Category: Mercedes-Benz

The new Mercedes-Benz A Class is already a pleasing departure from conservatism for the three-pointed star. Handing the model over to its AMG skunkworks even more so. Reports say the A45 AMG will boast 350hp and a Haldex all-wheel drive system. But is it any good?

Piers Ward from Top Gear has been lucky enough to ride shotgun in an A45 prototype with Tobias Moers, AMG’s development boss. Ward said: “For starters, it sounds awesome. The typical AMG-burble is there when you lift off, and there’s no four-cylinder drone at any point. Hard-edged, enthusiastic. Good, in other words. Its 2.0-litre engine is pretty luridly turbocharged, ending up at 350bhp and 331lb ft (the figures are unconfirmed at the moment). Moers is also proud of the fuel consumption, which he says is about 40mpg, again unconfirmed.”

Apparently we can also expect two further AMG models to spawn from the A Class platform. Namely a CLA (refer to the F800 concept) and wagon/shooting brake variant.

Auto Express has also spent some time with Moers and are quoting the AMG man as saying: “Our target is to sell it for less than €50,000. We want it to cost slightly less than the Audi RS3.”

Moers goes on to tease us by suggesting the A45 AMG is better than a 1M around the Nürburgring. “We’ve been timing the A45 around the Nurburgring and the BMW 1 Series M Coupe was our benchmark,” he said. “Let’s just say we’re extremely happy with our work.”

We also expect Chris Harris may chime in soon with his opinion. We’ll let you know if he does.

[Source: Top Gear & Auto Express | Thanks to Adam for the tip]

Turns out the new Mercedes-Benz A Class, currently on display at the Australian International Motor Show, is proving to be very popular with buyers. Mercedes has received 70,000 orders since June. That’s not a lot for a Corolla perhaps, or even a Golf, but for a fancy pants Mercedes hatchback that’s pretty good.

The demand has encouraged Mercedes to add a third production shift at the company’s Rastatt plant.

“We have expanded our full-time workforce by 500 permanent staff and are now well positioned to deliver the cars to our customers as soon as possible,” said Peter West, director of the Rastatt facility, in an official statement.

The A Class goes on sale in Australia from March next year and is priced from $35,600 for the entry level A 180 BlueEfficiency to $49,900 for the current range-topping A 250 Sport. An A Class AMG model is also in the works.

[Source: Reuters]

If you like exclusive limited-run motor cars then Mercedes-Benz has come to your aid with this SLS AMG GT3 “45th Anniversary” model. Only five will be made and you’ll be needing to find €450K to get your hands on one.

Mercedes describes the car as an “exclusive collector’s item” and it has been announced to celebrate the 45th anniversary of in-house tuners AMG. Of course, we all know that AMG was originally an aftermarket tuning house, but Mercedes bought shares back in 1990, before taking full control in 2005.

So, back to this fancypants GT3 model then. AMG brand ambassador, multiple DTM champ and F1 safety car driver Bernd Schneider has been involved in the production process, including assisting the AMG engine fitter with installing the 6.3 litre V8. You’ll even get a personally signed certificate from Bernd confirming as much.

The SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary features prominent use of CFRP body panels that have been finished off in designo magno graphite matt paint. The trick paint colour has also been applied to the lightweight 20″ alloys and roll-cage to ensure everything matches nicely. Because you need that in your take home racecar.

And just so you don’t confuse your SLS AMG GT3 with your neighbour’s Gullwing, the limited-run model is adorned with special graphics to let everyone know this is the 45th Anniversary edition.

When you go to the AMG factory in Affalterbach to collect your new toy you’ll be greeted by Schneider who’ll show you what all the buttons do. You’ll also be taken on an exclusive tour of the site. Almost sounds worth it, don’t you think!

Now where have I put that spare AU$570K?

Pistonspy brings us a great series of spy shots showing a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series prototype on a testing run. For the first time we get to see the front of the SLS Black with no disguise. Assuming the bodywork we see here is not a ruse, take note of the new front quarter panels to allow for a wider track. The extra width carries down the car to the rear arch as well.

We reckon the extra air intake capacity on the front of the car will have more to do with brake cooling than feeding air into the engine. There’s a chance 6.2 litre V8 could be force fed more air, but we think Mercedes will stick with a normally aspirated engine.

Actually, there may even be a chance to increase the capacity of the famed Mercedes V8, we’ll see. Best guesses for now say the standard 560-odd horsepower from the regular SLS will be pushed to the other side of 600hp, maybe even as far as 650hp.

Also for the first time on the SLS Black we can see a massive fixed rear wing. From what we can see with these spy shots it doesn’t appear as though the wing will have any electronic trickery to it that could allow for on the fly adjustments.

[Source: Pistonspy]