Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing

Going into the show, it would have been pretty safe to assume that the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG would have been the run away winner. Comes with 571 hp, essentially mid-engined (you should see how far back that engine sits in the chassis), gullwings and its got everything. But up close, something about it left us… a little cold. It’s probably the headlights. So our best of show group decision went to the E63 AMG Wagon. There’s something so very right about 500+ horsepower wagons.

Lorinser actually has two competing design studies it’s considering. The first and probably most controversial is a Carbon Fiber design, with an unpainted CF hood, a Lorinser family crest in place of the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star in the grill and scores of carbon fiber trims pieces all over the place.

The second, more low-key design is probably closer to the real deal. It even features a soon to be Lorinser signature — vents behind vents. There are also six giant eyebrows festooned around the car. A homage, no doubt, to the brows on the original 300 SL. We will admit that we like the headlights in Lorinser’s rendering more than the production SLS. Full press release after the jump.

Free preview 2010 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC Concept

2010 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC Concept

While Mercedes readies it new E-Class for its U.S. debut with 6- and 8-cylinder gasoline power, it is launching a trial balloon to see if the public is ready for a 4-cylinder turbodiesel version of its popular executive class sedan. So, at the New York show it introduced the 2010 E250 BlueTEC, a diesel concept designed specifically for North America. This model is powered by a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel which produces 204 bhp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter reaching its peak between 1600 and 1800 rpm. The diesel powerplant features high-tech features such as high-pressure common-rail direct injection and twin Lanchester balance shafts for smooth operation. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

To meet stringent U.S. emission laws, the E250 BlueTEC employs a particulate trap, two catalytic converters plus an AdBlue urea injection system to reduce NOX emissions. The car is equipped with a 25-liter tank for urea, which is scheduled to be replenished during normal service intervals. In addition to meeting Bin 5 emissions regulations, Mercedes says the vehicle will also meet Europe's even stricter EU6 requirements that do not go into effect until September of 2014. This clean diesel E250 BlueTEC concept is said to deliver fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg highway. Impressive.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC Concept "with 6- and 8-cylinder gasoline power"

While Mercedes readies it new E-Class for its U.S. debut with 6- and 8-cylinder gasoline power, it is launching a trial balloon to see if the public is ready for a 4-cylinder turbodiesel version of its popular executive class sedan. So, at the New York show it introduced the 2010 E250 BlueTEC, a diesel concept designed specifically for North America. This model is powered by a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel which produces 204 bhp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter reaching its peak between 1600 and 1800 rpm. The diesel powerplant features high-tech features such as high-pressure common-rail direct injection and twin Lanchester balance shafts for smooth operation. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

To meet stringent U.S. emission laws, the E250 BlueTEC employs a particulate trap, two catalytic converters plus an AdBlue urea injection system to reduce NOX emissions. The car is equipped with a 25-liter tank for urea, which is scheduled to be replenished during normal service intervals. In addition to meeting Bin 5 emissions regulations, Mercedes says the vehicle will also meet Europe's even stricter EU6 requirements that do not go into effect until September of 2014. This clean diesel E250 BlueTEC concept is said to deliver fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg highway. Impressive.

Free Preview: Top 5 Ultimate Fantasy Cars

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (MSRP $104,920)

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the most coveted American supercar in production today. It'll not only outgun its closest competition — the fire breathing Dodge Viper SRT-10 — in acceleration, braking and handling, but it'll drive with the civility of a car you'd let mom tool around in.

The ZR1 features a hand-built 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, which peers through a transparent polycarbonate window in its ultra-light carbon-fiber hood. The V-8, thanks largely to its supercharger, makes excellent power and torque. Just how much? Try 638 bhp and 604 lb.-ft. of torque!

If you can't quite drive a stick yet, you're out of luck; the ZR1 is available only with a manual transmission, a race-hardened 6-speed manual that is the best ever offered in a Corvette.

The ZR1 is the only Corvette currently equipped with GM's Magnetic Ride Control. This system continuously adjusts the suspension for the given road conditions, and it lets the driver switch the shock absorbers between Sport or Tour modes on the fly, with the simple twist of a knob in the cockpit.

Everything that makes the ZR1 go fast comes standard. However, if you opt for the 3ZR package ($10,000) you'll get touch-screen navigation, a Bose audio system and a leather interior.

Five reasons to buy:

1. It's an affordable supercar

2. Easy to drive fast (and slow)

3. Substantial luggage space

4. Aggressive yet tasteful styling

5. American made

2009 Aston Martin DBS (MSRP $262,000)

Aston Martin DBS

If beauty and elegance are of utmost importance but you still like going fast, the Aston Martin DBS is your dream come true. Aston Martin is long known for building some of the most attractive designs in automotive history, and the DBS is one whose looks will never fade.

