2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition Select
May 10, 2011 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Mercedes Benz, News
Mercedes-Benz has conceived the special “Edition Select” model with two-tone paintwork exclusively for the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon. At no extra cost, there is a choice of designo mystic white, palladium silver metallic, thulite red metallic and obsidian black metallic. The bumpers, AMG side flaps and exterior mirrors are always painted in obsidian black metallic. Further contrasts are provided by running boards and the spare wheel cover with a 3D Mercedes-Benz star in stainless steel. Other eye-catching features include black-painted 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design with size 265/60 R 18 tyres, carbon-fibre look inserts in the protective strips, an underguard and an AMG sports exhaust system.
In the interior the stylish atmosphere is characterised by high-grade two-tone upholstery in porcelain/black designo leather. Single-tone black designo leather is available as an alternative. Ambient lighting and chrome trim in the area of the selector lever, the seat adjustment controls and the loudspeakers in the front doors underline the luxurious standard. The Chrome package is rounded off by a chrome luggage compartment sill protector with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering and a radiator grille with chrome inserts.
The dashboard, armrest, door handles and parking brake lever are lined in black leather, with contrasting topstitching is some areas. The inner door panels are lined with gathered leather, and black designo velour floor mats with porcelain edging lend a cosy touch to the footwells. Highlights in the interior also include designo wood trim in black piano lacquer. The steering wheel and selector lever are in a leather/piano lacquer combination with contrasting topstitching.
The already extensive standard equipment is supplemented with stainless steel door sill panels illuminated in white and bearing the lettering “Mercedes-Benz”, as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO luxury head restraints. The Harman Kardon Logic7® surround sound system is among the finest available. It provides an exquisite listening experience in the off-roader, thanks to a 10-channel DSP amplifier with a total output of 450 watts and twelve high-performance loudspeakers.
The high-grade additional features of the special “Edition Select” model, whose status is marked by a corresponding logo on the cover of the stowage compartment in the dashboard console, are priced at € 6735.40 (incl. 19% VAT).
Source: Mercedes Press Release
2011 Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 Supersport GT
April 27, 2011 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Mercedes Benz, Wheel & Tuning News
Beautiful women and beautiful cars – a combination that belongs inevitably together. With both breath-taking super models, the KICHERER SLS 63 Supersport GT and a former playmate, the perfect opportunity arose for star photographer Frank Luger to let off steam while photographing. The result can be described as a true masterpiece – a perfect symbiosis of eroticism and technical refinement.
Angry and aggressive!
After the SLR became anything but a brilliant success as super sports car, the designers and technicians of Mercedes Benz were able to create a true masterpiece with the current SLS 63 AMG. And as often as we see the SLS on Germany´s streets in the meantime, the super sports car of AMG seems to sell like hot cakes. Exactly for this reason, specialist KICHERER also upgrades and presents a comprehensive finishing programme. The new show vehicle with the classy name “Supersport GT” is more than just spectacular, particularly thanks to its matt black paint and its vicious shark mouth.
As usual, KICHERER focuses inside and outside on the almost wasteful use of the exclusive carbon fire material. The exterior package for the SLS consists of a hand-made front grill unit with big vertical fins, which let the front of the sports car appear extremely aggressive. Furthermore, a set of carbon fins are available for the mudguard and the cowl. The full foliation of the entire body in matt black is a real eye-catcher.
630 PS & 700 Nm!
Technically, KICHERER equips the SLS significantly as well since the performance increases from 571 to 630 HS thanks to the optimisation of the engine management. At the same time, the maximum torque increases from 650 to 700 Nm, resulting in a significantly improved driving performance. Thus, the SLS Supersport GT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of regulated 320 km/h. The exclusive damper sport exhaust system with the dynamic pressure regulation made of stainless steel and the hand-made exhaust pipe blend set presents itself conducive in its performance.
Exclusive: RS-1 forged wheel!
