXX

Ferrari launched a uniquely innovative technical collaboration programme for its most loyal and enthusiastic clients centring around the prototype FXX. The latter car was the most advanced GT ever created by Maranello and its mission was to involve the marque’s most valued owners as Client-Test Drivers.

ON THE BLOCK: Sir Elton John’s Ferrari 512 TR at Coy’s Spring Classics

March 8, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A Ferrari Testarossa formerly owned by Sir Elton John with only 2,100 miles on the clock is to be sold by international auction house COYS at their Spring Classics sale in London, next week.

The 512 Testarossa, which was purchased new by Sir Elton John, is one of 40 cars that will go under the hammer at the Royal Horticultural Society, Lindley Hall, on Tuesday March 12^th.

The car only covered a remarkable 1812 miles while in his ownership but was always subject to an annual service.

It is well known that Elton drove all 28 of the cars in his collection on a regular basis, and gave rides to many other dignitaries and celebrities before they were auctioned off by Christie’s in 2001. The 512 on offer here sold for £98,000 at the time and passed to its current owner.

Having covered a mere 2,100 miles from new, this 512 TR is still reported to be in pristine condition. Finished in the stunning Rosso Corsa with complementary beige interior, it comes with a complete service history and a letter of ownership authenticity from Sir Elton. Most recently this year it has been serviced at Meridian Ferrari – where it has had its cambelts replaced. This Ferrari is estimated at £90,000- £110,000.

Chris Routledge, the Managing Director of COYS said: “This must be the lowest mileage 512 TR available on the market today, with exceptional ownership provenance. With Ferrari prices continuing to rise, this car offers the opportunity for a real blue chip investment. Unique.”

The sale will also feature two Ferrari Dino’s, arguably one of the most beautiful Ferraris built to date. The first example is a 1969 Ferrari Dino 206 GT, one of only 152 models produced, which was once owned by Canadian film director David Cronenberg and is estimated at £180,000 to £210,000. The second model is a 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS in the distinctive “French racing blue”, estimated at £170,000 to £180,000. This Ferraris are becoming one of the most sought after examples of this marque and would be a sensible investment for the future.

Another important collectors’ car going under the hammer includes a rare and exclusive 1974 E-Type Commemorative, one of the fifty special roadsters built to mark the end of the model’s production in 1974. This iconic Jaguar, with only 25,950 miles from new, is estimated at £115,000 to £135,000 and would be an unrepeatable opportunity to become a member of the most exclusive E-type club.

Additionally, in the year of the 100^th anniversary of the marque, the auction will feature a 1975 Aston Martin V8 estimated at £55,000 to £65,000. The car is finished in metallic blue with a blue hide interior and has been held in pristine, original and un-molested condition throughout. It even comes with an extensive service history and MoT certificates dating back to 1984.

COYS ‘Spring Classics’ auction will also include a general mix of pre and post war sports and touring cars. Further details will be published on the website – www.coys.co.uk.

IN TECH: Apple and Ferrari Collaborate on Siri Eyes Free Voice Command Technology

March 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Maranello, 7 March 2013 – Apple and Ferrari are two top brands, known worldwide beyond their fields. Now they started working together on products. The first result of this collaboration debuted at the Geneva Car Show. The FF, the first Ferrari with 4-wheel-drive, as of today offers voice command to the infotainment system through Siri Eyes Free. Furthermore, passengers in the rear seats of the FF can enjoy films, play the latest video games or navigate on the Internet, thanks to two iPad Mini units integrated in each backrest. When Apple Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Service Eddy Cue joined Ferrari’s board of directors last November, Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said that his experience would become very useful: We’ve now seen the first results in Geneva.

IN HISTORICS: Silverstone Classic Honours 50 Years of Porsche 911

March 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

It’s 50 years since the iconic Porsche 911 was first introduced to the public at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show and this year’s Silverstone Classic will pay homage to the evergreen sportscar’s golden anniversary with a very fitting on-track tribute.

