Mercedes-Benz and AMG have been working together very hard to involve themselves in the supercar wars and one of these efforts is the current SLS AMG coupe and roadster. Though reports are now saying that Mercedes-Benz AMG is strongly considering the idea of expanding the AMG brand’s offerings, beginning with the much rumored and anticipated baby “baby SLS AMG.”

After an interview between AutoCarUK and AMG’s boss Ola Kallenius, it seems like AMG is getting closer to producing more models.

“AMG is a financial company and runs with targets, just like every other company,” said AMG’s boss Ola Kallenius. “These products can’t just be built for fun. We need a reasonable return to new fund projects.”

Kallenius pointed out that the current SLS AMG has that return and that the decision to expand the AMG brand is still a decent ways away. But either way, Kallenius also recognizes that the SLS’s success is enough to keep the AMG brand’s discussion of expansion under those pretenses.

“What is clear is that we have entered a segment with an overwhelming reaction from customers and fans — and many of them are entirely new customers to AMG — so it would certainly be the right strategy to grow the AMG brand.”

Should the plans succeed, we could see AMG’s rumored “baby SLS” receiving the green light. Supposedly, the “baby SLS” will cost roughly £80,000, marking it as the entry-level model. No other details have been announced, but it’s safe to assume that the “baby SLS” could go on sale as early as late 2013, donning the brand’s all-new twin-turbocharged 5.4L V8 good for 500hp.

It will be mounted in the front-mid position and will send its power to the rear-wheels. Put two and two together and it seems like AMG is aiming its sights directly at the Porsche 911 Carrera S. Both coupe and roadster versions are expected to be built.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCarUK

The Nissan Juke-R may be a joke to many, but the car deserves its performance credits thanks to its 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 from the Nissan GT-R along with the drivetrain, suspension and transmission. It produces a whopping 485-hp and can apparently go head-to-head with a Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and a Ferrari 458 Italia.

Check out more news on the Nissan Juke-R.

While it is street legal, sadly, the Nissan Juke-R is not a production car and only two versions were built (a right-hand drive and a left-hand drive).

Either way, check out a the official video by Nissan after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes-Benz may be releasing its anticipated ‘baby SLS AMG’ sometime late this year, bearing only an AMG badge.

With only two doors and two seats, the sports car may be competition for the Porsche Cayman and Boxter models. Improvements that come with the new model’s smaller size over the SLS include better gas mileage and better handling.

The release of the new model opens up doors for plenty of other AMG-branded opportunities, although there is no word from Mercedes on this at this time. Pricing has yet to be released, but once the automaker releases where the AMG will be making its debut, all of the details are sure to follow right behind.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: MotorTrend

The SLS gets an engine upgrade that kicks out 600-hp, up from the stock 6.3-liter V8’s 563-hp, and also includes a titanium sport exhaust with quad 84mm pipes.

On the outside, Brabus fitted the model with a carbon fiber kit, available in matte or high-gloss finishes, which includes a new take on the air vents, front spoiler, front fender, rear spoiler, and a rear fascia that houses a diffuser.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

A nice set of Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” wheels finish off the exterior mods, sized 20- or 21-inches, with several finishes to choose from.

The German tuner also added a button-operated adjustable Ride Control suspension that can change the damper settings, along with a Front Lift System that brings the front axle up 50mm.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Mercedes-Benz is taking the leap into the world of electric supercars with the upcoming release of the all-electric, all-wheel-drive SLS AMG E-Cell, crafted by the luxury automaker’s in-house tuners.

So far, no official specs have been released, but what we do know is that AMG will be controlling torque output to each wheel individually with lithium-ion battery packs, and that the overall performance will meet the AMG’s high standards.

Development is said to be moving along quickly for the SLS AMG E-Cell, and Benz will be taking orders for the supercar around mid-2012, and test drives and delvieries are expected to start in the begining of 2013.

While this is only the first step, Mercedes AMG has plans to use more electric technology in other upcoming models, Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz AMG, told AutoBlog. Electronic drivetrains are also being developed are operating with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) as part of moving forward with the technology.

