Mercedes Shows SLS AMG Black Series, Announces Prices for New SLS GT and GL63 AMG in LA

Mercedes-Benz selected the Los Angeles Auto Show for the world premiere of its track-focused, but still street-legal, SLS AMG Black Series that was joined by the refreshed SLS AMG GT and the new GL63 AMG, both of which made their U.S. motor show debuts.

The Black Series badge brings a host of racecar touches to the German firm's Gullwing-door supercar, including a wide body kit that improves aerodynamics, a weight reduction, modified suspension, brakes and steering, and a slightly more powerful version of the regular model's 6.2-liter V8 churning out 622hp (631PS).

Series production of the limited run SLS AMG Black Series will begin next summer at an as-of-yet, undisclosed price.

However, just to get an idea of what the BS will cost, Mercedes used the LA Auto Show to announce U.S. pricing for the facelifted 2013 SLS AMG GT, which carries an MSRP of $199,500 in coupe trim, and $206,000 as a Roadster, excluding a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax and destination and delivery fees.

U.S. pricing was also announced for the new GL63 AMG, which is powered by a 550hp (557PS) 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8. When it arrives at U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealers in the first quarter of 2013, it will carry an MSRP of $116,925, again not including destination and delivery.

 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more »

Scoop: Bentley Continental Flying Spur Chased Around the 'Ring by Merc's SLS AMG Black

It's not all work for test drivers and engineers trying out prototypes of upcoming models on racing tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife as sometimes they get the opportunity to play around with their colleagues and even rivals.

In this video footage, courtesy of YouTube user 'Fastsportscardriver', we see a prototype of the redesigned 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur luxury sedan being challenged by the driver of aMercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series test car, which as you probably already know, was recently unveiled online, almost a year before it goes on sale.

As for the revamped Bentley sedan, besides the new sheetmetal, the 2014 Continental Flying Spur will also benefit from changes to the chassis, the interior and the introduction of a new Audi-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 500hp (507PS) and 660Nm (487 lb-ft) and linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving all-four wheels.

 

VIDEO

Read more »

Mercedes, Jaguar to Present New Debuts

We already know to expect the new Subaru Forester and Honda Civic, the production version of Acura's new RLX flagship sedan, the new Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, to name just a few. But then there are a few wildcards. Rifling through the press release, the show organizers have revealed that both Mercedes and Jaguar will be showcasing as-yet undisclosed new vehicles in the City of Angels. These will be in addition to the aforementioned SLS Black and the North American debut of the F-Type roadster, respectively.

If recent spy shots are anything to go by, Mercedes could be ready to show off a facelifted E-Class or possibly the new CLA four-door coupe. The GLA crossover, however, doesn't look quite ready yet. As for the Jaguar, previous reports indicated that we could see a coupe version of the F-Type in LA, but Coventry has also been gearing up to unveil a new XFR-S performance sedan. Meanwhile Porsche recently announced that it would unveil a new compact sportscar in LA. While details remain sketchy, industry insiders expect we'll be seeing the new Cayman when the show opens its doors at the end of the month.

Read more »