2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Gets Official Debut

The 2012 SLK got its “unofficial” debut about two months ago when a television commercial for it leaked to the internets.

After presumably firing the person responsible for leaking it, Mercedes-Benz has released pics and information on its own terms.

Innovative features now found on the new SLK include “Magic Sky Control”, which is pretty cool despite its immensely uncool name. What it does is actually tints the glass pannels automatically. So when you feel like ridin’ like a gangta, you can tint the windows. When you’re picking up your grandma, you can un-tint them.

For Canada, we’ll get three flavours: the SLK 250, SLK 350 and of course the SLK55 AMG.

The SLK 250 will get a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder engine making 201 horses. The SLK 350 gets a 3.5 litre V6 making 302 horsepower. It was also get a 0-100 time of 5.4 seconds.

What I’m really interested in, though, is the SLK 55 AMG. This bad boy will get a normally aspirated 5.5 litre V8. This engine is expected to replace the 6.2 litre V8 found in many AMG models. As such, there are no horsepower ratings yet, but stay tuned.

Check out some more snaps after the jump.

[Mercedes-Benz]

Read the rest of this entry »

BMW M3 GT Coming?!

Rumours are floating around the internets (from fairly reliable sources too) that the next generation M3 sedan will be replaced by a GT hatchback version similar to the 55oi GT pictured above.

I must say, I really liked the 550i GT that I tested a while back because it blended excellent performance and handling with a luxurious comfortable drive and excellent versatility. But that’s not what M cars are about.

M cars, specifically M3′s are all about raw performance and eff anything else. That means ride quality, luxury, versatility, and reliability even all take a back seat to the raw performance.  Adding some versatility to a vehicle that has traditionally been a raw performance coupe since its inception is a bit like adding a business degree to a porn star’s education.

Still, there’s something deliciously awesome about the CTS-V Wagon, the C63 AMG wagon and the RS3 hatchback.  And when you think about it, BMW has no high performance car that is also practical. The M3 GT is probably meant to that void. Sure the X5 M and X6 M are options, but let’s get real here. While they are tremendous for SUV’s they are still SUV’s nonetheless. Showing up to a track in your X6 M is pretty ridiculous afterall.

[Inside Line]

Hybrid Only S-Class Line Up Will Include AMG Versions

Last week we reported that Mercedes-Benz had decided to make the flagship of their lineup, the S-Class, hybrid only meaning every single trim level offered would be a hybrid.

Mercedes-Benz assured us that the only exception would be the high performance AMG version. It was expected to stay gas only but apparently that is not the case.

Automotive News is reporting that the AMG version of the S-Class will indeed by hybridized. If true, this will mark the first time that an AMG Mercedes will be a hybrid. It could also set precedent for future AMG Benz’s as well.

On the flip side, Automotive News has reported that some Mercedes-Benz dealerships aren’t happy with the idea saying that most S-Class drivers are interested in performance, not fuel economy.

True, if you are going to buy an S-Class, efficiency is likely not at the top of your priority list, but if Mercedes can somehow maintain AMG performance with added efficiency, isn’t that just a bonus? BMW has some ideas up its sleeve on how to acheive performance and efficiency, so if they can do it, you can be assured that Mercedes-Benz will try too.

World Car of the Year 2010: Top Ten Entries Revealed

What is the best car in the world? It’s all relative and subjective and thus, impossible to determine. But that doesn’t stop automotive journalists from trying.

52 automotive journalists representing each continent in the world (except Antarctica – Penguins can’t legally drive yet) have gotten together and submitted their top ten choices for World Car of the Year in two categories: Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year. There will then be three finalists chosen for both categories.

Find out what car made the top ten and what our pics are for the finalists after the jump!

Read the rest of this entry »