On Sunday 28 July a magnificent parade of 911 Porsche 911s will take to the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit to mark this historic milestone in the life of what’s unquestionably one of the world’s most celebrated, revered and distinguished automotive creations of all times. Over the ages more than 820,000 have been built making the 911 the world’s most successful sportscar.

The event organisers are working closely with the Porsche Club GB to ensure this very special parade highlights five decades of glorious 911 heritage and evolution by including the most famous models from past and present generations including many legendary Carrera, RS, RSR, GT, Speedster, Targa and Turbo variants. To this day the idolised 911 is also one of the most popular and victorious competition cars ever created and the dazzling on-track pageant will also feature a plethora of winners from both racing and rallying.

Peter Bull, Vice Chairman of Porsche Club GB said: “Every member of the Club is so proud of the Porsche marque and the 911 is something that we all revere in all its forms and age. We are delighted to be able to showcase the 911 in this way and are especially grateful for the Silverstone Classic to allow this parade to go ahead. It’s a very special year indeed!”

Nick Hine, Chairman of Porsche Club GB added: “Achieving 911, Porsche 911s on track at Silverstone all at the same time, initially seemed an ambitious target. However, there has been strong interest from 911 owners from all over the world and we already have nearly 400 confirmed participants. Fifty years of 911 evolution, combined with famous drivers from Porsche’s illustrious racing history taking part, mean that the fight for pole position at Silverstone, has never been quite so strong!”

This summer’s spectacular 911 x 911 parade – which will be raising much needed funds for the Hope for Tomorrow cancer charity – is the latest in a succession of glittering circuit processions staged alongside the huge, action-packed race programme at recent Silverstone Classics. In 2010 a similar 50th anniversary parade of 767 E-Type Jaguars established a new Guinness World Record. Last year in was the turn of Ferrari when an unprecedented gathering of 60 scarlet F40s took to the track in a memorable tribute marking 25 years of the world’s first 200mph supercar.

“Jaguar, Ferrari and now Porsche… it’s hard to think of three more illustrious or historic motoring marques all celebrating key milestones at the Silverstone Classic,” enthused Nick Wigley, Event Director. “Importantly these amazing parades allow owners and enthusiasts to join the party and play their very own part in such special festivities. It’s a fantastic opportunity that I’m sure no one lucky enough to have a 911 will want to miss.”

Those wanting to participate should contact the Porsche Club GB office either on 01608 652911 or via email: silverstone911@porscheclubgb.com.

Tickets for the Silverstone Classic must be purchased in advance and ‘Early Bird’ discounts are available to those booking before the end of March. Continuing the event’s hugely popular and widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, all tickets include free entrance to racing paddocks, trackside grandstands and live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings. Prices for adults start from just £30 (plus fees) with considerable savings on offer for festival-goers spending the full action-packed weekend at Silverstone, as well as special packages for car clubs.

Full details are available on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

IN THE NEWS: McLaren Unveils 12C Spider at Pebble Beach

August 20, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

(August 20, 2012 – Monterey, Calif.) McLaren Automotive showed the second model in its growing range of high performance sports cars, the new 12C Spider, for the first time in public at this weekend’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The 12C Spider was revealed at the prestigious Gooding & Company Auction preview in Monterey, Calif. on Friday, August 17, then displayed on the Concept Car Lawn throughout the weekend.

The 12C Spider is lightweight with a high-powered engine which boasts 616 bhp, a unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) folding roof system that can be lowered or raised on the move, and a carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C coupe. Aside from shared architecture, the 12C and 12C Spider share a unique combination of spectacular performance with remarkable usability.

The new 12C Spider will be priced from $265,750* in the U.S. and is now available to order from McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for early next year.

The 12C Spider, in new volcano yellow paint, was dramatically revealed with the drop of a Kabuki in front of a crowd of VIP guests attending Gooding & Company’s preview. McLaren received much more interest over the Pebble Beach weekend where the 12C Spider continued to be displayed along with the 12C GT3 Can-Am edition concept.

