2011 Mercedes S63 AMG

Mercedes announced today the 2011 S63 AMG that will be launched in September this year. The sports sedan is powered by a newly developed AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a peak output of up to 544 to 571 hp and maximum torque of up to 900 NM.

The engine will have a fuel consumption of 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers, 25% less than the current S63 AMG. With the new engine, the S63 AMG makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4,5 seconds, and top speed is limited to 155 mph. But if you add a new AMG Performance package, the 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made in 4,4 seconds, and top speed will go up to 186 mph.

For the new sports sedan, Mercedes has also developed a new MCT 7-speed sports transmission with Controlled Efficiency mode and start/stop function.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

AMG is writing another chapter in its "AMG Performance 2015" drive system strategy: a completely newly developed AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a peak output of up to 420 kW (544 to 571 hp) and maximum torque of up to 900 newton metres will enter the lineup in summer 2010. The new eight-cylinder unit known internally as the M 157 impresses with a wealth of technological highlights such as direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion and twin turbochargers.

This innovative, autonomously developed eight-cylinder power unit from Affalterbach sets new standards in terms of fuel consumption and exemplary efficiency: the new S 63 AMG, in which the V8 biturbo will have its market debut, consumes only 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption, provisional figure). This represents a saving of 25 percent compared to the current S63 AMG. An intelligently designed power transfer plays a major part in this: the unique AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission combines dynamism with economy, and includes a new start/stop function in the "Controlled Efficiency" driving mode. The new engine/transmission combination is the epitome of exclusivity, sophistication, high performance and economy.

The S 63 AMG showcar is a homage to the impressive history of powerful AMG V8 engines: visually this high-performance saloon resembles the spectacular 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the racing car that won a class victory and second place in the overall ranking for AMG at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) in 1971 – and made the company world-famous overnight.

"AMG Performance 2015" as the continuation of a success story

Mercedes-AMG is continuing this impressive story with its "AMG Performance 2015" strategy, and meeting its promise to continuously reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models with the new engine/transmission combination – while reaching new heights with the central brand value of "performance".

The new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine will play a major part in the Mercedes-AMG model strategy over the next few years. The unique AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission will also guarantee a thrilling yet economical power transfer in future AMG high-performance cars. The new engine/transmission combination is another milestone in the success story of Mercedes-AMG, which began in 1967. Another highlight in the company’s more than 40-year history it undoubtedly the SLS AMG: this gull-wing model due to be launched on 27 March 2010 is the first automobile to be completely independently developed by Mercedes-AMG. It means that as the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, AMG is not only fielding a masterpiece but also demonstrating development expertise at the highest level.

Direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion and twin turbocharging

Whilst the AMG 6.3 litre V8 naturally aspirated engine has a displacement of 6208 cc the new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo unit makes do with 5461 cc. The use of direct injection technology results in a reduction of exactly 747 cubic centimetres and increases efficiency. For the first time, AMG is also utilising the advantages of direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion and piezo-electric injectors: thanks to its higher thermodynamic efficiency, this technology makes more efficient use of fuel and leads to lower exhaust emissions. AMG combines this spray-guided combustion with twin turbochargers. Other highlights include a crankcase wholly of aluminium, four-valve technology with adjustable camshafts, an air/water intercooler, generator management and a start/stop function as standard.

This high-tech package leads to a high output and torque yield, together with fuel consumption figures that are unrivalled in the competitive lineup. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine develops a peak output of 400 kW (544 hp) and maximum torque of 800 newton metres. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these figures are increased to 420 kW (571 hp) and 900 newton metres. A look at the performance diagrams shows that no other engine in this output class achieves the figures delivered by the new AMG biturbo. The major difference between the two performance classes is an increase in the maximum charge pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar.

Quantum leap: fuel consumption reduced by 25 percent

With a provisional NEDC fuel consumption of 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres, the new S 63 AMG is 3.9 litres more economical than the preceding model powered by the naturally aspirated AMG 6.3-litre V8 – despite an increase in output by 14 kW (19 hp) resp. 34 kW (46 hp) and in torque by 170 and 270 newton metres. Engine specialists consider this achieved fuel saving of more than 25 percent to be nothing less than a quantum leap. CO2 emissions have likewise been significantly reduced: at 246 grams per kilometre, the figure is 28.5 percent lower than for the previous model.

