Showing posts with label Mercedes-Benz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mercedes-Benz. Show all posts

Monday, August 30, 2010

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG: The Reincarnation Of The Red Sow

 
It has been almost forty years since the initial surprise debut of the 4-door AMG saloon. Today, history repeats itself. This time, it is with the "off track special" which is based on the wonderful 420kW S63 Red Sow. 

The four door 300SEL 6.8 was known as the Red Sow because of its colour, which was red. During the 1971 24 heures de Spa-Francorchamps race, it was the heaviest and fastest monster by a good margin, and it eventually finished in 2nd place. To commemorate the comeback of the Red Sow, Mercedes-Benz invited the prime car lovers and media to Bernie Ecclestone's Le Castellet circuit at the southern region of France. The main attraction of the pit were the re-engine 2011 S63 AMG that was liveried up to match up the 1971 racer, along with seasoned time travelers Hans Heyer and the driver of the first Red Sow, Clemens Schickentanz.
Even though the 2011 automobile basically uses a stock body, it also exhibits flared wings, a 20 inch wheel and tyre that is the widest pairing available, a fairly modified spoiler kit, and low-drag mirrors. Nice period splashes which are similar to the first Red Sow include rubber latches to hold the lids, sports a no bumber design, and a reasonably conditional roll-cage that boasts a huge single transverse column, which did wonders in strengthening a particularly inflexible four door design. 

As opposed to the first Red Sow which has 4 Bosch foot-ball sized auxiliary driving lights, the 2011 S63 AMG make do with rounded Bosh stickers that have no less than LEDs. Enough to accelerate the automobile that weighs a colossal 2.1 tons from -100km/h in 4.4 seconds, is its twin turbo 5.5-liter V8, which collects 420kW at 660 rounds each minute and 900Nm from 2500 to 3750 rpm. In addition, the Performance Kit has compound brakes, a 275/35 front and 325/30 sports suspension that involve 45mm flares all around. The same 7-speed AT transmission as the Mercedes-Benz SL63 is used in the S63. 

The theory is that, the new Red Sow may effortlessly break the 320 km/h or 200mph barriers with flying colours. Nevertheless, the significant weight that is put into the huge downforce would just possibly put plenty of strain the tires. 

Design wise, the new vehicle is really a chauffeur's car rather than a racer. Its gear selector is column-mounted, and the instrumentation can only be considered modern if we were in the design freeze of 2001. Dimensionally, the brand new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG has obviously been subjected to a fattening diet program to say the least. On the other hand, once you have 420kW and 900Nm to handle, you truly can't complain.
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In theory, the brand new Red Sow might effortlessly break the 320 km/h or 200mph boundaries with little effort. Nevertheless, the substantial weight which is put into the high downforce would likely place a lot of strain the front and back tires. Discover more facts about Mercedez-Benz cars at http://www.luxurycarssydney.com.au

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Special Edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT

By Evander Klum
British motor sports tuner RML Group (Ray Mallock Ltd) wanted to give the special edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 with their exclusive engineering touches. The staff developed a new breed of a super car model based from the vehicle called the SLR 722 GT, a more powerful model that is built exclusively for race tracks. RML Group enhanced the car's suspension, braking system, aerodynamic parts, exhaust system (with oxygen sensor), and even the interior components. The SLR 722 GT was made through the request of SLR CLUB members to have a new SLR 722 model. The SLR CLUB is an exclusive organization that hosts events relating to the SLR model.

Going back to the new SLR 722 GT, this super car model now comes with an up rated supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine under its redesigned sleek hood. The engine is capable of pumping out 500 kW / 680 PS and pulls out a maximum torque output of 830 Newton metres. This power unit is also combined with a five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles suitable for racing conditions. A mechanical locking differential with a locking effect of 70 percent is also included for additional performance. With this powertrain package, the new SLR 722 GT can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 315 km/h or about 196 mph. This super car model also features a racing air filter and a new exhaust system.

RML Group also gave the SLR 722 GT with newly developed suspension system. These include new wheel location system for improved kinematics and lateral dynamics, modified stabiliser at the front axle, adjustable wheel camber, and shock absorbers with variable compression. The SLR 722 GT also comes with wheels equipped with central locks to allow fast tire changing during races.

Outside, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT features new body components and other design highlights from RML Group. The front apron with front splitter shows the car's agile characteristics along with wide wings, prominent side skirts. At the rear, the SLR 722 GT offers large rear diffuser and the fixed rear spoiler. This allows the SLR 722 GT to have an aggressive aerodynamic look and performance. An 18-inch light alloy wheels completes the overall exterior appeal of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT. Inside, the SLR 722 GT is equipped with a functional interior inspired by motor sports racing. These include rollover cage, redesigned instrument panel with a racing display, racing steering wheel, bucket seats, and six-point seat belts for safety.

Unfortunately, RML Group will only roll out 21 units of this modified super car model, and individuals who already ordered the SLR 722 GT are members of the SLR CLUB.

Monday, July 9, 2007

F1 Technology Makes Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Safer

By Anthony Fontanelle

At the Canadian Grand Prix, the life-saving property of carbon fiber is demonstrated when BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica sustained only a minor concussion and a sprained ankle after a 250 kilometer per hour, 75-G crash. Less than 24 hours after the accident, the Polish Formula One driver was released from the hospital.