Best-in-class performance

The 12C Spider’s impressive 616 bhp output from its bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine is transmitted to the car’s rear driven wheels through a 7-Speed SSG dual-clutch transmission, which itself provides lightning-fast gear changes through rocker-mounted shift paddles affixed to the rear of the steering wheel. A clear view of the 12C Spider’s lightweight M838T power plant is available through a glass screen positioned behind the tonneau cover.

Vehicle dynamics technology including Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the unique McLaren Airbrake combine to offer sublime comfort in all driving conditions; and yet deliver race car performance and handling on track. An overview of 12C Spider performance compared with the 12C is below:

	2013MP4-12C Spider* (625 PS/616 bhp)	2013MP4-12C * (625 PS/616 bhp)
0-62 mph (0-100 kph)	3.1 sec	3.1 sec
0-100mph (0-161kph)	6.1 sec	6.0 sec
0-124 mph (0-200 kph)	9.0 sec	8.8 sec
¼ mile (400m)	10.8 sec @ 134 mph (216 kph)	10.6 sec @ 136 mph (219 kph)
V Max	204 mph (329 kph)	207 mph (333 kph)
CO2g/km	279	279

Technical specification highlights

McLaren is a carbon fiber pioneer. In 1981 McLaren gave a debut to a carbon fiber monocoque chassis in Formula 1 with the launch of the MP4/1 race car, and in 1992 the legendary McLaren F1 introduced the advanced composite technology to the world of road cars. It was natural then for McLaren Automotive engineers to apply its carbon fiber expertise when developing the ground-breaking one-piece molded chassis of the 12C. Its 165 lb ‘MonoCell’ requires no additional strengthening for it to feature in the 12C Spider. The result is a sports car almost identical to its fixed roof equivalent in performance terms, and weighing only 88 lbs more with the addition of a convertible roof system.

Behind driver and passenger sits a rear windscreen which may also be electronically lowered and raised. With the roof lowered this acts as wind deflector to minimise disturbance to the 12C Spider’s occupants. With the roof raised the rear window can be lowered, allowing the exhilarating noise of the 12C Spider’s V8 twin turbo engine to flood the cabin on demand at any time.

With the roof raised the area under the tonneau can be used as an additional luggage area which provides useful storage space. Bespoke luggage (two soft bags) has been designed specifically to fit this space and is supplied as standard with every 12C Spider.

The 12C Spider also features a passive Roll Over Protection System to maximize occupant safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect both driver and passenger.

IN THE NEWS: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

June 6, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Enhanced driving dynamics

The new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT boasts enhanced driving dynamics and even better on-track performance. With an enhanced maximum output of 583 hp (435 kW), a re-calibrated AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and the redeveloped AMG Adaptive Suspension, the new SLS AMG GT – which is available both as a Coupé and a Roadster – has raised the bar even higher. As a further highlight, a new optional AMG designo STYLE interior package is now also available for the 2013 SLS AMG GT. 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.”

For MY2013 in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz will now exclusively offer the new SLS AMG GT. Available as a Coupe and Roadster, it will go on sale in mid-November 2012, replacing previous SLS AMG versions.

Masculine and decidedly athletic the new SLS AMG GT is distinguished by darkened headlamp and tail light lenses a unique wheel color and red-painted brake calipers. The wing-shaped cross fins and the star recess in the radiator grille are given a new high-gloss black finish, as do the exterior mirrors and the fins on the hood and front fenders. The AMG logo on the right of the trunk lid also features the additional letters “GT” to clearly identify this new model.

One look at the technical specifications highlights the fact that AMG successfully elevated the dynamic profile of the SLS AMG GT even further. The maximum output of the AMG 6.3-liter V8 front mid-engine has been increased to 583 hp at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is maintained at 479 lb/ft at 4750 rpm. These changes yield a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.6 (est) seconds with a max speed of 197mph (electronically limted).

When changing gears manually via the alloy shift paddles on the AMG Performance steering wheel, gear change are executed crisply and markedly quicker than previously – all of which is ideal when striving to achieve ambitious lap times on a closed race circuit.