With figures like these, the new S 63 AMG is not only considerably better than all its competitors, but also more fuel-efficient than much less powerful cars in this segment. Taking into account its enormous performance and torque figures the new AMG 5.5 litre V8 biturbo engine is in parts twice as efficient as many mid-segment or compact-class diesel engines.

At the same time the S 63 AMG delivers superior performance at sports car level: the high-performance saloon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The 100 km/h mark is reached in just 4.4 seconds with the AMG Performance package, with the top speed increased to an electronically limited 300 km/h.

Engine production – tradition of hand-built excellence

Like all other AMG engines, the new eight-cylinder biturbo is assembled by hand in the AMG engine shop taken into commission in 2002. A single, highly-qualified technician assembles the M 157 according to the "one man, one engine" philosophy, maintaining the very strictest quality standards. This painstaking care is attested to by his signature on the characteristic AMG engine plate.

AMG CEO Volker Mornhinweg: "Efficiency plus performance"

"With the new AMG V8 biturbo engine and the AMG SPEEDSHFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, we are confronting the challenges of the future and focussing on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions even more intensively than before. Our new high-performance engine shows that AMG occupies a leading position in terms of both efficiency and our brand commitment to "performance," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"The new AMG V8 biturbo engine is yet another milestone in our impressive V8 history. For the first time we have combined spray-guided direct petrol injection with turbocharging. With this high-tech package we are "best in class" with respect to fuel consumption, output and torque," says Friedrich Eichler, Head of Engine and Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG.

Exciting power delivery, characteristic sound

These on-paper figures raise high expectations which the 400 kW (544 hp) AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo certainly meets. The flat torque curve ensures enormous pulling power in all speed ranges: 670 newton metres are already available at 1500 rpm, and the maximum torque of 800 newton metres is delivered just 500 rpm later, remaining constant to 4500 rpm. Even more effortless performance is ensured by the engine variant with the AMG Performance package, which has a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp). In this case the eight-cylinder delivers 875 newton metres of torque at just 2000 rpm, with a constant 900 newton metres available between 2500 and 3750 rpm.

It is not only the unrivalled torque delivery of this turbocharged eight-cylinder that makes the heart beat faster, as the agile responsiveness with no irritating charger delay leads to an effortlessness and dynamism previously unknown in this output class. All perfectly matched by the characteristic, sonorous engine note. Moreover, this AMG high-performance engine naturally meets all the requirements with respect to smooth, quiet running and the comfort on long journeys that is to be expected of a Mercedes.

MCT 7-speed sports transmission with Controlled Efficiency mode and start/stop function

Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission used exclusively by AMG, which is already familiar from the SL 63 AMG and E 63 AMG and combines high emotional appeal with outstanding driving dyna-mics and a high level of efficiency. The wet start-up clutch replaces a conventional torque converter, and helps to save fuel. The exemplary fuel economy is also in large measure due to the standard start/stop function. This system is active in the transmission’s Controlled Efficiency ("C") mode, and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the car comes to a stop. In "C" mode the sports saloon always starts off in second gear, and the transmission shifts to the next, higher gears at a decidedly early stage. With its high torque at low engine speeds, the V8 engine encourages a smooth, effortless driving style.

The eight-cylinder biturbo engine also features the generator management system familiar from the E 63 AMG: whenever the engine is on the overrun or when braking, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather than being wasted as heat in the usual way. In all other operating modes a combination of onboard network and generator management enables the generator to be kept at a low voltage. This reduces the load on the engine and makes for fuel savings of around 0.15 litres per 100 kilometres according to the NEDC standard, and up to 0.2 l/100 km in city traffic with its frequent overrun and braking phases.