The in-house KICHERER RS-1 forged wheels present themselves exclusively. The hand-made three-part pieces rotate at the front in10Jx20 and at the drive shaft in 11,5Jx21. For an even bigger driving pleasure, the Mercedes specialist from Stockach installed a special height adjustable suspension kit with lift-up function. Hereby, the chassis can be lifted or lowered by about 30 mm by the push of a button.
For the interior of the Supersport GT
KICHERER has made special carbon fibre accessories, which refine the inside of the door, the centre console, the door entrance border covers, the back of the seats and the tray lid exclusively. It should be noted that KICHERER has protected industrial designs available for the front grill unit and the exhaust pipes!
Technical Facts
Type of vehicle: Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG
Engine: about 630 PS (464 kW), 700 Nm torque, KICHERER stainless steel damper sport exhaust system with dynamic pressure regulation, KICHERER Supersport GT exhaust pipe blend set (hand-made)
0-100 km/h: about 3.5 sec.
Vmax: 320 km/h (regulated)
Tyre/tyres: KICHERER RS-1 forged wheel, one part, front in 10Jx20, back in 11,5Jx21
Chassis: KICHERER lift-up adjustable suspension kit, lifting & lowering +/- 30 mm
Body: Carbon front spoiler lip, KICHERER Supersport GT front grill unit (hand-made), carbon fin set (cowl & mudguard), black edition vehicle full foliation
Interior: Carbon package (trim parts, doors, centre console, tray lid, door entrances, entire back of seat shells)
All additional information including price and shipping information are directly available at:
KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Im Eschle 6
78333 Stockach
Phone: 07771/ 93 700
Fax: 07771/ 93 70 22
http://www.kicherer.net/
Email: info@kicherer.net
Source: Kicherer Press Release
2011 Edo Competition Mercedes-Benz SLR Black Arrow
April 11, 2011 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Mercedes Benz, Wheel & Tuning News
2011 Lorinser Mercedes-Benz SLS RSK8 Wheel
April 4, 2011 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Mercedes Benz, Wheel & Tuning News
Highest technical demands combined with dynamic elegance – these are the hallmarks of the new design wheel RSK8 by Sportservice Lorinser. The three-part forged wheel with its seven spokes and the stainless steel bolts renders a splendid look and exceptional quality. The light-alloy wheel Lorinser RSK8 for the Mercedes Gullwing is offered in the dimensions 9.5 x 20 at the front axle and 11 x 21 at the back.
As a world-wide renowned specialist for Mercedes modifications, Sportservice Lorinser puts special emphasis on rendering highest quality standards by using state of the art production processes. The RSK8 is manufactured in forged technology and is one of the absolute light-weight models on the market. Moreover, it reduces the unsprung masses and that significantly improves the braking response and the handling of the two-seater.
After elaborate test runs with the SLS, Lorinser recommends wheels in the dimension 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21.
For more information about the light-alloy wheel Lorinser RSK8 and about the extensive Lorinser refining programme, please visit the web site www.lorinser.com
Source: Lorinser Press Release
For Sale: 2008 Carlsson Mercedes-Benz ML350
December 1, 2010 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Featured Cars For Sale, Mercedes Benz
Kennedy Performance Racing is proud to offer this 2008 Carlsson Mercedes-Benz ML350. This car was built and owned by Carlsson North America and has full Carlsson package with only 49,000 miles. A full list of options and a complete photo gallery is below. Asking price is $39,900.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT WWW.KENNEDYPERFORMANCERACING.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
Wheels and More 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
October 17, 2010 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Mercedes Benz, Wheel & Tuning News
Even if the topversion of the SL65AMG Mercedes Benz is strong enough for most people, wheelsandmore from germany developed a performance package to put the roadster up to the next level.
Wheelsandmore increases the power eliminates serial speed limiter of the biturbo engine from serial 612hp and 1000 Nm of torque up to 697 hp and 1150 Nm by upgrading the electronic control unit and within a special exhaustsystem.
All handmade exhaustsystems from wheelsandmore are coming with remotable valve flaps. In actual case they finished the endtips in serial AMG look on customers request.
