2024 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 High Roofi4 Diesel Ho 144 Awd on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe

Mercedes-Benz upgraded its SLS flagship Coupe and Roadster for the 2013 model year, and the changes are marked with them new "GT" nomenclature. Both SLS models arrive with a retuned naturally aspired 6.2-liter V8 delivering 583 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque (the horses are up from 563, but the torque remains the same) mated to a revised seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox. Rounding out the mechanical upgrades is a redeveloped AMG two-mode adaptive suspension. Physically, the revised models are differentiated by their new "GT" badging, darkened headlight/taillight buckets, red brake calipers, unique wheel colors and high gloss finish on the front grille, exterior mirrors and hood/fender fins. Inside the cabin are new red seatbelts, Alcantara upholstery and contrasting red stitching.
As it is nearly impossible to experience the aluminum gullwing beast on public roads, Mercedes invited out to Southern California's Willow Springs to wring out the 2013 SLS GT Coupe on a racing circuit.

AMG could have a hybrid model on sale by 2020

European CO2 regulations are driving every carmaker to previously unthinkable solutions in order to reduce emissions. And so far those unthinkable solutions, like a turbocharged Ferrari, have been pretty good. AMG has its development eye on the year 2021, when EU regulations will include every car sold by Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler when calculating fleet average emissions, and says that the deadline could mean a hybrid AMG by 2020. Those are the words of the company's R&D boss, Thomas Weber, to Autocar. Weber says a hybrid system right now wouldn't work only because AMG customers "wouldn't buy it." In five years, though, not only will the pressure have forced the situation, but the low-six-figure segment might also be populated by heresies like a diesel and hybrid Bentleys, and a hybrid or electric Porsche 911, to break the ice. Acceptance is coming down from the top via supercars like the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918, and up from the bottom with the near-term incorporation of electric turbos and e-boost systems. And whenever the German challengers to Tesla arrive, that will be another huge step to changing the public's mind. E-boost is what Weber said the division is looking at right now, perhaps like the kind in Mercedes' Bluetec Hybrid that employs an innocuous battery and motor. Regenerative braking would keep the battery charged. Weber said he likes it because it's proven, it's light, it's cheap, and it's already used in high-volume applications. But we would not be surprised to see a more robust implementation by the time 2020 gets here.

Jay Leno tells the story of his Mercedes Gullwing

With all the new and varied machinery stopping by Jay Leno's Garage on a regular basis, it would be all too easy to forget that the former talk show host has one of the largest and most enviable private collections of automobiles in the world. Leno has hundreds of vehicles at his disposal, but the real value of it all is at least as much about quality as it is quantity. Take this gem, for example. Sure, it's a little worse for wear, but it's got a nice patina to it – and it's a work in progress. One look is all it takes to know exactly what it is: a classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL, complete with Gullwing doors. "The McLaren F1 of its day," Jay calls it, and with good reason. Watch the video above to hear the story of the Gullwing he rescued from the desert and is slowly bringing back to life. Related Video: