Production milestone at Bremen: One millionth roadster rolls off the line

Don't Copy From This Blog...

The first car with a star to roll off the production line in 1978 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen was the E-Class Estate. With the introduction of the SL series in 1989, the Bremen team gained know-how on the production of premium roadster. In 1996 came the "little brother" of the SL: the all new SLK. Both models have now reached the third model generation to be assembled at the Bremen factory. The ceremonial handover of the one millionth roadster to its owner gathered around 300 guests at the Mercedes-Benz Customer Center in the city on the Weser river.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Sales and Marketing, and plant manager Andreas Kellermann handed over the keys of the anniversary vehicle, a black-coloured SL 63 AMG, to a customer from Diepholz / Lower Saxony. "We are very proud to have sent one million roadsters on the road. The three generations of the SL and SLK built at Bremen stand themselves for the technical vehicles advancement and for the of state-of-the-art technology in production. Unchanged remains the passion which the Bremen team manufactures the SLK and the SL with. It makes an important contribution to ensuring that our roadsters are highly sought after worldwide," Kellermann said.

Overview of the roadster production at the Bremen plant

- 1989: Start of production for the SL Series (R 129)
- 1996: Start of production of the SLK (R 170)
- 2001: A new generation of the SL is launched (R 230)
- 2004: The second generation SLK starts assembly (R 171)
- 2011: The new SLK celebrates world premiere (R 172)
- 2012: The new SL comes with an innovative all-aluminum body (R 231)

About the SL and SLK

In 1952, the forefather of the SL came as a racing car on the international circuits. In 1954, Mercedes-Benz launched the first production model: the legendary 300 SL Gullwing. 1963, 1971, 1989, 2001 and 2012 were followed by new generations of the SL roadster series. The early generations were produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. Since 1989, the Bremen has joined the production network for open-top models. Over 675,000 units of the SL rolled off the band after production started in 1954. The iconic sports car finds more and more enthusiastic drivers: in 2012, 10.700 cars were delivered to customers, three times compared to 2011. The United States is by far the largest market for the SL, nearly half of the vehicles being sold there. The legendary roadster is also very popular on the home market in Germany and in Japan. For the assembly of the current series, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen expanded its technological expertise and introduced innovative all-aluminum shell construction standards for future-oriented automotive production. The new SL is up to 140 kg lighter than its predecessor.

In 1994, Mercedes-Benz showcased the compact SLK roadster at the Turin Motor Show as a study. World premiere of the serial model came in 1996 when the "little brother of the SL" celebrated official introduction in Turin. In 2000, the SLK received an extensive facelift. Four years later, the second generation of the SLK was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. 2008 brought the facelift for the second generation. In 2011, the third generation of the SLK hit the market. To date, the SLK has inspired more than 600,000 customers worldwide. In 2012, there were 31,800 deliveries, which makes the SLK the market leader in its segment.

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen

With over 12,500 employees, the Bremen plant is the largest private employer in the region. Currently at the site, eight models are produced: the C-Class Sedan, the C-Class Estate and the C-Coupe; the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet, the GLK, and the SLK and SL roadsters. In 2012, the plant has produced more than 316,000 vehicles - an all-time record. As a center of excellence for the new C-Class, which celebrates world premiere in 2014, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen also controls the entire production network of the new high-volume series which integrated further foreign factories in Tuscaloosa / USA, Beijing / China and East London / South Africa.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

The new BRABUS 800 Roadster based on the SL 65 AMG: World debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2013

Don't Copy From This Blog...

With the new 800 Roadster based on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG, BRABUS builds the world’s most powerful roadster. The two-seater is powered by a 12-cylinder Biturbo engine uprated by BRABUS T65 RS tuning. It produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm. A sprint time of 3.7 seconds from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) and of 9.8 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) are impressive testaments to the car’s special status that is further bolstered by an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The exclusive equipment features also include BRABUS carbon-fiber bodywork components designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, custom-tailored BRABUS wheels with diameters up to 20 inches and exclusive options for the cockpit.

BRABUS T65 RS tuning unleashes the latent power reserves of the six-liter V12 engine. To this end, the BRABUS engine professionals have developed a BRABUS high-tech Biturbo system with custom high-performance manifolds that feature integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. The tuning also includes four water-to-air intercoolers, housed in space provided by the BRABUS carbon-fiber hood scoop. Another custom development for the SL 65 power upgrade is the special BRABUS stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. It features free-flow metal catalysts and ceramic-coated tailpipes with distinctive BRABUS design. An integrated butterfly valve in the exhaust provides an active sound management on the steering wheel: at the push of a button the driver can chose between a discrete “coming home” and a markedly sporty exhaust note.

The newly calibrated engine electronics complete with high-performance mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the perfect interaction of the high-end components while also ensuring compliance with EURO V emission standards. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner MOTUL.

