Mercedes-Benz will debut the A25 AMG, based on the A-Series concept, shown above, at the Paris Motor Show in September and plants to pack a new turbocharged engine under the hood.

The company is enlisting help from its own High Performance Powertrains (HPP) affiliate, which focuses on building F1 racing engines for the Mercedes team, among others. The A25 will get a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder which is based on the exisitng M271/M274 gas engine.

HPP called on its engine designers to come up with a product able to outshine the 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback’s 335-hp five-cylinder and the BMW M135i’s 316 hp straight six. Accomplishing that won’t be easy considering both the Audi and BMW can both bank on larger engine displacement to meet the mark.

This turbo 2.0L is also slated to find its way into CLC25 AMG and the CLC25 Shooting Brake AMG.

We’ll have to wait and see if Mercedes achieves the power that they are forecasting.

[Source: AutoCar]

It was back in 1967 when the AMG badge first appeared on a Mercedes-Benz product, and in 2012 it will first appear on a Formula 1 car.

In order to promote its performance division, Mercedes-Benz has decided to change the name of its F1 team for the 2012 season, and it will now be called “Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team.”

On this occasion, the director of motorsport at Mercedes, Norbert Haug said: “Our new team name fuses the proud traditions of AMG and the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows at the pinnacle of motorsport. These three letters (AMG) are synonymous with high technology, sporting performance and excitement and this step is a further strong sign of the strategic commitment Mercedes-Benz has made to Formula 1.”

So if you are a fan of the Aufrecht Melcher Grobaspach (AMG) racing cars, wait until March 18, for the first Formula 1 race of 2012, which will be held in Melbourne, Australia, to see your favorite racing cars in action.

[Source: Autocar]

Adding some serious grunt to its new M-Class SUV, Mercedes has just revealed the high-performance ML63 AMG model ahead of its official debut at the LA Auto Show later this week.

Based on the all-new ML, this super-ute now features Merc’s new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine rather than the old 6.2-liter unit, delivering an extra 15-hp and 44 lb-ft of torque for a total of 518-hp and 516 lb-ft. Plus, with an optional AMG Performance Package, output can be increased further to 550-hp and 560 lb-ft. Combined with the brand’s 7-speed AMG Speedshift Plus automatic transmission, acceleration to 60 mph takes just 4.7 seconds (4.6 seconds with the AMG package).

In addition, the AMG package adds on a carbon fiber engine cover, red painted calipers, premium leather, an AMG Performance steering wheel and raises the top speed from 155-mph to 174 mph.

The new turbo engine helps improve fuel economy by 33 percent. As a sign of just how much fuel the old model required, the new ML63 is rated at 16-mpg average. Along with “S” Sport and “M” Manual driving modes, the ML63 also gets a “C” Controlled Efficiency mode that helps improve fuel economy by starting the car in second gear and by engaging a start-stop function.

To maximize performance the ML63′s body has been widened by 0.4 inches on each side to fit larger 20-inch wheels with 265/45/20 tires, or optional 21-inch wheels with 295/35/21 tires. And of course, there’s an AMG braking system and more direct steering system.

Power makes it to the ground in a 40/60 front to rear split, with an Airmatic air suspension system with adaptive dampers used to offer a comfortable yet sporty ride. Further improving handling performance is a new Active Curve System, with active stabilizers front and rear to held reduce body roll in cornering.

And of course there’s a refined cabin with plenty of luxury, not to mention details like AMG illuminated door sills, a power liftgate, a color 7-inch Comand display screen and 4.5-inch instrument cluster display.

GALLERY: 2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG

Click here for AutoGuide’s complete 2011 LA Auto Show Preview

Having recently introduced an all-new version of its popular M-Class SUV, Mercedes is set for a followup at next month’s LA Auto Show. Taking center stage will be the high-performance AMG-tuned version of the luxury utility vehicle, the ML63.

Along with a upgraded performance components like a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes, the new ML63 will replace the previous models’ naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 for a twin-turbo 5.5-liter motor, with a slight increase in horsepower and a huge jump in torque. Using the same engine as the CLS63 and the E63, expect power output to be around 518-hp, with torque rising significantly to around 516 lb-ft.

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 LA Auto Show preview here and look for live coverage starting November 16th.

GALLERY: 2012 Mercedes ML350

[Source: Car&Driver]

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 Mercedes ML350 Review Here

Former Formula 1 double world champion Mika Häkkinen will return to motor racing, piloting a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 at the 6-hours of Zhuhai on November 13. Representing Customer AMG Sports Team China, Hakkinen will share racing duties with co-drivers, CongFu Cheng and Lance David Arnold.

This is the first time Mika Hakkinen has raced competitively in the last four years, his last one being 2007 DTM season finale at Hockenheim. His return to racing is his way of giving a vote of support, as his superstar appeal and his role as Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador will give the SLS AMG GT3 a huge boost of publicity in its first appearance in China.

