Category: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has released details on the 4matic all-wheel drive system it will use in the upcoming CLA four-door coupé, shown here in official spy shot pics. They’ve also gone to the trouble of explaining how a tailored 4matic system will be applied to the cooking CLA 45 AMG model.

On first reading, 4matic sounds a bit similar to the Haldex system employed by the Volkswagen Group, among others. That is, the Benz 4matic system will operate is front-wheel drive as a default setting in order to maximise fuel efficiency. Mercedes claims their all-wheel drive system will be around 25% lighter than similar systems used by other car makers.

When required, power is sent to the rear axle through an electrohydraulically actuated multi-disk clutch. Mercedes says the guiding principle of the system is to use it “as often as necessary, as rarely as possible.”

The 4matic system will be coupled to a 7-speed double clutch transmission which has three settings: eco, sport and manual. In sport and manual modes the tolerances for the transfer of power to the rear axle are more focused, allowing for a quicker response and more dynamic handling.

Mercedes has hinted at the engine specs for the CLA 45 AMG saying the 2.0 litre turbo four will boast well over 400Nm of torque. So around 450Nm like the M135i, then?

Both the CLA 45 AMG and the A 45 AMG have been confirmed for Australia. The AMG versions will trail the Australian launch of their matching entry-level models by roughly six months.

The A 45 AMG is scheduled to go on sale locally in the latter half of next year, while the CLA 45 AMG is due to arrive in early 2014.

There’s more detail from Mercedes after the break, including some nerdy diagrams showcasing the 4matic’s tricky bits. Really, you have to check it out just so you can discover what an integrated power take-off unit is!

If you recall the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupé from Auto China this year, then you’re probably imagining sweet seductive curves and shiny metal finishes.

While you might not be seeing that level of detail in this spy shot, you can see enough of the front nose to know that the step from concept to production has taken an approving path.

The model in question is understood to be the CLA 45 AMG version, which will piggyback off the A45 AMG and its expected 350hp. We’ll be getting a proper look at the car when it makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013.

[Source: WCF]

Yes, we’re milking more from the one Automobile Magazine article, but this we cannot ignore. They reckon the SLS AMG “Gullwing” replacement, due late 2014, will be called the SLR AMG. There’ll be no unofficial reference to gullwings for the simple fact it is said to have conventionally opening doors.

On the positive side, assuming you view the no doubt clumsy to use and expensive to produce gullwing doors as a positive, the V8 powered SLR AMG will be lighter than the model it replaces and will be squarely aimed at the Porsche 911. It’s expected the new Benz will have around 490hp to play with, or 545hp in Black Series trim.

Sharpening the focus in the chase the 911’s scalp there are no plans at this stage for an SLR AMG Roadster.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

While we were away enjoying the public race tracks of New Zealand’s south island Mercedes-Benz lifted the lid on its SLS AMG Black Series. And here it is!

The SLS Black is not quite a match for the GT3 45th anniversary edition, but looking at all the carbon fibre adornments it clearly provided inspiration for the Black Series.

It had been suggested the ubiquitous AMG 6.3 litre V8 might be stroked a little to eke out some extra power for the SLS Black. Yet, the noted 6208cc engine remains, although AMG has managed to massage more power out of the engine that always seems to have more left to give.

Peak power is 464kW (631hp) at 7400rpm, while maximum torque of 635Nm is reached at 5500rpm. Thanks to a 1550kg kerb weight and a slick shifting 7-speed DCT you can see off 100km/h in only 3.6 seconds. The rear-axle differential lock also helps ensure no power is wasted.

In order to find the extra 40kW compared to the standard model, AMG has increased maximum revs from 7200rpm to 8000rpm. They’ve also fiddled with the camshafts and associated gubbins, while also modifying the air intake. A completely overhauled water and oil cooling system along with high-strength connections for the conrods also show AMG’s engineers have been working hard.

Switching from a conventional steel exhuast to a titanium system has resulted in the benefits of improved sound and a 13kg weight saving. This contributes to an overall weight saving of 70kg. A liberal use of crabon fibre reinforced plastic body panels has helped here as well.

Ceramic brakes are standard and save 16kg in weight. Also standard is the completely revised AMG Ride Control suspension system. Forged alloy wheels (10×19″ fronts, 12×20″ rears) are unique to the car and save another 4kg. They’re wrapped in grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

And how much will all these changes cost you? We can’t tell you that just yet, suffice to say the answer will be a lot. The SLS AMG Black Series will be officially launched to market in June next year. Expect pricing to be confirmed a little before then.

While you’re waiting for Mercedes to work out how much they need to charge for this rather awesome looking beast feel free to enjoy the pics, video and press material after the break.

There’s nothing quite like the sound of a V8 engine at full noise. And Mercedes-Benz has found a way to create a unique aggressive tone to their hand built AMG V8 engines. Here then is the latest spy video of the SLS AMG Black Series and its 6.3 litre V8 in action. It sounds mental!

Best guesses say the SLS Black will have 630hp (435kW) on offer. That’s up a healthy 60-odd hp on the regular SLS Gullwing and 40-plus hp compared to the previous best found in the SLS AMG GT.

Enough on the numbers, cop a load of the sound. Just make sure you crank up the volume to 11!

[Source: WCF]