A further highlight of the 2012 DTM season in addition to the spectacular new Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé will be the DTM Safety Car: right from the off, C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series will be providing the necessary safety for the world's most popular touring car series. With a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp), this two-seater is the most powerful C-Class of all time. The German Touring Car Masters (DTM) gets underway at the Hockenheimring on 29 April 2012. The Safety Car is deployed under the direction of the German Motorsport Association (DMSB), which is responsible for implementing safety measures, ensuring compliance with safety standards and discharging the attendant official sporting functions in accordance with the DTM rules. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car driven by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (44) is intended to ensure maximum safety for racing drivers, spectators and track marshals in case of dangerous situations, such as extreme weather conditions, accidents or other incidents. In response to a radio message from the race organisers, the Safety Car enters the track and leads the DTM field around the circuit until normal racing can be resumed. The most powerful C-Class of all time stands for spectacular design, technology transfer from the field of motorsport and driving dynamics of the very highest calibre. As such, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series only required modification to a few points of detail for deployment as the DTM Safety Car. The most striking feature distinguishing it from the series production version is the aerodynamically optimised light bar on the roof. Energy-efficient, fast-response LEDs in green and orange keep the DTM racing drivers informed of the current situation. - Green: the two central green lights on the front and rear are always active when the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series enters the field at the beginning of a Safety Car phase. Continuous green is the signal for all DTM drivers to overtake the Safety Car. - Orange: as soon as the Safety Car is in position in front of all DTM vehicles, the green LEDs are switched off and the orange LEDs are activated. The flashing orange lights at the outer ends of the light bar indicate that overtaking is absolutely prohibited.
- The stroboscope-like flashing LED lights on the front and rear remain active throughout the Safety Car phase. The license plate with Safety Car lettering which is illuminated by LEDs on the boot lid provides for better visibility in poor weather. Engine, power transmission, chassis, suspension and brake system corresponding to series production variant The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine corresponds to the series-production engine: with a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp) and maximum torque of 620 Newton metres it even tops the roughly 377 kW (500 hp) V8 engine in the Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé which is being used in the DTM. The high-speed naturally aspirated engine enables acceleration to 100 km/h from a standing start in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited). With the spectators at the race track and the TV audience in mind, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car is fitted with a modified AMG sports exhaust system. The special rear silencer guarantees a distinctive AMG V8 sound. Engine cooling, power transmission, chassis and suspension, brake system – these areas have been honed to perfection and did not require any modification. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with four drive programmes, double-declutching function and RACE START guarantees direct and fast gear-shifting. As is customary in motorsport and typical for a Black Series model, the AMG sports suspension is designed as a coil-over suspension. It covers a broad range of adjustment options for an individual race track set-up. The standard-fit AMG rear-axle differential lock with locking effect in acceleration and deceleration mode combines with the 3-stage ESP® for reliable traction. The AMG high-performance braking system featuring motorsport-tested compound brake disks at the front offers extremely short stopping distances and fade-resistant deceleration performance. Optional equipment from the AMG Performance Studio The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series DTM Safety Car is equipped with the AMG Track package, the AMG Aerodynamics package, the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package and forged AMG light-alloy wheels. The AMG Track package comprises active rear axle gear cooling and sports tyres. The radiator is positioned in front of the diffuser insert in the rear apron, where it effectively takes in the air stream. The specially developed Dunlop Sport Maxx Race sports tyres in size 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear are fitted on forged AMG wheels which are painted matt black with a high-sheen rim flange. The AMG Aerodynamics package includes so-called flics and a functionally designed genuine carbon-fibre front splitter on the front apron, plus a fixed carbon-fibre rear aerofoil with adjustable blade. All three components provide the vehicle with a sharper profile while optimising its aerodynamic balance. The AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package covers exterior mirror housings, the inserts in the side sill panels and a diffuser insert in genuine carbon fibre. All optional equipment items come from the AMG Performance Studio and are available ex-factory for every C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. Functional race-track atmosphere in the interior The interior also corresponds to the series production model, with a few exceptions. The two AMG sports bucket seats ensure optimum lateral support for driver and co-driver. In view of the intended deployment on the race track, four-point seat belts are used. Optimum control of the vehicle is guaranteed by the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA with flattened top and bottom rim sections and aluminium gearshift paddles. AMG carbon-fibre trim featuring the "AMG Black Series" logo underscores the functional race-track atmosphere. For communication with the race organisers, the Safety Car is equipped with a two-way radio system and TV monitor. The camera located next to the rear license plate provides the co-driver with a view of the DTM cars following the Safety Car. Under the monitor there are four buttons in blue, green, orange and silver for operating the light bar, the stroboscope-type flashing LED lights and the horn. DTM Safety Car provided by Mercedes-AMG since 2000 Mercedes-AMG has been providing the Safety Car ever since the beginning of the "new" DTM in 2000, alternating with Audi from race to race – and since 2012 with BMW also. In the Formula 1 World Championship, an SLS AMG is deployed as an Official F1 Safety-Car and a C 63 AMG Estate serves as an Official F1 Medical Car.