Says Mika, “It’s a great honor for me to be able to contest the first SLS AMG GT4 race in China. Although I’ve visited China many times, I’ve never raced there, which is why I’m really looking forward to Zhuhai. It will be a tough race in a competitive field, but I’ll do my best for Customer Sports team AMG. Of course, being a guest driver in such a line-up should be a lot of fun, especially in the SLS AMG GT3. It’s a great customer motorsport vehicle which is both fast and extremely good-looking.”

GALLERY: Mika Hakkinen Mercedes SLS GT3

Mercedes is continuing to weigh a decision to produce a Black Series version of the SLS sports car, with a horsepower rating as high as 650-hp.

In a recent interview AMG performance boss Christoph Jung commented that such a car, “makes a lot of sense”. The vehicle itself would sit between the current 563-hp road car and the 600-hp GT3 race car (above). Impressive weight savings would be made, much like the GT3 car, although not quite as extreme. The 6.2-liter AMG V8 would then be tweaked to produce as much as 650-hp.

Expect other Black Series upgrades like a wider stance, light weight wheels, a lowered suspensions and even more impressive brakes. Combined, the package could deliver a 0-60 mph time of just 3.0 seconds.

If the SLS Black Series goes get the go ahead, look for it to debut around 2014 as a send-off for the current SLS model.

GALLERY: Mercedes SLS AMG GT3

[Source: AutoExpress]

Read AutoGuide’s Mercedes SLS Review here

Displayed for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show earlier last month Mansory’s SLS “Cormeum” is a wild take on the Mercedes-Benz flagship sports car.

With an entire body that has been refitted with Mansory’s now famous ultra-wide carbon fiber weave, the German exotic car tuner claims a total weight reduction of 200 lbs. Out back is a massive spoiler and aggressive diffuser, while up front the car sports a new bumper that apes the design of the McLaren SLR – the SLS’s predecessor. A widebody transformation is also included with front fenders that are roughly 2.5-inches wider than stock and rear fenders that are 3.5-inches wider than stock.

Along with a custom carbon fiber interior Mansory also upped the 6.2-liter AMG engine’s output from just over 500-hp to a total of 660-hp.

To maintain exclusivity Mansory says it will build just 15 “Cormeum” models, although as is often the case with these custom creations, we wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be a one-of-one.

GALLERY: Mansory Cormeum Mercedes SLS

10. 2012 BMW M5

There’s no denying that the 2012 BMW M5 probably deserves a higher spot on our Frankfurt Auto Show Top 10 list, but here it is anyway. Maybe it’s that we all knew several months ago that it would have a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and make 562-hp that made its “official” reveal less captivating than it otherwise could have been. Still, don’t let the 10th place spot make you believe we think any less of what is likely to be crowned as the world’s highest performance sedan. After all, the M5 delivers the sort of performance you only expect to see in a concept car. But this is one very real machine.

Unveiled for the first time in all its widebody glory at the Frankfurt Auto Show this week, the Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Coupe is undeniably a car on steroids. Transformed on every level the car is 3-inches wider overall, with flared fenders and a wider track. Plus, it gains an upgraded AMG brake package and suspension setup, light weight wheels, some racing style seats and can even be ordered with an optional aerodynamics package (shown here). On top of all this, the Black Series model comes fitted with the same engine as found in the Mercedes SLS.

GALLERY: Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Coupe

Find out more about the car from AutoGuide’s first look at the Frankfurt Auto Show in the video after the jump:

Continue Reading…

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG coupe and roadster are among the most desirable cars on the market these days, not only because of their looks, but also because of their performance and luxury features. Now, you can order your SLS AMG with even more options to make it more individual while also adding some new technology.

The cosmetic bits include new 10-spoke forged AMG rims with a matte black paint finish ($4,505), red brake calipers ($985), a special AMG Sepang Brown metallic paint finish ($3,360), and AMG high-gloss black trim ($3195).

If you want some safety related technology, you can do that by adding the blind-spot assist system, which is yours for $1,065.

The big news however is the new AMG Ride Control sport suspension with adaptive damping. Rather than having to live with just one suspension setting, this new system from Mercedes-Benz offers its owner with three different ride settings. Upon starting the car, the system defaults to the normal “Comfort” setting. This is best for when you are driving around in the city or on a road trip.

Press the button with a picture of a suspension just once, and it will engage “Sport” mode. In sport, the suspension has a tauter feel. It also minimizes body roll and pitching when cornering, giving you a much more connected feel with the road.

If you happen to be at a track, then you would perhaps prefer to be in the “Sport plus” setting. This is like the sport mode, only more so. The cars computer reads the road surface even faster and reacts according to the tarmac and speed. So if you are an avid track day enthusiast and are looking to buy an SLS, this $3190 option will certainly be a wise investment.

These new options are available to be ordered starting now.