These spy shots of the Mercedes SL show the next generation which will turn up in only 2012. But testing has already been underway for the new Mercedes spider, which should be getting a complete overhaul. The Mercedes SL is still covered in very heavy camouflage, meaning we can’t get an accurate idea of how it will look.

According to some reports, both the Mercedes SL and SLK will inherit some of the design features from the classic Mercedes SLS, but we can’t verify that with these shots. However, we do get some tantalising technical information: the new SL should be wider and lower than the current model, gaining some improvements in aerodynamics and drive style.

It will have a totally new spaceframe chassis, and will have a specialist suspension system with an aluminium double triangle both at the front and rear. We should also see an exciting new engine range with new V6 and V8 units, both aspirated and turbo models, with CGI direct injection. Both performance and fuel consumption should be improved, and eventually we should also see a Mercedes SL hybrid version with lithium ion batteries.

Source | Autowereld

Continue reading: Mercedes SL spy shots

After the first example of the CLS55 AMG, collaboration between Mercedes and IWC returns to create a limited sports version. This time its the turn of the SL63 AMG, which has just been renewed and equipped with the V8 6.2 at 525 hp and the new shift, Speedshift MCT.

Production will be limited to 200 units, all in the exclusive kashmir white colour and equipped with AMG’s aesthetic kit with details in carbon fibre. Carbon also dominates the internal panels, in contrast to the Tappa Brown leather, also unique to this version. The cars are equipped with Mercedes’ most permissive speed limitator, coming in at 300km/h.

Lucky customers of the Mercedes SL63 IWC Edition will also receive a precious IWC watch, but no price has yet been released.

Continue reading: Mercedes SL63 AMG IWC Edition

Some time ago we wrote about statements from AMG regarding the end of the war on power, with the explanation that future AMG cars with the CDI symbol would be manufactured with the environment in mind. It appears though that the possibility of explosive power is far too alluring to leave unexplored: and so AMG is proceeding in its development of the SL Black Series, perhaps the most powerful AMG ever.

According to reports of our favourite insider Auto Week, the new lethal weapon of the workshop will be powered with V12 6.0 already used on other 65 AMG: such an engine is capable of easily reaching 720 hp, even though the power would have to be regulated at 680 hp. The car has undergone a drastic “weight loss” (about 220 kg) using carbon fibre and more sporty components (brakes, fixed roof and an upgraded cooling system).

In addition, reports stated that the option of adding turbocharging technology combined with direct injection is being evaluated for the V8 6.3. “The increase in power,” as rumor-mongering had it, “would be limited though its presence would create ideal conditions for the adoption of direct injection.”

Via | Motor Authority

Continue reading: Will the engine of the Mercedes Sl Black Series be "strangled" to 680 hp?

Mercedes-Benz is warming up for the 78th edition of the Geneva Motor Show: the brand is coming with a massive five world premieres: the all-new CLC, the facelifted CLS, SLK and SL, and the CL 500 4Matic, that features for the first time the extremely light all-wheel drive system on this model. You can find the complete press release after the jump.

Continue reading: Mercedes-Benz at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz engineers are working at a new, still enigmatic supercar, caught in this video while testing at the Nurburginger Nordschleife. It is clear that this test mule is based on the Mercedes SL, but we don’t exactly know yet what car is hidden under the camouflage.

Rumors say that the german automaker is developing a bunch of new supercars including a modern edition of the 300 SL Gullwing, the SLC, and the SL AMG Black Series.

This one should be based on the 6.2 litres V8 built in Affalterbach by AMG and will probably be much lighter than other SL versions, since it will get a new, fixed, carbon-fiber roof and other lightened body parts. Other notable features such as the huge fender flares, and a rear diffuser with quad exhaust pipes contribute to distinguish the Black Series from the “normal” SL AMG.

Via | MotorAuthority

Continue reading: Mercedes SL AMG Black Series: spy video