Additional performance delivers their 3-piece forged wheelmodel 6Sporz, sizing 10,0×20” at the front and 12,0×20 at the rear axle. The lightweight rims are equipped with high performance tyres from Dunlop, sizing 255/30/20 front and 305/25/20 rear.
The best optical and performance suspension solution is presented by wheelsandmore´s electronic lowering module “LowMaXX”. It allows an individual lowering setup by maintaining serial settings and lifts up the car around 45mph to save comfort and safety.
Modulare Wheels 2010 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG Photo Gallery
October 15, 2010 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Mercedes Benz, Wheel & Tuning News
Modulare Wheels is proud to reveal this spectacular 2010 MBZ G55 AMG shown with a set of Modulare M7 3-piece wheels in 24″. The wheels are 24×10 all around, finished in chrome with gloss black accents, and mated to Pirelli 285/35/24 tires. The Modulare M7 wheels truley take this G55 to another level. For more information on this wheel or to view their entire collection please visit www.modularewheels.com
2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
August 27, 2010 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Mercedes Benz, News
A generation ahead: with the CLS, Mercedes-Benz created a new vehicle category in 2003 which for the first time combined the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. The public were delighted, the competition astounded and a style icon was born: for years the CLS has endured as the only four-door coupé in its class, and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for around 170,000 buyers worldwide. “Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle concept onto the market”, explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. “And with its exciting design, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé.”
Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris motor show (2 – 17 October 2010), the new CLS builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor yet at the same time is an entirely new edition. “The new CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible design idiom of Mercedes-Benz”, explains Professor Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz. “At the same time it takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupés.”
Exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front
The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Now the proportions are the same – and yet everything is different: the second generation of this design trendsetter has adopted a completely new look.
What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately. This highlights the long, sporty bonnet even further. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car’s relationship to the other coupés of the brand and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s athletic appearance.
Design brings high-tech features to life
Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all of the regular dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offering low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the dipped beam function is switched on, thereby creating a novel and separate night-time design and distinctive look. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LEDs not only provide an unmistakable appearance, but also a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.
The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas. The front edge of the structure, above the mudguards, which slopes off towards the rear – known as the dropping line by designers – is not only a novel design feature but also represents a new interpretation of a formal design element harking back to the uniquely rich wealth of forms present in historic Mercedes sports cars.
A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the new CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.
The side view is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology which are arranged in the form of a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat hardtop. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.
The interior: design brings quality to life
The interior of the CLS is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines straightforward elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. An eye-catching feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver’s door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated harmoniously into the upper part of the instrument panel. At the same time, the downward sweeping side line on the doors continues the dynamic dropping line of the exterior.
As a design trendsetter, the CLS sets new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. Five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather are available to choose from. As a result, each CLS is a one-off piece and can be configured individually between warm naturalness and cool modernity.
The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise an exciting mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights here also include matt galvanised air vents, for example, which form the ideal framework for a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.
Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers or the so-called sewn covering for the dashboard. For the latter, the individual parts of the leather cover are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with high-quality foam. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated up to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.
The particularly fine, 1.6 millimetre thick semi-aniline PASSION leather which is used meets the highest standards in terms of both look and feel. Protected by only a light pigmentation, the natural pore structure remains intact and the leather has an especially warm and soft feel to it. Since the natural characteristics also remain visible for the most part, the semi-aniline leather requires a very precise manual selection process.
The refined sportiness of the interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements. They are located on the instrument panel support of the centre console and on parts of the door linings. Customers can choose between three exclusive types of wood: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The wood has even been perfectly fitted around difficult contours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain, as part of an elaborate selection process, to create a harmonised overall impression.
The interior can be given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or carbon fibre trim elements. Handcrafted perfection once again plays a prominent role in the production process. Up to seven layers are applied and polished for the piano lacquer trim, for example, until the desired high-gloss finish is achieved.
(Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release)
Mercedes Benz SLS AMG by Brabus
August 27, 2010 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Brabus, Mercedes Benz, Wheel & Tuning News
Carbon fiber, handling and ultra lightweight! That’s the guiding principle of BRABUS for refining the Mercedes SLS AMG. The exclusive sport program comprises aerodynamic-enhancement components made from carbon fiber, ultra-lightweight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable smooth-ride suspension (Ride Control) suspension, a titanium exhaust system with bypass gate, and BRABUS leather.
Extremely light yet enormously strong carbon fiber identical to the one used in Formula 1 racing was chosen as the material for the BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components. The components were developed in the wind tunnel. They give the gullwing car an even more striking appearance while optimizing its aerodynamic properties. All components are available either made from clear-coated carbon fiber for a true racing flair or can be painted to match or contrast with the car’s exterior color.
The front fascia of the coupe receives a visual upgrade with the BRABUS front spoiler. But that’s not all: The spoiler further reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds which results in even better directional stability. The two BRABUS covers for the upper air inlets in the bumper lend the SLS an even more striking face while optimizing the cooling air supply.
BRABUS also lends the sides of the SLS a sharper profile. The new air outlets for the front fenders feature a modern design with integrated blue-illuminated BRABUS lettering. The illumination is activated via the keyless-entry remote or by pulling on a door handle.
BRABUS also adds some more visual pizzazz to the rear appearance of the SLS with the BRABUS rear spoiler and the BRABUS rear fascia element that features custom-tailored cutouts for the four exhaust tips of the BRABUS sport exhaust system.
Forged wheels that were custom-developed for the SLS are also elementary for the electrifying BRABUS look. By choosing a staggered tire/wheel combination with diameters of 20 inches in front and 21 inches on the rear axle BRABUS further emphasizes the sporty character of the two-door car. The ultra-light BRABUS Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION cross-spoke wheels are up to twelve percent lighter than the stock wheels of the SLS and are mounted in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11Jx21 on the rear axle. The extremely wide high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21 are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.
Another custom development is the height-adjustable BRABUS smooth-ride suspension (Ride Control). It can lower the ride height of the sports car by up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). At the push of a button the driver can choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride compared to the production suspension. To complement this suspension BRABUS will soon offer the BRABUS Front Lift system. It raises the front of the car by some 50 millimeters (2 inches) at the push of a button to safely navigate steep parking ramps or other obstacles.
While engine tuning for the 6.3-liter V8 is still in the final development phase there already is an extremely lightweight BRABUS titanium sport exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips. The tips have a diameter of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches). This exhaust system weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust and adds an extra ten horsepower to the engine’s output. A special feature of this exhaust system is a pneumatically controlled bypass gate that is activated from the cockpit. The normal mode represents a “coming home” sound level that is quieter than the production exhaust. It appeals especially to the neighbors when the SLS returns home late at night. With open bypass gate the eight-cylinder engine sounds even sportier than with the stock exhaust system.
For the cockpit of the two-seater the BRABUS interior designers have developed exclusive accessories and masterfully crafted custom interiors. The speedometer with 400-km/h scale (250 mph) already hints at the car’s future performance with BRABUS engine tuning. An ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is also part of the BRABUS customization program as are stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo and matte-anodized pedals.
The BRABUS upholstery shop creates fully custom interiors for the SLS from top-quality materials. Customers can choose from different types of leather and Alcantara in any desired color and design to suit their individual tastes.
BRABUS can also fulfill individual requests for the trim on dashboard, center console and door panels. BRABUS manufactures carbon-fiber and wood trim sets in any color and with any desired surface finish.
2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
July 8, 2010 by Luxury Auto Direct
Filed under Blog, Mercedes Benz, News
Mercedes-AMG is accepting the challenges of motoring of the future: the SLS AMG E-CELL is evidence of the state-of-the-art development of an exciting super sports car featuring a zero-emission high-tech drive. Boasting a power output of 392 kW and 880 Nm of torque, the technology vehicle from AMG is able to offer exceptional performance. The gullwing with electric drive is part of the company strategy entitled “AMG Performance 2015″ which aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
With the SLS AMG E-CELL, Mercedes-AMG is providing a glimpse of its latest development project – a powerful and locally emission-free super sports car. Finished in fluorescent “AMG lumilectric magno” paint, the gullwing offers the prospect of a possible small series production run and at the same time reflects the innovative strength and development competence of the AMG performance brand.