The first example of the new SL series has been recently deliveredto its owneratthe Mercedes-Benz Customer Center in Bremen. Klaus Hahn, a furniture store owner from Solingen, Germany, came along with his wife to pick up the roadster. "I've been owning SL roadsters for 20 years, because I like the combination of comfort and sportiness. I find the technology of the new model particularly fascinating.", said Hahn. He opted for an SL 350 version in metallic Cavansit Blue paint job. Andreas Keller, head of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen:"For the new edition of this automotive icon, we have designed our body shop from scratch. The new SL is produced almost entirely from aluminum and this site has now become an excellence center for lightweight construction technology. We are very proud that Bremen continues the success story of this cult sports car. "
In 1952, the forefather of the SL was taking part in international grands prix as racing car. In 1954, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the first street-legal model: the legendary 300 SL Gullwing. In 1963, 1971, 1989 and 2001 further generations of the sports roadster followed, which were first produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen and, since 1989, at the Bremen facility too. Over 650,000 SLs were manufactured after serial production started in 1954.
The new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous letters "SL" – super, lightweight – literally. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has implemented an all-aluminium bodyshell in a series-production model. Only very few components consist of other materials. The designers use the even lighter magnesium for the cover behind the tank. High-strength steel tubing is integrated in the A-pillars for safety reasons. The aluminium structure is not only lighter but also proves superior to the predecessor's steel construction in terms of rigidity, safety and comfort. Compared to the previous model, the new SL 350 is 140 kilograms lighter, whereas the new SL 500 weighs 125 kilograms less.
Mercedes-Benz offers the new SL in two distinct versions: SL 350 with a V6 engine and SL 500 with a V8 biturbo unit. The new BlueDIRECT engines deliver 225 kw (306 hp) in the SL 350 and, respectively, 320 kW (435 hp) in the SL 500.
The new SL features two world premieres: the FrontBass system provides a concert hall atmosphere even in an open car. It uses the free space in the hollow aluminum structures in front of the footwell as a resonating chamber for the woofer. MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new and highly efficient wiper/washer system. The innovative wiper blade concept always applies the washer fluid just in front of the wiper blade lip via the channels integrated into the blade – in both directions of wipe. For the first time, a fully heated wiper blade is available as an option that prevents snow or ice from forming on the blade in winter.
The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system is another Mercedes-Benz innovation which provides hands-free, contactless operation of the boot lid. The driver simply moves their foot in the vicinity of the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz is the only car maker to offer a system which not only automatically opens the boot lid but closes it as well.
About the Mercedes-Benz Bremen Plant
With more than 12,800 employees, the Bremen plant is the largest private employer in the region. Currently, eight models are produced at the site: the C-Class sedan, the C-Class station wagon and the C-Coupe (together with the Black Series version of the C 63 AMG Coupe), the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, the GLK and both SLK and SL roadsters. In 2011, the plant has produced over 313 000 vehicles, which is more than ever before. The market research firm J.D. Power and Associates has awarded the factory last year for its production quality as the best passenger car production plant in Europe. In the future, the facility will play an important role in the Mercedes-Benz production network: it is bound to become a competence center for high-volume series cars with the launch of the next generation C-Class.
Spring has come, so the test prototypes of future Mercs head over to the renowned Nurburgring track for a thorough shakedown. One of the first to have been spotted recently on the Nordschleife circuit is the forthcoming SLS AMG Black Series super-hot model. This new rocket tweaked in the Affalterbach labs is slated to make its official entrance on the automotive stage in the second part of this year. The Black Series 'gullwing' will benefit from a special treatment, which aims to deliver a spectacular visual result as well as top performance figures. The car has already underwent a strict diet to lose the extra, unnecessary kilograms that might affect the desired sports ride. Moreso, further aerodynamic body elements make up an aggressive and dynamically eficient kit which looks to set the Black Series version apart from the standard SLS AMG and also to improve the drag coefficient (Cd) and lower the air resistance for the car to flow smoothly on the roads. The generous frontal air intakes help the huge V8 engine under the bonnet to cool down when pushed to its utmost limits. At the back end, a visible tail-mounted spoiler will add more grip to the rear axle to ensure the car stays firmly 'glued' to the ground. The new AMG hypercar will also receive a set of special dampers and springs, but also a high-performance brake system with perforated discs.