It will be interesting to see how much power output th AMG tuners can create. So far, we like we see.

Refresher: Power for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL Concept comes from 4 synchronous electric motors, each positioned near to the wheels. All motors have combined output of 526-hp with a maximum torque of 649 lb-ft. With one transmission per axle transmitting power, the SLS AMG E-CELL goes from 0-62 mph 4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoBlog

To clean up earlier speculations, the SLC will indeed be powered by a V8. Since Mercedes is revamping its engines, with only a 2.0-liter four banger, a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, and a 4.0-liter V8, the SLC will most likely get the Project R190 4.0-liter, over a current version with a larger displacement.

The SLC should weigh less than the SLS, and both perform and handle better, as well. It is rumored to be available in coupe and roadster form just like its older sibling.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Mercedes leaves more room for speculation with the upcoming SLC, since there is still no mid-engined sports car for the brand, a large gap between Smart and the rest of the lineup, and provides the opportunity for more two-seater models.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CAR

Mercedes-Benz previously announced that Mika Hakkinen, two-time Formula 1 world champion, would be coming back for the final race in the International Le Mans Cup, in Zhuhai, China.

The champion’s return comes after spending four years away from the cockpit, and this time he will be getting behind the wheel of the SLS AMG GT3. ”

“This is challenging for me, because I’ve never done it before,” said Hakkinen. He also adds that this experience will be “very different from Formula 1 or DTM cars, but also very easy to drive and very consistent.”

While this may be a temporary return, Hakkinen did mention that if all goes well, he may come back again for next year’s race.

Follow the jump for the video.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Taking on the Jaguar C-X16 and the Porsche 911, the AMG model will help build the segement’s identity with sports cars. Development director of performance division AMG says “There is room for an AMG model below the SLS, targeting the Porsche 911. This is the next market for AMG, and we are considering what is the right package.”

Jung elaborates on the car “…thanks to the SLS, companies like Porsche see AMG as competition. Everyone recognises that AMG can produce super sports cars.”

The new Mercedes will be a light two seater with a front-mounted V8, probably based on the most recent 5.5-liter twin-turbo to be released. With 500-hp likely, expect 0-62 mph times around 4 seconds and top speeds close to 200 mph. Additional measures are being taken to ensure a high level of efficiency for the new model, as well.

With the project still in the planning stages, it may be at least another 3 years until the car is released.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoExpress

There is no doubt that AMG engineers are working on a range-topping, hardcore Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series. But what’s it going to be like?

According to AMG performance director Christoph Jung, the model is currently in development and the model will sit between the SLS AMG road-car and the SLS AMG GT3 race car.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Reports suggest that engineers at AMG will tweak the 6.3 liter V8 to produce around 650-hp, drop the weight with lightweight carbon fiber panels and bring the 0 to 60 mph time to around 3 seconds. Top speed will come in north of 200 mph.

Keep your eyes open for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series for sometime around 2014.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress
Image Source: Dan Buzdugan

Just the other day we learned that Mercedes-Benz is working on an SLS AMG Black Series.

“We absolutely have to do a Black Series” Moers, said the Member of the Board of Directors and Head of Vehicle Development for AMG, Tobias Moers.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Dan Buzdugan of PS-Garage has dropped a rendering of what the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series could look like.

Power for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will most likely come from the same 6.3L V8 front-mid engine in the ‘base’ SLS AMG. While that engine produced 563-hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, the Black Series SLS AMG may get some extra power and tighter handling.

Stay tuned.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Dan Buzdugan (via CarScoop)

Mercedes-Benz has yet to drop pricing on the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster but we expect to be well over $200,000 that of the coupe.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Check out the high-res gallery by clicking on the thumbnails above.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster comes from the 6.3L V8 front-mid engine making 563-hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission and a sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones. The Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an option and allows the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver is allowed to pick from three different suspension modes including Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. The fabric soft-top of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just 11 seconds and can be operated on the move at speeds of up to 31 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

First up, Mercedes-Benz says that the street-legal version of the SLS AMG GT3 race car won’t be coming to the United States. Why? Apparently Mercedes-Benz doesn’t think that the low potential sales volume justifies the massive expense of re-certifying the car for the U.S. market.