“We take social responsibility very seriously and with the SLS AMG E-CELL we are demonstrating a further milestone in our “AMG Performance 2015″ strategy. It is our goal to continually reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models in the coming years, while at the same time enhancing the core brand value of performance”, explains Ola Källenius, chairman of the board (from 1 July 2010) of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. With the SLS AMG E-CELL, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz is launching a totally innovative drive solution for super sports cars and as such is among the pioneers in this market segment.
The ground-breaking drive system of the technology vehicle boasts some outstanding features: powerful traction is provided by four synchronous electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm. The four compact electric motors each achieve a maximum rpm of 12,000/rpm and are positioned near to the wheels. As a result, compared with wheel-hub motors the unsprung masses are substantially reduced. One transmission per axle transmits the power.
Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds
When it comes to dynamics, the electrically-powered SLS AMG makes a statement: the gullwing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds – which almost puts it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW (571 hp), which can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Further exciting touches are provided courtesy of the agile accelerator response and the straight-line performance: unlike the combustion engine, torque build-up with an electric motor is instantaneous – maximum torque is available virtually from a standstill. The spontaneous torque build-up and confident power delivery – which does not suffer from any interruption of tractive power – are combined with engine running characteristics which are totally free of vibration. Four motors, four wheels: the intelligent and permanent all-wheel drive of the electric SLS guarantees driving dynamics at the highest level, while at the same time providing the best possible active safety. Perfect traction is therefore ensured for all four driven wheels, whatever the weather conditions.
This very special gullwing is therefore able to “electrify” the driver with a completely unique, effortlessly superior and emotional super sports car driving sensation – and this is just at the prototype stage. In brief: the SLS AMG E-CELL is a true AMG too.
The SLS AMG E-CELL drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery featuring a modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The maximum electric load potential of the battery, which consists of 324 lithium-ion polymer cells, is 480 kW, which is an absolute best value in the automotive sector. Another technical feature of this considerable performance is the intelligent parallel circuit of the individual battery modules – this also helps to maximise the safety, reliability and service life of the battery. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.
Key data at a glance:
| SLS AMG E-CELL | |
|---|---|
| Max Output | 392 kW |
| Torque | 880 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4 seconds |
| Rated capacity | 40 Ah (at 400 V) |
| Energy content | 3 x 16 kWh = 48 kWh |
High-performance electronic control as well as effective cooling of all components
A high-performance electronic control system converts the direct current from the high-voltage battery into three-phase alternating current which is required for the synchronous motors and regulates the energy flow for all operating conditions. Two low-temperature cooling circuits ensure that the four electric motors and the power electronics are maintained at an even operating temperature.
A separate low-temperature circuit is responsible for cooling the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. In low external temperatures, the battery is quickly brought up to operating temperature with the aid of an electric heating element. This helps to preserve the overall service life of the battery. In extremely high external temperatures, the cooling circuit for the battery can be additionally boosted with the aid of the air conditioning system.
Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity
The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the gullwing model was being developed. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned as close to the four wheels as possible and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-current battery, whose modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle’s low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically-powered SLS AMG shares with its petrol-driven sister model.
The installation of the drive components required no changes whatsoever to the gullwing model’s weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe. And there were just as few constraints when it came to maintaining the excellent level of passive safety and high degree of long-distance comfort that are hallmarks of Mercedes cars.
New front axle design with pushrod damper struts
The additional front-wheel drive called for a newly designed front axle: unlike the series production vehicle with AMG V8 engine, which has a double wishbone axle, the SLS AMG E-CELL features an independent multilink suspension with pushrod damper struts. This is because the vertically-arranged damper struts in the series SLS had to make way for the additional drive shafts. As is usual in a wide variety of racing vehicles, horizontal damper struts are now used, which are operated via separate push rods and transfer levers.