While there were initial rumors the SLS AMG Black Series would use a new biturbo V8 unit, it appears it will stick to the outgoing aspirated V8 engine, which has been modified to pump out no less than 661 hp and an enormous high-end torque reaching 750-800 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h will take less than 4 seconds, whereas the maximum speed could exceed well over 330 km/h. Power will be sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a modified 7-speed MCT SPEEDSHIFT gearbox designed to handle those numerous ponnies.
The upcoming SLS AMG Black Series is currently undergoing some winter testing programme in Northern Scandinavia, near the Arctic Circle. The furious gullwing is tipped to arrive in the second part of this year and display an outstanding technical package. Practically, this insane sports car will be hardcore in every term - from the modified suspension and dampers, the lowered ride height, the low profile tyres up to the potent V8 engine and the aggressive looks. Talking about power, engineers have decided to stick to the old, but faithful naturally aspirated unit, which they thoroughly modified to deliver a peak output of 650 hp and a maximum torque of at least 700 Nm. Top speed should reach around 325-330 km/h, whereas 0-100 km/h acceleration could take less than 4 seconds. Most probably, the waiting list for the extravagant SLS AMG Black Series will be rather long, despite the estimated price tag of €260,000.
Brilliant news for Mercedes-AMG: their new C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is a seriously fast machine that stands out of the crowd following the successful test lap carried out (by individuals, not officials) on the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. The coupe managed to complete the entire track in precisely 7 minutes and 46 seconds, which puts it between the Porsche 911 Carrera S that posted a time of 7:44 and the BMW M3 GTS which was two seconds slower, scoring 7:48. Compared to the standard C 63 AMG Coupe, which nearly missed the 8:00 barrier by just a second, the Black Series version is from another league.
The Black Series portfolio of Mercedes-AMG is under constant extension. After the C 63 AMG Coupe got the 'steroids' treatment, following the 2012 reveal of the Limousine and T-Modell siblings, the guys from Affalterbach will release the new SLS AMG Black Series in early 2013. Apart from the obvious tweaks to the sports chassis and suspension in order to unleash more juice from the mighty beast, the potent Gullwing will reportedly remain faithful to the naturally aspirated V8 engine, that's bound to receive some substantial modifications for the maximum output to rise up to a mindblowing 650 hp - imagine the complete eargasm produced by the unit all revved up to its utmost limits. It is said that AMG will offer both the SLS AMG Coupe and Roadster in Black Series variant, so if you want one in your garage, start earning some money, because you will definitely need a lot: € 260,000, to be precise.
After it released the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series this summer, the Affalterbach-based tuner is allegedly developing a potent station wagon version, in addition to the already scooped limousine variant.
At least, this is the prime conclusion we reach after seeing these spy shots that reveal a test mule of the forthcoming C 63 AMG T-Modell Black Series. Not only the impressive front air intakes, but also the thick camouflage covering the sides and tail gate of the car also raise "suspicions". If it happens to go on sale towards end of 2012, this masterpiece of German engineering could well become one of the fastest wagons on Earth.
The technical package is set to come from the Coupe model, which means a finely-tuned AMG sports suspension for the best dynamic response, a high-end rear axle differential lock for added traction and the multi-talented 3-stage electronic stability program. Other highlights include the popular 6.2-litre V8 engine, boasting natural aspiration, a staggering peak output of 517 BHP and 620 Nm of maximum torque. The innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission will take care to send the massive power to the rear wheels.
Expected to borrow the aggressive looks of the Coupe, the T-Modell will feature a lowered ride height, forged AMG light-alloy wheels with a total diameter of 19 inches, quad exhausts and multiple aerodynamic body parts to help improve air flow and thus the drag coefficient (Cd) and the general performance of the car. All these upgrades together with the extra practicality of this model over the Coupe and anticipated Limousine version announce a prohibitive price tag for the new C 63 AMG Estate Black Series: in Europe, we expect around 120,000 euros (incl. 19% VAT).
Spectacular design, technology transfer from the world of motorsport and driving dynamics at the highest level. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series embodies the AMG brand claim of "Driving Performance" like no other AMG model. With a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp) and a maximum torque of 620 Newton metres, the new high-performance vehicle is the most powerful C-Class of all time. Hefty torque, tremendous pulling power and an agile response are guaranteed thanks to the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which accelerates the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series to a speed of 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and takes it on to a top speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited).
Read further facts on the new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series >> HERE
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