The guys at Bridge to Gantry have managed to capture the forthcoming track-focused Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series during pre-production testing at the Nurburgring. Expect it to follow the usual Black Series formula of wider arches, optimized aerodynamics, weight loss, optional sticky tyres and around 492 kW (660 hp) from its tweaked 6.2-litre V8. Basically, the closest thing to a road-going SLS AMG GT3.
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Month: June 2012
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Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series testing at the ‘Ring [video]
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Audi reigns supreme with hybrid vehicle at Le Mans
Predictably, Audi has won this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, making history in the process by achieving the first ever victory for a car with with hybrid drive, thanks to the innovative R18 e-tron quattro.The #1 car of Lotterer, Fassler and Treluyer ran a relatively trouble-free race from pole postion, with its sister e-tron quattro, which lost almost a lap after stopping to have rubber debris removed its rear suspension, following it home in second place, and the #4 R18 ultra taking the third step of the podium. Toyota’s TS030s had initially threatened the Audis, but a spectacular flip involving Davidson and Perazzini’s Ferrari and engine failure for the other car saw the Japanese team retire for the weekend.
Notable incidents included Fässler twice hitting the barriers, once after a spin and once whilst avoiding a GT car, while McNish in the #2 car spun into the Porsche Curves barriers three hours from the end of the race. Amazingly, Audi Sport Team Joest managed to repair the heavy frontal damage in record time, retaining second place. The third place #4 car lost time after being called in for precautionary suspension checks, then suffered stuck gears on two occasions, which was cured after switching the ignition off and on again.
The #3 R18 ultra set the fastest lap of the race, and was in with a chance of winning the race, but two near-identical incidents put paid to that dream. Firstly, Dumas hit a dirty part of the track and slid against the barrier on Saturday night, with Gené suffering the same fate on Sunday noon. Even though the car was repaired both times, twelve laps – and the victory – had slipped through their fingers, so they had to be satisfied with fifth.
“This was a race of the kind you can arguably experience only at Le Mans. With the e-tron quattro in combination with ultra lightweight design, we put a completely new technology on the grid and immediately won with it – this cannot be taken for granted by any means, particularly here at Le Mans,” said a jubilant Rupert Stadler.
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RWB USA Porsche 993 [video]
Here’s a short video by Eric Shell Designs featuring the RWB USA Porsche 993 demo car in Las Vegas. Shot by Eric for canibeat while it appeared at Wuste, this Mexico Blue example, based on a 1995 Porsche 911 C2 model, was built by RAUH-Welt BEGRIFF founder Akira Nakai-San and named after his favourite Russian bar.
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Audi SQ5 TDI revealed
Audi has announced its first diesel-powered S model of the brand with the addition of the SQ5 TDI to the 2013 Q5 range.Due to make its official début at the circuit of Le Mans this weekend, the SQ5 TDI uses the company’s 3.0 TDI biturbo engine, developing a healthy 230 kW (313 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb/ft) of torque, which is transferred to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox. Performance is brisk, with 100 km/h (62 mph) appearing in just 5.1 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), while fuel consumption – which is aided by the Q5’s start-stop system – averages just 7.2 litres every 100 kilometres.
Emphasising the compact SUV’s sporty theme is the 30 mm reduction in ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels (or optional 21-inchers), black brake calipers, modified bumpers, roof spoiler, S badging, platinum grey single-frame grille with aluminium-look struts, roof bars and exterior mirrors.
Inside the cabin, occupants are treated to power-adjustable sport seats in Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, brushed aluminum inserts, a specially-shaped steering wheel (with aluminium-look flappy paddles) and S door sill trims, dials, badges and gear knob. Items on the options list include a lunar silver headlining and trim panels in Carbon Atlas, Piano finish or aluminium/wood.
The SQ5 TDI will be available in either Estoril Blue or Panther Black when it hits showrooms early next year 2013, and starts at €58,500. Notable options include Audi’s assistance and infotainment systems as well as the drive select system with variable ratio dynamic steering.
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Mercedes SLS AMG by Inden Design
Flammersbach-based tuner Inden Design has released details of its a moderate upgrade for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe and Roadster.Performance-wise, Inden adds its own manifolds, high-flow sports catalytic converters and exhaust system with electronic valve control, along with a remapped engine management system, which sees output from the 6.2-litre V8 unit rise from 420 kW (571 hp) to 465 kW (623 hp). Dropping the SLS is a fully adjustable coilover suspension kit, while the company’s alloy wheels, sized 10.5 and 11.5 x 21-inches, have gloss black centres with highly polished rims.
Finally, if you were wondering, the girl pictured with the car is actress and model Katja Runiello. You’re welcome.
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SV wing for the Gallardo by DMC
Following on from its Toro program for the Lamborghini Gallardo, Düsseldorf-based specialist DMC has released this three-piece wing as a separate piece altogether.Designed and fabricated, originally as a bespoke item for a customer who desired the more purposeful appearance of the rear wing on the Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce, DMC has decided to make it available due to customer demand.