Long tradition of powerful AMG V8 engines

Powerful eight-cylinder engines are an integral part of AMG’s history. 2005 saw the debut of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine known as the M 156. Depending on the model, this naturally aspirated, high-revving unit develops up to 386 kW (525 hp) and 630 newton metres. Reserved exclusively for the new SLS AMG, the M 159 with the same displacement of 6.3 litres has a peak torque of 420 kW (571 hp) and maximum torque of 650 newton metres. Another milestone in the history of AMG engines was the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine introduced in 2001: the M 113 K developed up to 428 kW (582 hp) and 800 newton metres of torque. Even more power was forthcoming from the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine of the SLR McLaren dating from 2003 – the M 155 generated up to 478 kW (650 hp) and 820 newton metres.
The supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 and the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo were all able to win the Best Performance Engine category in the International Engine of the Year Awards.

The first AMG four-valve V8 accelerates "The Hammer" to 303 km/h

Another important engine in the AMG story was the M 117, its first eight-cylinder unit with four-valve technology. With a displacement of 5.6 litres, 265 kW (360 hp) and 510 newton metres of torque, this V8 accelerated the 300 CE 5.6 AMG to a top speed of 303 km/h in 1987. This made the coupé the fastest German car in series production, and American fans reverently christened it "The Hammer".

The S 63 AMG showcar harks back to the historic success in 1971

A historic success was achieved by the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG in 1971: powered by an AMG V8 engine with a displacement of 6.8 litres and developing 315 kW (428 hp), this signal red racing saloon crossed the finishing line in second place during its very first outing at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), securing victory in its class.
The spectacular S 63 showcar is homage to this triumph, which made AMG world-famous overnight although the company had only been founded in 1967: decorated with sponsoring stickers identical to those on its historic predecessor, this powerful S-Class made by Mercedes-AMG is a sensation. The imposing tyres in size 275/35 R 20 and 325/30 R 20 at the front and rear are just as eye-catching as the 4.5-centimetre wider front wings on each side. The discerning car-lover will even discover exotic wood trim in the style of the original car in the interior. The showcar is powered by the new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

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Mercedes C63 AMG Aero Package by Vorsteiner

German tuners Vorsteiner never seems to get tired of bumping up Mercedeses, and their latest offering - a new aerodynamic kit for the Mercedes C63 AMG - is yet the latest example of the tuning house’s fondness for the Silver Arrow.

The aerodynamic kit, which was created using a state-of-the-art aerospace autoclave system, utilizes a resin pre-impregnated, vacuum-formed carbon fiber and includes various styling cues from the CLK Black Series.

Among the new modifications included in the Vorsteiner package includes a front spoiler, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and a rear diffuser with a dual-fin system and a central vent. The car sits on V-101 Monoblock Forged wheels with an 8 twin spoke mesh and are available in 19" or 20" sizes.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Pressing onward with the latest in our Mercedes Benz lineage, Vorsteiner is proud to announce the advent of the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Aero Package. Respectfully following the CLK Black’s heritage, the C63 AMG Aero Package has been meticulously designed and tested to meet Vorsteiner standards of quality, both in style and performance.

Every component in the C63 AMG package is created using a state-of-the-art aerospace autoclave system which utilizes a resin pre-impregnated, vacuum-formed carbon fiber. This results in an up to 30% stiffer and stronger structure when compared to an equivalent wet-lay product.

The C63 AMG Front Spoiler borrows accents from the CLK Black Series while maintaining a genuine C63 feel, graciously contouring the front AMG factory bumper. In its design, the form follows function while considerably increasing downforce to the front of the vehicle using lightweight carbon fiber.

The C63 AMG Rear Diffuser provides an aggressive appearance to the rear of the vehicle, sporting a dual-fin diffuser system. The diffuser is further enhanced by a central vent, cooling the exhaust while accentuating the bumper in a subtle, yet bold manner.

The final component in the C63 AMG Package, the Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler, arms the C63 with bold distinction as an homage to the sportiness of the CLK Black. The carbon fiber spoiler imparts its statement through the addition of downforce, flawlessly complementing the front spoiler, both in elegance and purpose.

Our C63 AMG features the Vorsteiner V-101 Monoblock Forged wheel. The V-101 design features an 8 twin spoke mesh, extending out to the edge of the wheel, enhancing the overall appearance and form. The tire of choice is nothing less than best with the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 that aid in gripping the road for optimal acceleration and handling.

Front and rear wheel dimensions are available in 20x8.5 inch and 20x9.5 inch or 19x8.5 inch and 19x9.5, respectively, providing an aggressive powerful stance.