These changes in shift reaction time and feel provide an even more emotional experience for the driver. The automatic double-declutching function when downshifting is also more pronounced in the SLS AMG GT. Due to a modified engine mapping profile that changes the engine torque delivered in manual mode, the shift procedure is even quicker than previously – and is accompanied by some passionate acoustic feedback for the driver. Overall, the optimization of the dual clutch transmission complements the sportier focus of the SLS AMG GT perfectly.

New AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension
It is not just the enhancements to AMG’s M159 6.3-liter V8 and the optimized dual clutch transmission which are responsible for increasing the driving dynamics of the SLS AMG GT. The newly developed AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension also enhances the vehicle’s sportiness. In the case of the SLS AMG GT, Mercedes-AMG has combined the sophisticated suspension layout of twin aluminium wishbones all round with specially tuned variable, electronically controlled dampers. Compared with the AMG Adaptive Suspension from the 2012 Model Year SLS AMG, the new AMG Adapative Performance Suspension for the SLS AMG GT features stiffer and more
aggressive spring/damper tuning for a more dynamic feel.

“Sport” mode is tuned 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 Adaptive Performance Suspension reacts best to fluctuations in the road surface with a tendency towards lower/softer damper force levels. The resulting effect is the best possible performance by effectively preventing body roll for enhanced 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 is able to achieve faster lap times on a race track.

“Sport plus” provides higher/firmer 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 Adaptive 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 tires on the front and 295/30 R 20 tires on the rear, fitted to weight-optimized AMG forged light-alloy wheels featuring a 10-spoke design and that are inlayed in a matte black finish and with machine polished high-sheen finish on the face of the wheel. Three additional optional AMG light-alloy wheel styles/colors are also available.

Interior with consistently sporty highlights
The interior of the SLS AMG GT features a distinctivly sporty design: combining the high-quality, exclusive ambience of a true AMG model with the emotional atmosphere of a racing car. The sports seats covered in designo leather, feature center sections finished in Alcantara® and are accented with an embossed AMG crest on the head restraint. Complimenting the styling design of the seats, Alcantara® is also found as an accent on the door panels. These premium materials are combined with red seat belts, red trimmed floormats and red contrast stitching thoughout the interior on the sports seats, center console, dashboard, and door panels.

The high-gloss black trim on the center console and door panels perfectly match the new high-gloss black finish found on the trim rings of the air vents and the real metal insert on the AMG Performance steering wheel. The steering wheel has been enhanced as well with side grips finished in Alcantara®, a flat bottom section and now features a new red 12 o’clock marking for easier orientation while driving. The instrument cluster of the SLS GT has also been visually enhanced with new black dials and a black accent surrounding the LED shift lights.

AMG designo STYLE interior package for all SLS AMG GT
Also now available with the introduction of the SLS AMG GT, is a new, highly exclusive option in the form of the AMG designo STYLE package. This expressive option is available in three different color combinations in both single and two-tone finishes. It comprises a distinctive upholstery design featuring full designo leather with a contrast stitching and a diamond quilt design on the seats and door panel inserts.

Other highlights include designo leather for the entire dashboard, the beltlines, door armrests and the handrest on the centre console. AMG floor mats are in black with porcelain leather edging and the roof lining and parcel shelf (Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster) are finished in porcelain Alcantara.® Seat piping is also finished in contrasting colors which offer an exciting highlight and underscores the exclusive, hand-finished nature of this new styling package. Available color combinations include mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey/porcelain and mystic red/porcelain.
Other attractive optional extras for the SLS AMG GT include (extract):
– AMG carbon-fiber exterior mirrors
– AMG carbon-fiber engine compartment covers
– AMG Interior Carbon-Fiber package (carbon-fiber trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels)
– AMG carbon ceramic high-performance composite braking system
– AMG Performance Media
– AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in additional colors
– AMG carbon-fiber interior trim
– Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system

The specific assembly area for the SLS AMG is located in the largest Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen. The AMG 6.3-liter 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”.