The BRABUS T65 RS engine produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm. In the car, peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

In conjunction with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, whose gears can be shifted automatically or manually with the BRABUS aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel, the BRABUS 800 Roadster rises to the become the most powerful of its kind. From rest the sports car weighing in at about two metric tons (2.2 tons) sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. The two-door car reaches a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) after just 9.8 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 350 km/h (217 mph).

To master these enormous speeds at all times, a BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit for the SL 65 was developed in the wind tunnel. All components are manufactured from carbon fibers and are available either with a matt or high-gloss surface finish. It goes without saying; they can also be painted in the car’s exterior color.

The BRABUS front spoiler attaches to the lower section of the bumper. It lends the roadster a more sporty appearance and reduces lift on the front axle. BRABUS covers for the side air vents round out the striking front for the SL 65 AMG.

The sides are refined with custom-tailored attachments for the air vents integrated into the front fenders and with rocker panels.

To achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance, the rear section is upgraded with a diffuser insert for the fascia.

As an alternative to the 19-inch stock tires of the SL 65, the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed an exclusive 20-inch high-tech variant. The new BRABUS Monoblock R “Platinum Edition” forged wheel offers the perfect symbiosis of lightweight construction and maximum strength thanks to state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. In addition to the innovative construction, this wheel design also offers unique looks with ten double spokes arranged in two matt titanium and fully polished planes. The front axle is fitted with wheels in size 9Jx20 shod with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires. In the rear, tires in size 305/25 ZR 20 mounted on size 10.5Jx20 wheels transfer the BRABUS 800 Roadster’s power of 800 horses to the asphalt. BRABUS recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

To give the two-seater even more agile handling, BRABUS developed a special control module for the ABC suspension of the SL 65 AMG. It lowers the ride height by about 25 millimeters (1.0 inches).

The BRABUS limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent can enhance handling performance further still.

BRABUS adds even more luxury and custom features to the two-seat interior upon request as well. The product portfolio ranges from scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and a speedometer with 360-km/h dial (220 mph) to carbon-fiber and wood trim sets in any color imaginable and with a variety of surface finishes.

The company upholstery shop crafts exquisite BRABUS interiors from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara. A prime example for the precision craftsmanship is the leather-clad trunk of the show car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that features meticulous and precise honeycomb stitching throughout.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

Auto Trophy and Quality Trophy 2012: Mercedes-Benz wins awards for best quality and best cars

Don't Copy From This Blog...

The readers of “Auto Zeitung” magazine have voted the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster the best cabriolet with a price of more than 30,000 euros and have chosen the coupé version the best super sports car. This means both cars repeated their victories from last year. Mercedes-Benz also won the Quality Trophy 2012, which was awarded for best quality and dependability. The award ceremony was held last night in front of an audience of prominent figures.

More than 110,000 “Auto Zeitung” readers participated in the 25th poll to rank the best cars of the year and again put the Mercedes-Benz SLS on top of the winner podium twice. This was the fourth consecutive victory for the gullwing coupé in the super sports car category. The SLS Roadster won for the second time in the segment of cabriolets with a price of more than 30,000 euros. The super sports car owes the double victory to its unique high-tech combination of aluminium body, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine producing 420 kW (571 hp) of power, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and agile sports suspension with aluminium double wishbone axles. The SLS AMG Coupé and Roadster score further points in their favour with their fascinating styling reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL of the 1950s.

Mercedes-Benz also won the Quality Trophy 2012. This prize is awarded jointly by “Auto Zeitung” magazine and the Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung (GTÜ or Association for Technical Inspection) for best quality and dependability. This top-class award is based on the results of some eight million general technical inspections conducted by GTÜ, the findings from the “Auto Zeitung” quality and service report and the readers’ responses that reflect their personal practical experiences.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

Paris Motor Show 2012: The all new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT - Enhanced driving dynamics

Don't Copy From This Blog...

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT boasts enhanced driving dynamics and even better race track performance. With a maximum output of 435 kW (591 hp), the optimised AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and the redeveloped AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension, the SLS AMG GT – which is available both as a Coupé and a Roadster – has raised the bar even higher. As a further highlight, the new high-quality AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather is now also available as an optional extra for all SLS AMG models. 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."

Masculine and decidedly athletic: with darkened headlamps and tail lights as well as red-painted brake callipers, the new SLS AMG GT also features a unique look. The wing-shaped cross fins and the star recess in the radiator grille also retain a high-gloss finish, as do the exterior mirrors and the fins on the bonnet and wings. The AMG logo on the right of the boot lid also features the additional letters "GT".

One look at the technical specifications highlights the fact that AMG has succeeded in enhancing the dynamic profile of the SLS AMG GT even further. The maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine is 435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The SLS AMG GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and can reach a speed of 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds.