The V-101 is available in the following finishes:

• Brushed Aluminum
• Chrome
• Gunmetal
• Black
• Silver
• Textured Black
• Texture Gunmetal

Custom finishes are available on request.

The V-101 includes Vorsteiner anodized aluminum carbon fiber center caps.

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2010 Mercedes Sport E-Class

The German manufacturer Mercedes has revealed a new Individualization program for the entire E-Class line-up. Called Mercedes Sport, the new portfolio includes: specially designed light-alloy wheels, a sports suspension and mounted aerodynamic and styling components.

The exterior gets newly designed front aprons, spoiler edges and side skirts, optional rear and roof spoilers, a diffuser-look rear apron insert and fog lamp louvers, 18" light-alloy wheels in a trendy bicolor version. The interior gets a four-spoke sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedal cluster, stainless steel illuminated door entry panels.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Under the new label MercedesSport, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a portfolio of elegant and sporty individualisation products for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show. This MercedesSport portfolio includes specially designed light-alloy wheels, a sports suspension and mounted aerodynamic and styling components. These retrofitted parts emphasise the car’s sportiness as elegant, eyecatching features. All MercedesSport products were developed by Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH in collaboration with the same designers and engineers who were responsible for the standard production models. This ensures that both the high standard of the sophisticated design idiom and the quality criteria of Mercedes-Benz, which go well beyond standard norms, are met. As a result, everything appears to have been cast from a single mould. Thanks to their intelligent design, these products also impress with their attractive price/benefit ratio. MercedesSport is initially available for the E-Class Saloon, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet.

In order to meet the demand for individualision accessories with a sporty look and the same, high manufacturer quality, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is now offering an appropriate product portfolio under the new MercedesSport label. This will enable every Mercedes-Benz customer to retrofit their car with a number of very personal features, with the option of enjoying even more sporty handling characteristics.

The highlights in the MercedesSport product range include:

• Intelligently designed front aprons, spoiler edges and side skirts ensure an elegant and sporty appearance. Unlike conventional products on the market, the sophisticated "add-on principle" makes it unnecessary to replace the original components.
• Optional rear and roof spoilers, a diffuser-look rear apron insert and fog lamp louvres round off this finely coordinated package of visual and aerodynamic features for the exterior.
• Striking eighteen-inch light-alloy wheels in a trendy bicolor version. These have sections painted in high-sheen black and bear the MercedesSport logo. They are enhanced and protected by a clear varnish coat.
• A sporty suspension, with noticeably stiffer damping, transverse stabilisers and shorter springs to lower the suspension by up to 15 millimetres. This sports suspension kit makes for more direct and sporty handling without compromising the high level of comfort.
• A sports braking system with perforated brake discs and grey brake calipers bearing the Mercedes-Benz logo, for outstanding deceleration and a sporty look.
• A grippy four-spoke sports steering wheel with perforated leather and a silver contrasting seam, optionally available with shift paddles and heating. For a sporty touch in the cockpit, right at your fingertips.
• A stainless steel pedal cluster, stainless steel door entry panels illuminated in white and bearing the MercedesSport logo and black velours floor mats with an edge border and silver contrasting seam, likewise bearing the MercedesSport logo, are further eyecatching features in the interior.It is with these retrofitted features that Mercedes-Benz meets the wishes of customers who wish to enhance and individualise their cars even further.

MercedesSport components distinguish themselves from other products available in the individualisation market in three respects:

• They are designed in accordance with the high quality criteria of the Mercedes-Benz brand, which in part impose far stricter standards than existing technical norms. Their development is based on the extensive findings and experience gained from the development work on the base vehicle, as well as on the original vehicle’s computer data. This means that the components fit with extraordinary precision, for example. All components have undergone computer simulations and sophisticated practical tests for reliability, durability and function - also under extreme operating conditions. The aerodynamic components have also been tested in the wind tunnel, and under the dynamic driving conditions of high-speed tracks. MercedesSport components are also highly dimensionally stable, and extremely resistant to impacts. And as MercedesSport components meet the very highest standards, they are covered by the original Mercedes-Benz warranty.
• Thanks to the intelligent design according to the "add-on principle", no existing parts need to be removed or replaced. The original bumpers, side skirts are retained, and merely complemented with MercedesSport components. This means a considerably lower use of resources accompanied by lower costs, for the same or better results in both form and function.
• The same designers who created the original vehicle are responsible for MercedesSport styling. These mounted components accentuate the character of the vehicle, and seamlessly blend into the sophisticated design idiom of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Light-catching contours and taut surfaces create a sporty touch and underline the car’s self-confident presence. In its sporty, individualised form, the car is still clearly recognisable as a Mercedes.

