It’s no secret that Mercedes is working on a small A-Class based SUV named GLA. And it’s also not a secret that the A-Class will spawn an AMG version, the A45 AMG.
But what they are still trying to keep a secret is that there will be an AMG version of the GLA. A secret that’s no secret anymore, meet the GLA45 AMG.

Since they are both based on the same platform it’s a rather easy step to make an AMG version to fit into the GLA lineup. And since we know that Audi is working on a RS version of their Q3, the GLA45 AMG will meet tuff competition.

This prototype was spotted during winter testing in the freezing cold Nothern Sweden. With its dual exhaust pipes, the bigger wheels and drilled brakes it was easy to rule this out as a normal GLA. And when hearing it drive off in full throttle it made us 100 % sure.

The GLA45 AMG is expected to deliver about 350 horsepower from its 2.0 liter four cylinder engine. A seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT dual-clutch gearbox is used to bring the power down to all four wheels.

We expect the normal GLA to debut in Frankfurt in September so maybe we can look forward to the official reveal of the GLA45 AMG in early 2014.

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos

If anything, we have to recognize that AMG’s anniversary editions are a bit more than some more standard equipment and a fancy name. The SLS AMG GT3 “45th ANNIVERSARY” isn’t just a spec’ed up SLS, as Bernd Schneider, record DTM champion is involved in the production process and only five examples will be built. The “45th ANNIVERSARY” comes in a very exclusive designo magno graphite matt paint finish, that was launched at the New York International Auto Show in April 2012 to mark the 45th birthday of Mercedes-AMG. The AMG light-alloy wheels also come in matching colour.

There’s also a “45 Years of Driving Performance” logo on the gullwing doors, yet the most amazing details is that carbon-fibre structure of the gullwing doors is visible under the matt paintwork. Of course most body panels like the doors, the bonnet, boot lid and  the rear wings are made from CFRP. The interior also received a racing touch with a steel roll-over cage (even though it’s finished in matt “designo magno graphite” to match the exterior). As for Mr. Bernd Schneider, he is assisting the responsible AMG engine fitter in installing the 6.3-litre V8 engine, which is signed by both Bernd Schneider and the responsible engine fitter.

All SLS AMG GT3 “45th ANNIVERSARY” will be picked up at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, where the lucky five owners will be given exclusive insight to AMG’s HQ, including a factory tour. And all these can be had for only € 446,250.

Please click “more” for our full photo gallery and AMG’s press release.

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz

The BMW M5 was the first supersedan. The wolf in a sheep’s clothes as the press called it, was faster than many of the supercars in the market, putting Ferrari and Lamborghinis to shame. The trend of putting a huge engine in a midsized o was also followed by Mercedes-Benz and their AMG division, as well as Audi with their RS division. This resulted in epic battles between the M5, the RS6 and the E55 and later E63 AMG.

But up until now, noone thought that the toughest opponent to beat, would be an electric car. The Tesla Model S was recently introduced to the market with a 416hp rear mounted electric motor. But what is impressive, is the fact that the 600Nm of torque is available from almost zero revs per minute. In comparison, the M5 produces 560hp and 681Nm. But is this enough to beat the Tesla S?

Apparently, the journalists of Automobile Magazine had the same question, which resulted in a very interesting drag race. Click “more” to see the video!

Source: [Automobile Mag YouTube Channel]

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Posted in: BMW

The electric car madness isn’t something new. It dates back to the “System Lohner-Porsche”, but after that, we have only seen applications that are destined for city-centres and not for the track. Up until now, as the SLS Electric Drive, the electric version of the gullwinged sportscar. Its four electric motors produce a combined output of 552kW and 1000Nm of torque which make the SLS Electric Drive the fastest electric-drive series-production vehicle in the world. According to MB, the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The SLS GT is also shown next to its electric brother. The SLS GT features an increased power output, at 591 hp and the redeveloped AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension.

As far as the other end of MB’s line-up, two new B-Class concepts are shown, the B200 Natural Gas Drive and the B-Class Electric Drive. The B-Class Electric Drive, as the name suggest, is the electric version of the new B-Class and comes with an 100 kW electric motor that can give a maximum torque of 310Nm with the lightest touch of the gas pedal. The range is 200km, the charging time for 100km of range is under one hour at 400V and the clever packaging of the batteries ensures the same ample interior space as the gas powered B-Class.

You can find our photo gallery and MB’s press release after the jump!

Source: [Daimler]

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has always been a pioneer in the automotive industry. Many groundbreaking ideas that are still used today, came from Stuttgart, like the crumble zones or the car itself, actually. This time they tried to rediscover the concept of performance station wagon, with the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake. Not much different from the original concept, the CS Shooting Brake is a weird, yet beautiful to most people, car. What it even more weird, is that it can be had with AMG’s 557hp V8, a limited slip rear differential and a seven-speed paddle-shifted gearbox.

Chris Harris tries to find the purpose of this car. With a boot space from 590 liters to 1,550 liters, it will surely provide a great experience to your luggage, but then, who needs to transport luggage that fast? Mr. Harris is a pure delight in the above video, in his quest to define whether this car is just supposed to fill a small niche, or is a true cult vehicle. Don’t miss it!

Source: [Drive via Youtube]

Posted in: Mercedes-Benz

Chris Monkey Harris in an automotive journalist, practically known to every car enthusiast out there. That means that practically every car enthusiast envies him, especially after his latest video, in which he drives a Hammer. The Hammer was AMG’s answer to those that in 1986 wanted a W124 E-Class that was faster than almost anything on the road. Featuring a V8, a locking differential and an automatic transmission, is a classic example of MB’s glory. 19 ways electric seats are combined with manual wing mirrors and a very wide body. Even though it looks like a horrible kit car to those who “don’t know”, CH says it’s an amazing car to drive. And what a noise it makes…

Source: [YouTube]

Posted in: Mercedes-Benz