Same goes for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL electric-car. Mercedes-Benz thinks that the electric supercar won’t sell in big numbers.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Member of the Board of Directors and Head of Vehicle Development for AMG, Tobias Moers has confirmed that the tuning arm will be doing a hardcore Black Series version of the SLS.

“We absolutely have to do a Black Series” Moers, told Motor Trend.

Let’s just hope that the SLS AMG Black Series makes it to the United States.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WOT

Featuring three modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension setting could be chosen through the AMG menu in the car’s infotainment system at the touch of a button.

From systems found on other current and earlier vehicles, the settings are pretty straightforward. The Comfort setting is for urban and motorway driving, allowing for the softest setting. Sport stiffens up the suspension, adjusts the steering, braking and throttle response and lowers the ride height. Sport Plus sets everything to the max for performance.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

For more details on the new Ride Control on the SLS AMG, check out the press release after the jump. Conclusively, Mercedes-Benz announced that the adaptive suspension is a $3,000 option.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster comes from the 6.3L V8 front-mid engine making 563-hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission and a sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones. The Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an option and allows the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver is allowed to pick from three different suspension modes including Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. The fabric soft-top of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just 11 seconds and can be operated on the move at speeds of up to 31 mph.

- By: Chris Chin

Supercars and sports coupes are my favorite segment of any segment out there. So you can images the excitement I had when I heard that CARandDRIVER was lining up 11 of the world’s most desirable supercars for a side-by-side drag race.

The list includes some of the most exciting cars out there including the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Audi R8 GT, Ferrari 458 Italia, Lotus Evora S, Nissan GT-R, Lexus LFA, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and even the BMW 1-Series M Coupe. Including many others, that a combined 82 cylinders and nearly 5,000 horsepower – wrapped in $1.5 million of beautifully sculpted aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber skins

So who won the drag race and came out on top? The $89,950 Nissan GT-R. That’s right the Nissan GT-R was showing its rear-end to the $225,325 Ferrari 458 Italia, the $198,000 Audi R8 GT and the $200,00 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Even though the Nissan GT-R won the race, the Ferrari 458 Italia won Motor Trend’s 2011 Best Driver’s Car.

The only car we feel that is missing from this gang that deserves a spot in this battle is the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.

Hit the jump for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

With cameras and witness phone calls, police caught many drivers in a group of 13 that were driving sports cars at speeds estimated to be over 120mph, however, are unable to go forward with more charges.

Police have the cars on film near the George Massey Tunnel, but there is nothing there to get the drivers on speeding charges. Norm Gaumont, RCMP traffic services; Supt. says “We already checked the cameras… nothing dangerous happened in the tunnel.”

The drivers are being charged with driving without due consideration for others. They are also facing multiple fines, including $196 ticket, $300 in penalty points premium, and towing and storage costs of approximately $350.

Consisting of 12 men and one woman, the group of drivers were all under 21, and many still had a novice license. Only one of the 13 actually owned the vehicle they were driving. All of the vehicles are impounded for seven days. The vehicles include three Lamborghinis, three Nissans, a Ferrari, an Audi, and Aston Martin, and two Mercedes.

The drivers with novice licences are having them reviewed for possible further penalty, however Gaumont says “We don’t have police officers who observed the offence, and we don’t have lasers and radars that have the speeds. We have to really depend on third-party individuals who had called in.”

Gaumont still believes that Surry has sufficient street racing deterrents, despite the incident.

