Mercedes-Benz News - Report: Mercedes, BMW take aim at the Audi R8

[tags]mercedes benz news, mercedes benz reviews, mercedes benz, daimler chrysler[/tags] -

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz

Audi appears to have set off a chain reaction with its forthcoming R8 sports car. The automaker’s primary competitors, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, are both cooking up their own new sports cars. Auto Motor und Sport reports that BMW is busy working on the Z9 for 2010. The front-engined Z9 would eschew the Z8’s retro themes for a more current look, and be powered at first by a version of the M5/M6 V10 making 500+ horses. That engine could possibly be joined by a 400+ hp V8 after the car’s initial release.

Meanwhile, at Mercedes, speculation abounds regarding the rumored 2010 supercar, which, based on previous reports, will be driven by a 750-hp twin-turbocharged version of the AMG V8, sport gullwing doors and be developed entirely by AMG mad scientists. Auto Motor und Sport reports that said powerplant will be mounted amidships, and the rendering above is the German mag’s theory of what this AMG sports car could look like. We think it looks just fine.

Let the rumor-mongering continue!

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

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AMG offers new performance packages for CLS, SLK, and SL

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Mercedes Benz

Click image to enlarge

Who does AMG think it is? BRABUS?

Mercedes’ in-house tuning arm is upping the ante on three of its delectable, monstrously-powered passenger cars by offering optional performance packages that further enhance their dynamics.

The lucky recipients of the AMG Performance Studio’s additional love are the CLS 63, SLK 55, and SL 55 — three cars we’d gladly welcome into the Autoblog garage in their stock forms. Just the thought of even better versions makes us feel all warm and fuzzy. The full list of modifications made to each car is detailed after the jump, but suffice to say that no matter which one you choose, expect suspension, brake, wheel/tire, and appearance upgrades that make the cars even more well-rounded and provide a stronger street presence than stock AMG machines.

Pricing for the upgrades is set at 8,236 € for the CLS, 5,220 € for the SLK, and 11,948 € for the SL. If you’re already paying the premium for an AMG ride, why not just go all the way and take the performance package, too? You know you want to.

(Pics, press release after the jump)

[Source:DaimlerChrysler]

Click either image to enlarge

PRESS RELEASE:

Performance packages for high-powered AMG models:
Factory-fitted packages for enhanced performance and further improved racetrack potential

Affalterbach, Aug 30, 2006
Mercedes-AMG is offering customised performance packages for three AMG models, aimed at particularly sporty drivers. The packages, which are available for the CLS 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and SL 55 AMG, comprise various factory-fitted components which significantly enhance the dynamics of all three models and further improve their racetrack potential. The performance packages were developed in the AMG Performance Studio and the vehicles are built at the relevant DaimlerChrysler production plants.

The performance packages for the CLS 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and SL 55 AMG focus particularly on chassis and brake system modifications, incorporating com-ponents with an even higher performance rating and longer service life. The re-sult is a breathtaking driving experience for ambitious sports car enthusiasts who want to have the option of using their AMG model on closed-circuit racetracks. Customers benefit from the extensive motor sport know-how gained by Mercedes-AMG GmbH in almost four decades of working in this field.

The performance package for the CLS 63 AMG comprises:

* Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm
* Multi-disc rear locking differential with 40% locking effect for additional traction
* 19-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, painted sterling silver, size 8.5 x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres (front) and size 10 x 19 with 285/30 R 19 tyres (rear)
* AMG performance suspension based on AIRMATIC DC
* AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

The performance package for the SLK 55 AMG comprises:

* Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 360 x 32 mm
* 18-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, size 7.5 x 18 with 225/40 R 18 tyres (front) and size 8.5 x 18 with 245/35 R 18 tyres (rear)
* AMG performance suspension
* AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara, with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles
* Carbonfibre interior trim parts

The performance package for the SL 55 AMG comprises:

* Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm
* Multi-disc rear locking differential with 30% locking effect for additional traction
* 19-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, size 8.5 x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres (front) and size 9.5 x 19 with 285/30 R 19 tyres (rear)
* AMG performance suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC)
* Additional oil cooler
* AMG front apron with larger air intakes
* AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara, with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

The AMG performance packages are priced as follows (prices include 16 % VAT):

* CLS 63 AMG: 8,236 €
* SLK 55 AMG: 5,220 €
* SL 55 AMG: 11,948 €

The AMG Performance Studio in Affalterbach can provide even more customisation for these AMG high-performance models. Depending on the model in question, the available components include:

* Extra-lightweight, forged AMG alloy wheels
* Carbon-fibre exterior package
* AMG sports steering wheels
* Illuminated AMG door sill panels

The Performance Studio specialists also fit unique interior trim components and high-performance hi-fi and multimedia systems and even create one-off specials - a traditional forte of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

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