MercedesSport will initially be available for the entire E-Class family (Saloon, Estate, Coupé, Cabriolet), with other model series to follow. MercedesSport is available from authorised Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets, and can also be professionally installed there.

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, and is responsible for the development, selection and marketing of genuine accessories and Collection items for the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, AMG and smart brands. The product range includes accessories designed for enhancement and individualisation, telematics, wheel/tyre combinations, care and protection products, carrier systems, comfort and safety features, mounted components and Collection items in the merchandising and licensing sectors. The company employs more than 200 personnel and is based in Stuttgart-Vaihingen.

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Mercedes SLS AMG by ASMA Design

When it comes to tuning the all new Mercedes SLS AMG, it would seem that every aftermarket manufacturer has their own idea as to what it takes to improve upon German engineering perfection. While we are more used to seeing out there creations like the shark nosed CLS models and knife edged SLR’s rebodied with bare carbon fiber like the ASMA Perfectus, their take on the SLS is actually quite interesting.

While there are still no details as to how ASMA Design tackled modifying the 570 HP V8 engine, but it is clear from the exterior design upgrades that there is very little left over from the original design. The teaser image reveals a vehicle that looks more like the Ferrari 458 Italia then the standard gullwing thanks to a series of aerodynamically inspired air vents and carbon fiber accents that take the SLS from high end luxury sports coupe to a design so bold that it rivals the wide body special edition SL65 AMG Black Series.

Stay tuned for more details!

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Mercedes S-Class by Carlsson

The Mercedes Benz tuner Carlsson has unveiled the RS Design Package for the S Class luxury limousine, giving the full sized sedan a sportier look while allowing it to shine though above and beyond the competition. Offering their customers quite a bit of versatility, the Carlsson RS package is made up of high quality components consisting of lightweight carbon fiber or the more economical polyurethane as an option. The RS Design Package transforms the S Class into a sporty four door worthy of a gentleman, with a well toned body complete with bolder arches and a more aggressive exterior providing Mercedes Benz owners with the highest degree of exclusivity and uniqueness.

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Video: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible ’Dog’ Commercial

Mercedes has revealed a very funny commercial for their brand new 2011 E-Class Convertible. Check it out!

Reminder: The E-Class Cabrio will be offered with a choice of two engines, a 3.5 Liter V6 that makes 268 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque in the E350 and a 5.5 Liter V8 pumping out 382 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque in the E550.

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"Is it still a car?": Mercedes launches new IMC campaign for SLS AMG Gullwing

If there’s one car that probably doesn’t need any more advertising and promotion, it’s the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing.

Ever since it premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the SLS AMG has pretty much been an attention magnet, becoming the toast of the town everywhere it goes.

That being said, Mercedes has apparently decided that their new supercar still needed a little bit more attention so they came out with a new integrated marketing communications campaign for the SLS AMG that’s centered around the question, “is it still a car?”

Now if you’re basing it on the traditional definition of a car – that it has an engine, four wheels, and can move – then yeah, it’s still a car. But if you’ve been watching some of the promotional videos surrounding the SLS AMG – especially the one where it makes a full revolution on a tunnel – then you can probably have valid reason to ask yourself that question without sounding like a loony.

As part of their marketing campaign, Mercedes is taking on all sorts of mediums and avenues to promote the SLS AMG, including the use of both traditional and non-traditional media. The car is scheduled to be featured in a number of dailies and magazines, social network sites like Facebook and Twitter, and even a new iPhone app called – what else – the “SLS AMG”, a virtual driving application where users get the chance to get behind the wheel of Mercedes’ new supercar.

It’s not really our place to tell Mercedes what they can and can’t do so if they want to continue to brand the SLS AMG, then that’s their call. It’s just that as far as we’re concerned, the car is one of those rare models that gravitates attention just by showing up.

