Shining Star: Mercedes to throw its weight behind Brawn GP?

At this past weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, the Brawn cars didn't just beat McLaren – they lapped them. With both teams running the same Mercedes engines, and reigning champion Lewis Hamilton piloting the lapped McLaren, it was clear that Brawn is simply running a better car. Anyone watching the race had to be wondering what the corporate big-wigs at Mercedes were thinking as the Brawn cars crossed the finish line a full lap ahead of the McLaren. But we can stop wondering now.

According to the latest reports, Mercedes is considering throwing more weight behind the championship-leading Brawn team. Or at least jumping on the bandwagon. The customer engine deal between the German automaker and the former Honda team doesn't include any branding on the BGP 001 chassis' livery – which remains conspicuously light on sponsorship altogether – but that could change as Mercedes is keen to cash in on the success of the team to which it's selling engines. Benz motorsport chief Norbert Haug was quick to emphasize that any rapprochement to Brawn GP doesn't reflect on its relationship with McLaren, but with that partnership constantly in jeopardy, you can't help but wonder now if Mercedes would be saying the same if McLaren was leading and Brawn was marking the back.

Mercedes-Benz Releases Official Details on All Electric SLS AMG Gullwing

In spite of the fact that we're still a couple of months away from the public unveiling the conventionally-powered SLS AMG Gullwing, Mercedes-Benz came out with an official release today confirming the development of an all-electric version of its forthcoming supercar. Mercedes did not say when the SLS AMG with electric-drive will enter production, but various reports citing inside sources suggest that sales could start as early as 2015.

Whereas the 'standard' SLS AMG comes with a front-mounted 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 571HP (420kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque with power being delivered to the rear wheels through a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the zero-emissions Gullwing model is equipped with four electric motors that are positioned near the wheels and produced a combined output of 526HP (392kW) and a peak torque of 880Nm (649 lb-ft).

Mercedes says that one transmission per axle transmits the power with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system allowing the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels.

In terms of performance, the Stuttgart automaker claims that the all-electric SLS AMG is in par with its conventionally-powered sibling accelerating from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in around 4 seconds. This compares with the standard SLS AMG's 3.8 seconds and 315 km/h or 196 mph maximum speed.

During the first development phase, the pure-electric SLS AMG is equipped with a 400-volt liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery that is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whils the car is being driven. The battery modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats, a solution that is said to have advantages in the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the balanced weight distribution.

According to the German firm, the transformation of the SLS AMG into a pure-electric model required no changes whatsoever to the aluminium spaceframe body while the company also claims that there were very few constraints in concern of passive safety and long-distance comfort.

"With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car," said Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "For us, it is not just about responsibility. We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMGperformance."

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing: Updated Gallery with 24 High-Res Photos

For your enjoyment, we're updating our post on the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing as we just got our hands on a whole bundle of high-resolution photos of the supercar's interior as well as a few more official sketches that include preliminary drawings of both the exterior and the cabin. We remind you that the SLS AMG Gullwing that will replace the outgoing SLR McLaren has been developed in-house by Mercedes and it's due to hit showrooms in spring 2010.

Aside from the visual references to Merc's iconic 1950's 300SL Gullwing, it's worth noting that the SLS AMG features a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 engine that develops an output of 571 hp at 6800 rpm and a peak torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm for 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h or 196 mph.

If you want to learn more about the SLS AMG point your mouse here to read our detailed article.

Mercedes SLS AMG: 50-High Res Photos and Official Details on 571HP Gullwing

Mercedes-Benz has released official information and a mega gallery of teaser and technical photos on its forthcoming SLS AMG supercar that will replace the outgoing SLR McLaren. This time, the German automaker has developed the SLS AMG in house as will part roads with McLaren with the end of the production of the SLR. Designed to revoke memories of Mercedes' iconic 300 SL, the SLS AMG features an aluminum spaceframe body with gullwing doors while power will come from a front mounted 6.3-liter V8 engine from AMG delivering 571 HP.

The SLS AMG's newly developed aluminum bodyshell comprises an aluminum spaceframe that helps keep the supercar's weight low. In particular, Mercedes said that the planned DIN kerb weight of its new supercar will be around 1,620 kilograms or 3,671 lbs (excluding driver).