The use of carbon fiber on Formula One cars is mandated to make sure that the cars can adequately protect the drivers in the unfortunate event of a high speed crash. Mercedes-Benz of course has its tie with McLaren in Formula One and it comes as no surprise that the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should be made safer by suing F1 technology.

The sports car co-developed by DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Automotive is designed as a supercar thus it can reach very high speeds. This of course presents the issue of protecting the occupants of the car in the case of a crash. To make the SLR McLaren Roadster safe, the developer uses carbon fiber extensively in the manufacturing of the SLR McLaren.

In the unfortunate event of a head-on collision, the carbon fiber materials protect the passenger and the driver inside the car. Even on side or rear collision, the high strength material can adequately protect the occupants of the vehicle even on high speed traffic accidents.
“Naturally, it is not possible to completely transfer Formula One technology into a vehicle intended for everyday use, in which comfort criteria also need to be taken into account,” said Dr. Rodolfo Schöneburg, head of Passenger Car Safety Development for Mercedes-Benz.

“For example, you cannot expect the driver of a series-production sports car to either wear a helmet or use the HANS Head And Neck Support system that is prescribed for racing cars to protect those parts of the driver's body. However, we do capitalize on the positive properties of the high-tech materials used in Formula One to offer those traveling in the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster a standard of safety that is unmatched, even in the realm of super-sports cars.”

The presence of carbon fiber in the SLR is unique due to the fact that few supercar manufacturers use carbon fiber extensively on their production vehicles. One of the reasons for this is the complicated manufacturing process involved.

But with McLaren and Formula One partner Mercedes-Benz having years of experience in developing their race car made out of carbon fiber has given Mercedes-Benz the advantage of expertise in the production of the needed carbon fiber.

The front end of the SLR McLaren is fitted with carbon fiber materials. The material’s capacity to absorb huge amount of energy makes it possible for a passenger of an SLR McLaren to Escape with only minor injuries after a high speed crash.

With the use of carbon fiber on the SLR McLaren, the car became not only a superfast and a very good looking machine but a safe one as well. The carbon fiber materials used in the SLR complements all the other parts used in the assembly of the car even down to the Mercedes-Benz wiper blade.

Aside from being safe, it is of course expected that the SLR has the driving dynamics that Mercedes-Benz and McLaren cars are known for. While the SLR McLaren Roadster cannot catch up with the MP4-22 currently used by McLaren this season, the SLR can stand its ground in terms of performance and safety.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Mercedes-Benz to offer SLR McLaren in 2008

By Dwyane Thomas

German auto maker Mercedes-Benz announced its offer for 2008 the SLR McLaren super sports car.

With trademark quality Mercedes parts like Mercedes car headlights, the vehicle exudes the latest Formula 1 technology from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes racing team. SLR McLarens handling characteristics is provided by the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials that comprises the vehicle. Of course, safety is not a question here, since Mercedes is known for excellent safety features.

Because of its fully retractable top, the SLR McLaren gives excellent open-air driving experience that is suitable for daily use. To achieve a top speed of 207 mph, the car is powered by a supercharged compressor 617-hp AMG V8 engine that measures 5.5-liter.

Since this vehicle has the Formula 1 technology, it can be concluded that it links with the racing cars. The Formula 1 silver arrow visually depicts this link. The style of the 50s lives on with this vehicle due to the lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gull wing doors.

The SLR is fully designed to yield top performance. It has refined roof material, which is available in three different hues. It does not only assure daily comfortable use. It also promises a high-performance sports car with attributes which were only associated before to closed cars. In fact, you can sill talk to your fellow passenger over 120mph on open-air journeys. And that is because of the aero acoustics.

In less than ten seconds, you will experience opening or closing of the semi-automatic roof. You need to simply unlock the roof from the windshield frame and briefly raise it to open the roof. Then it folds electrically. An aluminum cover is installed into its front area so the roof closes very classy.

The wind tunnel gives excellent levels of handling, aero acoustics and aerodynamic efficiency. The 2008 SLR McLaren also has the aerodynamic concept found on the SLR coupe. This concept includes an airbrake installed into the access lid and a diffuser in the rear bumper. This provides increased down force on the rear axle.

Still part of the Formula 1 technology that are found in the 2008 SLR are high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs for excellent braking performance, and the unique front-mid-engine design yields optimum weight distribution. The supercharged compressor that is 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine has a 617-hp and a maximum torque of 575 lb.ft. This is matched with an AMG Speed shift R five-speed automatic transmission that propels the vehicle starting from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Mercedes would never destroy its image when it comes to car safety features. Safety is assured in this vehicle by the unique carbon-fiber crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. Further included are adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tension detectors and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fiber bucket seats (which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger through various seat pads sizes), dual-zone automatic air-conditioning (which is suitable for hot season), a high-quality BOSE premium sound system (for a cool and relaxing ride), and a multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles (that adds to the sporty image of the SLR) are the exclusive standard equipment found in the 2008 SLR McLaren.

To be delivered in the US in the fall season this year, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR is manufactured at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England.