Press Release after the jump

Is it still a car?": The campaign for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Stuttgart - Pure fascination and high tech at the very highest level: with the new SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz is completely redefining the speed, driving dynamics and design of the super sports car. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Constructed primarily from aluminium, it tips the scales at just 1620 kilograms, which equates to 2.84 kilograms per hp - an absolute peak value in the super sports car segment, guaranteeing driving dynamics in a class of their own. With its gullwing doors, long bonnet and an instrument panel which is reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit, it embodies a powerful and passionate sportiness, coupled with exceptional elegance. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is an invitation to "take off" with all of the senses. This desire for a completely new driving sensation is also a highlight of the integrated marketing campaign which was launched at the vehicle’s world premiere in September at the International Motor Show (IAA), and is gradually building up to its market introduction in the first quarter of 2010.

The marketing mix comprises all possible communication channels, with online activities in particular playing a key role. "It is immediately obvious that that this is the ultimate and most exciting sports car of all time", says Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The campaign is concentrating precisely on those elements which account for the excitement and passion of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: the unique design and the perfect high-performance technology. The underlying theme, "Is it still a car?", runs through all communication activities and channels."

Print advertising and TV spot

The design of the entire campaign is puristic, and features imagery which is both progressive and mildly mystical, but at the same time extremely dynamic. As such print advertising for example, which is being initiated from February 2010, depicts a red Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG striking a powerful pose on grey asphalt against a black backdrop. The visual motif is supported by a brief, meaningful message, such as "Oh Lord ..." or "A cockpit. An engine. Two wings. Is it still a car?", for example. The adverts will appear in daily newspapers and magazines.

The TV advert with Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion and MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver, tells the story of an unusual experiment: The SLS AMG demonstrates its technical highlights from preparation and test phases to the realisation. The advert will make its debut appearance on 30 January 2010 on all major television channels with a 60-second roadblock, after which it will continue to run as a 45-second spot until the end of March.

Webspecial and social media activities

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has already had a presence on the Internet since its world premiere at the International Motor Show with a webspecial at www.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg , which will now be extended further with the addition of an interactive guided tour of the AMG development plant. In addition, three editions of an online magazine will provide extensive information on the performance ("Milliseconds"), the lightweight construction ("Milligrams") and the design ("Millimetres") of the SLS AMG.

The vehicle is also to be found on a variety of social media platforms. For example, Mercedes-Benz has launched a reporter blog at www.sls-amg-reporter.de, where car enthusiast Matthew K. is posting reports, pictures and video clips of his travels as an SLS AMG reporter as he follows the global launch of the new gullwing. In addition to the reporter blog, Matthew K. is active on Twitter ( http://twitter.com/slsamg ) and Facebook, while fans of the Stuttgart automobile brand will also find that an official fan page on the world premiere of the vehicle has been set up within the Facebook social media community at www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz .

From the start of February 2010, enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy a new iPhone application called "SLS AMG", which has been designed to give players a taste of the new super sports car via 360° gameplay featuring the iPhone’s innovative "accelerometer" technology. Furthermore, players will have access to several modes: they can either opt to play alone, or demonstrate their driving skills in races against other players from all over the world. The free application will be available for all iPhone models.

On top of all this, the campaign also comprises a variety of additional measures - from trade and dialogue marketing activities, right through to exclusive customer events. A particular highlight of the integrated communication is the new key visual for the international fashion activities of Mercedes-Benz, which was used for the first time during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin in January 2010. British fashion photographer Nick Knight, together with designer Gareth Pugh, has captured the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and top model Julia Stegner in some spectacular shots.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in the new video game, Gran Turismo® 5

The gull-wing is not only expected to cause a stir on the roads with its breathtaking performance. The SLS AMG is also featured in the latest version of the PlayStation® 3 (PS3TM) game Gran Turismo® 5, scheduled for release in 2010. In this new video game, gaming fans and car enthusiasts alike will be able to enjoy an interactive driving experience first hand at the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in full HD quality thanks to extremely realistic rendering. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz gets to share a special honour: the super sports car will also grace the cover of Gran Turismo® 5 as the first vehicle from a German manufacturer in the history of the game series.

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