Powering the SLS is a front-mounted, AMG-tuned 6.3-litre V8 engine that achieves a peak output of 571 hp at 6800 rpm. This results to a power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes. The naturally-aspirated eight-cylinder engine delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm.

According to Mercedes, the 'Gullwing' accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 315 km/h or 196 mph. Provisional fuel consumption for the SLS AMG is around 13.0lt per 100 kilometers or 18.09 mpg US.

The V8 engine transfers its power to the rear wheels through a new AMG dual-clutch transmission with seven gears that's mounted at the rear. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a RACESTART function. Traction comes courtesy of the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated in the compact transmission casing.

Stopping-power will be provided by high-performance composite brakes all-round while optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs will also be available. The German supercar will be equipped with 19-inch light alloy wheels shod in 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tires.

Mercedes said that the testing phase of the vehicle will be complete by the end of 2009 with the 'Gullwing' launch set for spring 2010.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing - Official Sketches and First Interior Photos

Adding to the suspense that it wants to create around its all-new SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz has published two official design sketches as well as an array of photos of supercar's finished interior. Though apparently more dramatic than what the real-life SLS AMG will actually look like, the sketches show that Merc's design team was heavily influenced by the firm's iconic 1950's 300 SL and 300 SLR sportscars retaining even the famous Gullwing doors.

The SLS AMG's cabin design is less sassy and more like what you would expect from a modern-day supercar from Mercedes. It does get plenty of carbon fiber inserts as well as a full leather trim and retro-styled air vents.

Under its long hood the SLS AMG hides a 6.3-litre V8 engine delivering an output of 571 hp at 6800 rpm and maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a new AMG dual-clutch transmission with seven gears that's mounted at the rear. The SLR McLaren's heir is said to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds whil top speed is pegged at 315 km/h or 196 mph.

The SLS AMG will be launched in 2010.

Lumma Design's Mercedes-Benz E50 CLR with up to 450HP

Lumma Design of Germany has come out with some pretty radical creations over the past years such as the BMW M5 CLR 500 RS and the CLR X650 GT. This time, however, the German tuner decided to decided to take a more subtle approach to customization with its new Mercedes-Benz E-Class based, E50 CLR sports package. Surprisingly, Lumma's bodykit looks like it could have come straight out from Merc's factory.

Forget about huge fender flares and awkward looking spoilers. The -dare we say it- classy bodykit includes a new front apron with integrated daytime running lights (LEDs optional), unobtrusive side skirts, a roof spoiler attached on the rear windshield, a new rear bumper that houses the diffuser and a new Carbon/Kevlar trunk lid with an integrated lip spoiler.

Inside, the package includes sport pedals made of milled aluminum, new graphics for the speedometer and unique floor and trunk mats.

A sport suspension module lowers the E50 CLR 25mm over 20-inch alloy wheels (available in different designs) that are shod in 245/30 R20 Michelin tyres up front and 285/25 R20 at the back.

Finally Lumma offers several engine upgrades, the most powerful being for the E500 which gets a 62 horsepower and 20Nm bump for an overall output of 450HP and 550Nm of torque, while there's also a new sport exhaust system with 4x90 mm tail pipes.

Old Skool Tuning: 1983 Mercedes-Benz 560SE with 386HP by Inden Design

Always had a thing for the Mercedes-Benz W126 (1979-1991) with its simple, uncluttered and yet amazingly elegant and timeless styling - a feat never again repeated by the luxury sedan's S Class successors, anyone disagree? This particular example you see pictured above, is a 1983 model modified by Germany's Inden Design in 1991. Being the company's first ever Mercedes product, Inden Design thought that it would be a cool idea to photograph the car and share with us a piece of its history.

The completely blacked out 1983 W126 was upgraded with the 1986 facelift model's bumpers and side covers and the US-spec model's headlamps and tail lights while there's also a sport exhaust system with dual pipes. The lowered suspension and the widened fenders that house 18-inch alloy wheels shod in 255/35 R18 tyres up front and (overly) massive 315/30 R18 tyres at the back, offer the W126 an even more aggressive stance.

The W126's interior, which is completely covered in black Nappa leather, boasts a set of König sport seats up front and special wood trim.

The classic Merc is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 engine from the 560SE producing over 368 horsepower while stopping power comes courtesy of an upgraded 6-piston sports brake system with 352 x 32mm discs from AP Racing.