Daimler announced the receipt of the “Golden Steering Wheel” award presented by Auto Bild and 25 associated European publications. Here’s the official press release and AMG SLS photos in our gallery:

More than a quarter of a million readers took part, and voted the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG the world’s best super sports car by a wide margin. Accordingly “Bild am Sonntag”, “Auto Bild” and 25 associated European publications awarded the new Gullwing model the “Golden Steering Wheel” – one of the most important automotive awards in Europe. This coveted award was officially presented to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars, in Berlin yesterday evening.

Eleven super sports cars competed in the large-scale reader’s vote for the “Golden Steering Wheel” award, which “Bild am Sonntag” and the motoring magazine “Auto Bild” organized on a Europe-wide basis for the first time this year. Almost one third of all votes were cast in favor of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which therefore headed the readers’ popularity list in the super sports car category by a wide margin over the runner-up.

Continue reading » »

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds!

Are you serious, an SLS AMG with electric drive? It appears Mercedes-AMG is developing a zero-emission high-tech drive for their high-performance AMG model range of sports cars. The drive system includes four electric motors positioned near the wheels with one transmission per axle that will transmit the power. Below is the official Mercedes-AMG press release dated July 16, 2009.

AMG Market/PR News from Mercedes-AMG/Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG is paving the way ahead: with the new SLS AMG with electric drive, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is developing an exciting super sports car with zero-emission high-tech drive. This model sees Mercedes-Benz and AMG displaying their expertise in the development of alternative drive solutions for high-performance super sports cars, delivering further proof of their pioneering status in this market segment.  [Non-Electric SLS AMG Gullwing Photo Gallery here.] Continue reading » »

AMG Market/PR News/Mercedes-AMG Press Release/Affalterbach – AMG, the high-performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is presenting the new E63 AMG. This dynamic sports sedan with day-to-day suitability is the top-of-the-line E-Class model, offering an impressive combination of outstanding performance, exhilarating driving dynamics and a technology transfer from the SL63 AMG high-performance Roadster.

The new E63 AMG distinguishes itself from the regular E-Class models with the powerful AMG 6.2-liter V8 engine, the completely newly developed adaptive AMG sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, and with its unique exterior and interior design. Newly developed compound brakes are also available as an option for the top-of-the-line E-Class model. Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E63 AMG, thanks to the concerted use of fuel-efficiency measures. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG further consolidates the brand’s leading position in the field of automotive safety. (Photos and additional details below)

Continue reading » »

Daimler’s interest in battery systems, electric drive systems and related vehicle projects leads to the automaker acquiring nearly 10 percent of one of the leading electric vehicle companies, Tesla Motors Inc. This investment deepens the relationship between the inventor of the automobile and the newest member of the global auto industry. Tesla is the only production automaker selling a highway capable electric vehicle in North America and Europe.

The two companies have already been working closely to integrate Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into the first 1,000 units of Daimler’s electric smart car. In order to benefit from each other’s know-how, the investment enables the partners to collaborate even more closely on the development of Continue reading » »

The following is a recent MBUSA press release for the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series, an exclusive high-performance coupe for especially discerning customers.

A spectacular look, unique performance data, consistently lightweight design and the highest degree of exclusivity – these attributes sum up the new 65 AMG Black Series from Mercedes-Benz. The high-performance coupé features pure-bred motor sports technology, and introduces sports car fans to a whole new world in terms of dynamic performance. The AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, developing a maximum output of 661 hp and maximum torque of 738 lb-ft, guarantees the dynamic performance of a super sports car. Continue reading » »