The key data at a glance:

Mercedes-AMG has achieved the output of 435 kW (591 hp) through in-engine dethrottling measures in conjunction with an increase in peak pressure. The GT version of the AMG 6.3-litre eight-cylinder front mid-engine responds with even greater agility to accelerator pedal movements and excites with even sportier-tuned performance characteristics. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed sports transmission located on the rear axle is more direct and spontaneous in the manual "M" transmission mode: thanks to newly developed gear change functions and optimised transmission control, it has been possible to shorten reaction time significantly. When changing gears manually via the real metal shift paddles on the AMG Performance steering wheel, control commands right through to the noticeable gear change are executed markedly quicker than previously – all of which is ideal when striving to achieve some ambitious lap times on a closed-off race circuit.

The reaction time experienced by the driver is made even more emotional as a result of more distinct gear changes. The automatic double-declutching function when shifting down is also more pronounced in the SLS AMG GT. Due to an increase in engine torque in manual mode, the shift procedure is even quicker than previously – and is accompanied by some passionate acoustic feedback for the driver. Overall, the optimisation of the dual clutch transmission complements the sporty nature of the SLS AMG GT perfectly.

New AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension

But it is not just the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine and the optimised dual clutch transmission which are responsible for increasing the driving dynamics of the SLS AMG GT. The newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension also enhances the vehicle's sportiness. In the case of the SLS AMG GT, Mercedes-AMG has combined the sophisticated suspension layout with twin aluminium wishbones all round and variable, electronically controlled damping. Compared with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, the new AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension features basically stiffer spring/damper tuning and dispenses with "Comfort" mode.

"Sport" mode is recommended 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 RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension reacts best to fluctuations in the road surface with a tendency towards lower damper force levels. The resulting effect is the best possible performance by effectively preventing rolling and pitching and providing excellent 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 was able to achieve faster lap times on a race track.

"Sport plus" provides higher 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 RIDE CONTROL 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 tyres on the front and 295/30 R 20 tyres on the rear, fitted to weight-optimised AMG forged light-alloy wheels featuring a 10-spoke design and painted in matt black and with a high-sheen finish. Three additional AMG light-alloy wheels are also available.

Interior with consistently sporty highlights

The interior too features a consistently sporty design: the SLS AMG GT combines the high-quality, exclusive ambience of a true AMG model with the functional atmosphere of a racing car. The sports seats not only have an embossed badge on the head restraints, but the centre sections are also finished in Alcantara ® . Continuing the theme, Alcantara ® is also found on the door centre panels. The black interior appointments are combined with red seat belts, plus all of the contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats, the centre console and the door panel lining is finished in red too. The floor mats also feature red edging.

The high-gloss black AMG trim on the centre console and door panel lining perfectly matches the high-gloss black edging on the adjustable cross-shaped air vents and the high-gloss real metal insert on the AMG Performance steering wheel with flattened lower section. The grip area is finished in Alcantara®, while the upper part of the steering wheel has a red 12 o'clock marking. The AMG instrument cluster is fitted with a black faceplate – at the top it also features an upshift indicator with seven LEDs.

AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather for all SLS AMG models

Also now available for all SLS AMG models is a new, highly exclusive optional extra in the form of AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather. This high-quality extra is available in single or two-tone finishes and comprises distinctive upholstery with a diamond design with contrasting stitching. The lavishly finished diamond design features not only on the AMG sports seats, but also on the door centre panels.

Other highlights include a designo leather finish for the entire dashboard, the beltlines and door armrests, the handrest on the centre console, AMG floor mats in black with porcelain leather edging, roof lining in Alcantara ® porcelain, and the parcel shelf (Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster). Seams finished in contrasting colours create exciting highlights and underscore the high-quality, hand-finished nature of this new leather package. Available colour combinations include mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey pearl/porcelain and mystic red/porcelain. The colours of all of the elements of the interior appointment such as the roof liner, carpet and centre console are perfectly matched to each other.

Other attractive optional extras for all SLS AMG models include (extract):

- AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors
- AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover
- AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels)
- AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
- AMG Performance Media
- AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in other colour variants
- AMG carbon-fibre trim
- AIRSCARF (Roadster)
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system

The market launch of the SLS AMG GT will commence in October 2012. An overview of the pricing for Germany is as follows (incl. 19% VAT):

- SLS AMG GT: 204,680 euros
- SLS AMG GT Roadster: 213,010 euros
- AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather: 5771.50 euros

Six SLS AMG models

The SLS AMG Coupé presented in 2009 was the first vehicle developed independently by Mercedes-AMG. The spectacular gullwing model was followed in 2011 by the open-top SLS AMG Roadster as well as the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports racing car. Having secured 26 victories and the FIA GT3 European championship title, the SLS AMG GT3 was the most successful newcomer to the world of motorsport in 2011. With the new SLS AMG GT, available as a Coupé and Roadster, the model range has now grown to five variants. The sixth model is expected to follow in 2013 in the form of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL: Mercedes-AMG is planning an exclusive series-production run of the purely electric-driven super sports car.

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

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More