The 13 vehicles seized:

• 2007 Ferrari 599
• 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo
• 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo
• 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo
• 2009 Audi R8
• 2012 Nissan GT-R
• 2010 Nissan GT-R
• 2010 Nissan GT-R
• 2010 Maserati GranTurismo
• 2010 Maserati GranTurismo
• 2011 Mercedes SL63 AMG
• 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG
• 2005 Aston Martin DB9

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Driving

Mercedes-Benz has a long history with the world famous race, 24 Hours of Spa. The brands first appearance at the race was back in 1971, when they entered the race with a luxury sedan. But this was no ordinary luxury sedan. This was a 300 SEL 6.3, one of the most famous cars in automobile history. AMG, who at the time was a separate entity from Mercedes-Benz like RUF is a separate entity from Porsche, took a 300 SEL 6.3 complete with wood dash and carpeted floors, bored out the M100 6.3L V8 to 6.8L and boosted power to 428hp and 448 lb-ft of torque.

With a top speed of 164mph, the 300SEL 6.8 AMG won a class victory and placed second overall during the 1971 24 Hours of Spa. And Mercedes-Benz is back again to compete at this year’s 24 Hours of Spa with their latest weapon: the SLS AMG GT3.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Marking the 40th anniversary to Mercedes-Benz’s first entry into the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps, which is in its 64th year, the SLS AMG GT3 is decked out in the same livery as the original 300 SEL 6.8 AMG. The SLS AMG GT3 will be driven by Kenneth Heyer, son to Hans Heyer who piloted the original 300 SEL 6.8 AMG back in 1971.

“It’s a great honour, exactly 40 years after my father’s success, for me to be bringing the Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3 to the starting line of the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps,” said Kenneth Heyer in a press conference. “The car will no doubt attract plenty of attention in the line-up with its look reminiscent of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, but naturally the focus will be on a good racing performance. The SLS AMG GT3 has the potential for a place on the winner’s rostrum, but as we all know, a 24-hour race obeys laws of its own.”

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 with 300 SEL 6.8 AMG:

- By: Chris Chin

Jay Leno is back. Following a video posted earlier today of the comedian and TV host pickup up his McLaren MP4-12C, Leno now gives us his take on the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

During his visit to Affalterbach, Germany to Mercedes-Benz’s AMG GmbH, Leno also drove the SLS AMG E-Cell, and even assisted the hand-assembly of a 6.2L AMG V8 engine.

Hit the jump to see Leno’s take on the SLS AMG Roadster.

Click here for our original post on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster comes from the 6.3L V8 front-mid engine making 563-hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission and a sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones. The Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an option and allows the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver is allowed to pick from three different suspension modes including Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. The fabric soft-top of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just 11 seconds and can be operated on the move at speeds of up to 31 mph.

Jay Leno Visits AMG:

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster:

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster:

- By: Omar Rana

Don’t you wish you could be a cool, rich cat like Jay Leno and be invited to specially organized press events just for you? So do we, despite what most of you think happens behind the scenes here at egmCarTech.

As you’ve probably assumed by now, TV star and comedian Jay Leno gave Mercedes-Benz’s AMG GmbH Headquarters a visit in Affalterbach, Germany this past week. He was given an opportunity to test drive the new SLS AMG Roadster, the SLS AMG E-Cell, and even assisted the hand-assembly of a 6.2L AMG V8 engine. I wonder if that means Mr. Leno will get his signature on that particular.

Anyway, upon Leno’s arrival at Stuttgart airport, he was greeted by AMG’s chairman Ola Källenius and was familiarized with the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster before moving on.

“The SLS AMG Roadster delivers top performance. Whether the engine, transmission, handling or brakes – you feel that the engineers at AMG are serious! When I was 18 or 19 years old I worked for Mercedes-Benz in America,” said Leno in an interview. “I knew about the test track in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim from films in which Mercedes sedans like the 220 SE or the 300 SEL 6.3 were driven through the banked curve. I have always wanted to see this for real. It took me over 40 years to do it, but now I’m here! It’s fantastic to drive the latest AMG models here on the test track today.”

Jay Leno Visits AMG:

- By: Chris Chin