2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

I thought the SLS AMG was a nice name for a car, but Mercedes apparently thought it was too short. Now, for the 2013 model year, the SLS becomes the horribly redundant SLS AMG GT.

However, the name isn't the only change. The horsepower from the 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine is up by 20, to 583, the result of better combustion. Combined with new software from the 7-speed, dual-clutch, the SLS AMG GT will accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds, a decrease of one tenth of a second. For the record, certain automobile magazines have achieved quicker acceleration times with the 2012 SLS AMG. Despite the gain in power, top speed is 197 miles per hour, the same as the outgoing version.

Quicker acceleration is accompanied by "more passionate acoustic feedback" without any artificial exhaust noises coming from the stereo like BMW does with its new M5. An updated adaptive suspension will provide better cornering speeds, and less comfort.

Glossy black seems to be the theme for the SLS AMG GT. It is seen everywhere, and is accented by red accents, like the seat belts.

Pricing has not been confirmed, but the coupe and cabriolet SLS AMG GTs should be available for you to own this November.

Comments

2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L Review

These pictures aren't of the actual vehicle, but the colors and trim level are correct. Those of you who have been following this blog since its inception know that my parents have two cars: a 2006 Nissan Sentra and a 2005 Mazda MPV. Well, we recently swapped our dear little MPV for a 2003 Odyssey. The reason for that is, well, there isn't much reason. It's mostly to spice things up in our lives and have a different car for a change without spending any extra money. Our Odyssey came with every bell and whistle you could get in a minivan in 2003, including a factory-installed DVD entertainment system, leather seats, heated seats in the front, and dual power sliding doors. First impressions were a mixed bag. The engine was very smooth, quiet, and powerful, apparently typical of Hondas, but there was a rough patch between 1000 and 1500 RPM or so. You can't feel the road textures at all while driving the car, but it crashed loudly over larger bumps. Loud can als...

2014 Porsche Panamera

So yesterday, the refreshed Panamera was revealed, along with all the details of the upgrades. The big news are the styling updates, more power, a plug-in hybrid model, and a new long-wheebase model. Starting with the engine updates, the base 3.6-liter V-6 engine produces 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 10 horsepower. The 400-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 for the Panamera S and 4S trims makes way for a new twin-turbocharged V-6 that makes 420 horsepower and 384 pounds-feet of torque. The Panamera GTS looks and handles much like the Turbo, but it uses the S's engine. Meanwhile, the Turbo's twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 gets a horsepower bump of 20, to a good 520 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet of torque. The Turbo S is discontinued for now. All of the above engines are mated to Porsche's PDK dual-clutch automates manual transmission. Finally, there's the Panamera S E-Hybrid, which is a fairly significant upgrade from the previous S Hybri...

Mini's Continuation of Expensive Little Cars

The John Cooper Works (JWC for short) moniker for Mini has meant high performance. Now, the Cooper John Cooper Works is supplemented by the bigger John Cooper Works Countryman. An all-wheel-drive, 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder powered fun little hatchback might lead you to believe it would be sensibly priced, but the JWC Countryman instead starts at $35550, and that's only the beginning of the story for more options. At that point, you can get a lightly equipped sports sedan than is more powerful and far more refined than the JWC Countryman would be. If you really want Mini's British charm and relatively go-cart like handling with more space than a regular JWC Cooper and an even costlier JWC Cooper convertible, this is it for you. The JWC package does get you 19-inch wheels and red trim inside and out, though. If you're looking at competitors, the Volkswagen Golf R will have to be the sole car. Its starting price is within $200 of the JWC Countryman's, and...

From the Passenger's Seat

Search This Blog