Auto blog

Mercedes-AMG not making more Black Series models... for now

There was a time when AMG only made one version of any given vehicle, but those times are long behind us. These days it's cranking out entry-level AMG Sport models, the main AMG line and the more potent S-models. But what about the Black Series? According to Autocar, which spoke with Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers at the Geneva Motor Show last week, the Black Series is still in the cards... just not for the short term. Moers said AMG is currently focused more on "making the cars more sophisticated, more precise" than about making headline-grabbing horsepower and torque figures. "The Black Series name... will be necessary in the future, but for now the base cars are so good. The Black Series must be at the top of the hill, but I don't know when or on what model yet." The nearest possible candidate could be the more hardcore version of the Mercedes-AMG GT that's in the works to take on the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3, but Moers didn't say whether that model would warrant reviving the Black Series label. AMG previously applied the Black Series designation to extreme high-performance versions of the SLK, SL, SLS, CLK and C-Class coupe, carrying upgraded engines, suspension, rolling stock, brakes and aerodynamics to make them more track-focused. Related Video:

Mercedes-AMG once again joins forces with Cigarette Racing

Any time there's a new loins-quaking Mercedes-AMG introduced, you need to keep your eye on the aquatic horizon around the time of the Miami International Boat Show for the Cigarette tie-in to come roaring into port. The SLS AMG had its 2,700-horsepower, 46-foot Rider, the C63 AMG Black Series got a 1,350-hp, 50-foot Marauder, the G63 AMG got a 1,750-hp, 43-foot Huntress, and the SLS AMG E-Cell got a matching wild yellow 2,200-hp, 38-foot electric concept boat. Now that we're in 2015 with another AMG and another boat show, we have another Cigarette. Mercedes hasn't dropped the goods on this one yet, but it will be twins with the AMG GT. After that, we're guessing it will have a can't-miss-it paint job, be in the 40-foot range, and have something like 2,000 hp. The show is February 12-16, we'll have all the info for you then. Featured Gallery Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing Auto News Mercedes-Benz Coupe Luxury Performance mercedes-amg mercedes-amg gt

Mercedes teases a new Maybach concept convertible

Once again, Mercedes is taking a Vision concept to the Pebble Beach Concours this year. To start generating excitement, the company has released a teaser trailer for the car, and effectively no other information. But we think we've pieced together what the car is. Let's look at the video first. It shows a voluptuous blue body. It's all curves and clean lines inside and out. It also has an impressively prodigious prow with a proud three-pointed star at the front. The interior is all white with very little detail, and in addition to chrome, there are many copper trim pieces. There appear to be only two seats, too. Toward the end, we see a strip of copper trim on the outside as well, and just before the shot changes, we can see a bit of white interior that indicates this is a convertible. So we know this is an elegant, luxurious roadster. Is there anything else we can discern? Well, it seems Mercedes may have accidentally revealed the name of the car, or at least what it's based on. The video's file name includes the words "Maybach six." That happens to be the name of last year's Mercedes-Maybach coupe concept. On top of that, there's a striking resemblance between the long, flowing hoods of both cars. So it seems like a pretty safe bet that Mercedes will show the convertible version of that car, which was 18 feet long, and produced 738 horsepower from a quartet of electric motors. We'll find out if we're right when the car is revealed at Pebble Beach. Related Video: Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz Design/Style Maybach Mercedes-Benz Technology Emerging Technologies Convertible Concept Cars Electric Luxury Pebble Beach