Mercedes Shows SLS AMG Black Series, Announces Prices for New SLS GT and GL63 AMG in LA

Mercedes-Benz selected the Los Angeles Auto Show for the world premiere of its track-focused, but still street-legal, SLS AMG Black Series that was joined by the refreshed SLS AMG GT and the new GL63 AMG, both of which made their U.S. motor show debuts.

The Black Series badge brings a host of racecar touches to the German firm’s Gullwing-door supercar, including a wide body kit that improves aerodynamics, a weight reduction, modified suspension, brakes and steering, and a slightly more powerful version of the regular model’s 6.2-liter V8 churning out 622hp (631PS).
Series production of the limited run SLS AMG Black Series will begin next summer at an as-of-yet, undisclosed price.
However, just to get an idea of what the BS will cost, Mercedes used the LA Auto Show to announce U.S. pricing for the facelifted 2013 SLS AMG GT, which carries an MSRP of $199,500 in coupe trim, and $206,000 as a Roadster, excluding a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax and destination and delivery fees.
U.S. pricing was also announced for the new GL63 AMG, which is powered by a 550hp (557PS) 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8. When it arrives at U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealers in the first quarter of 2013, it will carry an MSRP of $116,925, again not including destination and delivery.
PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series at LA Auto Show

Mercedes’ fifth and most potent Black Series model was revealed a few weeks ago, but these are the first images of the SLS AMG Black Series in the metal making its public debut at the LA Auto Show. The ultimate Silver Star to date boasts a glut of superior upgrades, including a revised 6.2-liter V8 engine that cranks out 622 horsepower instead of 563. That translates to a 0-62 mph sprint time of 3.6 seconds and enables it to hit a top speed of 196 mph.


As with the SLK, CLK, SL and C-Class coupe Black Series models that came before it, the SLS Black has shed plenty of weight thanks to a liberal application of carbon fiber in its construction. An adaptive suspension, electronic differential and carbon-fiber driveshaft further improves the flagship’s handling and performance, while the interior has been stripped out, losing the multimedia system but gaining yet more carbon as well as Alcantara upholstery. The Black Series SLS will hit showrooms in the summer, and when it does we assume it will be priced a fair whack north of the stock SLS AMG’s near $200k price tag.

Mercedes C63 AMG Coupé Black Series with Track and Aero Package

First, Mercedes-Benz brought us the 451hp (457PS) C63 AMG Coupe with the option of an AMG Performance package that lifts output to 480hp (487PS).

Then came the more aggressively tuned and styled Black Series edition with 510hp (517PS), and if that wasn’t enough, Mercedes also offered two more optional packages for this model, the Aerodynamics and Track kits as well as an assortment of standalone carbon parts…
If you somehow managed to tick every single box in Mercedes-Benz’s options list while ordering your C63 AMG Coupe Black Series Edition, including the Aerodynamic and Track packages, but are still not satisfied, then your next monetary adventure will be with an independent tuning shop like Vath.
At the core of the German tuner’s upgrade package is a comprehensive power kit comprising a supercharger, a custom exhaust system and new software that take output up to 746hp (756PS), allowing the Black Series model to complete the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 3.6 seconds (down from 4.2 seconds), while top speed is bumped to of 350 km/h (218mph).
The power kit is priced at €49,310 (about US$64,900) in Germany, excluding VAT (tax).
Vath also offers individually priced upgrades, starting with a fully adjustable suspension kit that can drop the ride height between 20-65mm (0.8-2.6 inches), new 20-inch alloy wheels in tires size 265/30-20 at the front and 305/25-20 at the rear, higher-performance brakes, a black front grille and various interior trim options.
PHOTO GALLERY

This is the New Mercedes-Benz CLA Compact Sports Saloon

While some people are enjoying Christmas Eve with their families, others are busy posting on forums and leaking official shots of new cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA compact saloon.

A total of five images of the new Mercedes entry-level sedan including three of the exterior and two of the interior made their way online.
As was the case with the revealing CLA scoops in Iceland this past September, the car pictured here is a regular model fitted with Mercedes’ AMG exterior and interior styling packages and not the CLA 45 AMG, which will feature a similar aero kit but will do away with the “diamond” front grille.
Being that it will be the first member of Mercedes-Benz’s extended family of A-Class-based compact models to be offered in the States, the CLA is anticipated to make its world premiere on this side of the Atlantic, possibly as early as next month’s Detroit Motor Show.
Naturally, the engine lineup will be shared with the A-Class hatchback offering consumers a variety of turbocharged four-cylinder diesel and petrol units, including a 2.0-liter gasoline powerplant with 208hp (211PS) for the CLA 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, and a heavily tuned version of the same engine delivering 350-horsepower and 332 lb-ft (450Nm) for the all-wheel drive CLA 45 AMG.
Mercedes’ newly developed 4AMTIC all-wheel drive system for cars with front-wheel drive will be offered as an option on other CLA models as well.

Story References: Forumpro via Automonthly
PHOTO GALLERY