Thanks to this sophisticated front-axle design, which has already been tried and tested in the world of motor sport, the agility and driving dynamics of the electrically-powered SLS AMG attain the same high levels as the V8 variant. Another distinguishing feature is the speed-sensitive power steering with rack-and-pinion steering gear: the power assistance is implemented electrohydraulically rather than just hydraulically.
AMG ceramic composite brakes for perfect deceleration
The technology vehicle is slowed with the aid of AMG ceramic composite brakes, available as an optional extra for the series production model, which boast extremely short stopping distances, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade resistance, even in extreme operating conditions. The over-sized discs – measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear – are made of carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic, feature an integral design all round and are connected to an aluminium bowl in a radially floating arrangement.
The ceramic brake discs are 40 percent lighter in weight than the conventional, grey cast iron brake discs. The reduction in unsprung masses not only improves handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and tyre grip. The lower rotating masses at the front axle also ensure a more direct steering response – which is particularly noticeable when taking motorway bends at high speed. The ABS and ESP® systems have been adapted to match the special application spectrum of the permanent all-wheel drive.
Full-LED headlamps and automatically extending front splitter
The purist, exciting design of the technology vehicle boasts a number of minor yet extremely effective modifications. At the front, the dynamically shaped full-LED headlamps with integrated daytime driving lights immediately catch the eye: they help to optimise the vehicle’s energy efficiency, since they require less power compared with regular bi-xenon light systems. The wider radiator grille also has a new look, and now comes with transverse slats instead of a diamond-pattern grille. The air outlet openings on the bonnet and the vehicle sides have also been modified for enhanced aerodynamics. All trim and detachable parts, which are finished in chrome or silver shadow on the standard SLS AMG, are now finished in matt black.
The front apron has not only been brought further forward, but also helps to guarantee an optimised airflow in the area of the underbody. This improves air resistance while reducing downforce. An extendable front splitter enhances this effect: in parallel with the automatic rear spoiler, it extends downwards by seven centimetres at speeds above 120 km/h and helps to further accelerate the air which travels beneath the car. When it reaches the area of the rear axle, the air enters the rear diffusor which, due to the lack of an exhaust system, features a steeper angle, thus increasing downforce at the rear axle and in turn further enhancing the aerodynamic balance. The vehicle’s AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels featuring a new, smooth-surfaced design are fitted with 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres.
Interior with new display instruments for electric drive
The transformation from petrol to electric super sports car also called for some specific changes to the interior. As a result, the AMG instrument cluster and centre console in particular both feature a new design. The new AMG instrument cluster provides information on speed, charge status of the battery and the estimated range. The newly designed centre console now houses a 25 cm touchscreen, which driver and passenger can use to conveniently operate all of the audio, climate and navigation functions, and also obtain information on the flow of power from the four electric motors.
The AMG Drive Unit, which is angled towards the driver, houses buttons for starting the motor, and the ESP® functions, the AMG memory function and the extendable front splitter and rear spoiler. Using three new buttons, the driver can switch simply between P, R and D. The park setting is also enabled automatically by switching the electric motors off.
The interior appointments are dominated by high-quality nappa leather in a black/white colour combination – it has been used not only on the sports seats, the performance leather/alcantara steering wheel and the door linings, but also on the broad centre tunnel which runs towards the back of the vehicle between the seats.
(Source:Mercedes Benz Press Release)









































































































































































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