This lavish 2-seater is quite spacious inside, with ample room for the driver and passenger, plus some space behind the seats for supplemental luggage room. Built entirely out of carbon-fiber and aluminum, the DBS weighs a lot less than it looks — 3480 lb. to be exact.

The 6.0-liter V-12 engine that powers the DBS is hand built like the rest of the car, and every DBS features a plaque that bears the name of the individual responsible for its final inspection. With either the 6-speed manual or 6-speed paddle-shifted Touchtronic automatic transmission, the DBS accelerates at virtually identical rates. Which is to say, super fast!

The standard suspension is equipped with Aston's Active Damping System that automatically adjusts according to the inputs it receives from the road and driver. A track setting (the stiffest setting) can also be summoned with the touch of a button.

Lastly, Aston Martin has partnered with fine-watch maker, Jaeger-LeCoultre to offer a watch that doubles as the DBS's transponder, locking and unlocking the doors by simply touching the watch's sapphire crystal face.

Five reasons to buy:

1. Pinnacle of automotive beauty

2. Surprisingly quick and athletic

3. Extensive use of exotic materials

4. Interior fit for a king (or queen)

5. Manual and automatic transmissions available

2008 Audi R8 (MSRP $114,200)

Audi R8

Audi's first supercar, the R8, couldn't have been more properly executed. What originally appeared to be a pipe dream concept car wowed the entire world when it actually pushed through to production. What's even more surprising is how the R8 has come to define the term "everyday supercar."

The mid-mounted 4.2-liter V-8 shielded under a transparent hatch provides 420-bhp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque channeled through a sporty Quattro all-wheel drive system. The transmission choices are a classic steel-gated 6-speed manual or a single-clutch paddle-shifted sequential manual dubbed "R tronic" by Audi. Though 420 bhp may not seem like much in the company of these other cars, the R8 readily utilizes every bit of its power with greater ease, resulting in more speed when the road gets twisty.

Audi's own active suspension damping utilizes the same magnetic ride technology as the ZR1 and it too also features both a sport and comfort setting.

The R8's greenhouse is quite expansive for a coupe, which adds to its comforting allure. You won't feel cramped even if you're over 6-foot tall, and ingress/egress can be accomplished without embarrassment. Though the interior already looks great in standard Audi trim, you can order Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim to elevate the feel of what is genuinely a well-engineered supercar.

Five reasons to buy:

1. An exotic without pretension

2. Excellent all-wheel-drive system

3. Superhero styling

4. Relatively affordable

5. Sporty, everyday comfort

2009 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster (MSRP $382,400)

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster

Think exotic car, and the likely image that'll pop into your head will be that of the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster. Nothing about this car is subtle from its lane-wide size, bevel-edged body styling, or angry V-12 bark; and that's what makes this open-top car so spectacular.

Leave all thoughts of practically behind if what you desire is the LP640. Named after its 640 metric horsepower (632 bhp SAE), the LP640 is a road-going jet fighter that gulps copious amounts of fuel (EPA 8 mpg city/13 mpg hwy) but can accelerate to 100 mph in only 7.5 seconds. And when it comes time to slow down, this Lamborghini stops quicker than cars half its size and weight — by that we mean the Lotus Elise or Exige.

Like the Audi R8, the LP640 Roadster can be outfitted with a gated 6-speed manual or a sequential 6-speed transmission that comes with paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. A mid-mounted engine and all- wheel drive are characteristics shared with the R8, which benefit them both in any weather condition.

Aside from its striking head-turning appearance on the road, the LP640 attracts even more onlookers when its unique scissor-style doors open vertically. The interior that's revealed is the wonderfully understated, with fixed-bucket seats that look to be permanently reclined, although the overall design looks more German than Italian.

Five reasons to buy:

1. Ferocious road presence

2. As fast as it looks

3. Comfortable, understated interior

4. Racecar-handling dynamics

5. That open top

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series (MSRP est $300,000)

Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

With more power on tap than the half-million-dollar Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (now discontinued), the SL65 AMG Black Series is the most radical Mercedes on the road today.

You could chalk it up to the bi-turbo V-12 that resides under the hood, producing 661 bhp and a staggering 738 lb.-ft. of torque. But what's most tantalizing about the Black Series is its racecar-inspired bodywork, with fenders that push the limits of a car's legal width. Even compared with the already ultra- wide body of the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, the Black Series is an additional 1.2 inches wider. And it's not all for show as the extra fender width allows for those wide wheels to stay within the confines of the bodywork.

Although it has the performance of a racecar, the Black Series is relatively docile to drive, given you're prudent with the throttle. It comes equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission that's a good compromise between smooth shifting and sporty response. This makes the car better suited for a comfortably brisk road drive than an all-out track day.

Only 350 examples of this future collector's item will be built, and only 175 will make it here to the U.S. market. Get yours now, if you can!

Five reasons to buy:

1. Ultimate exclusivity

2. DTM wide-body racecar style

3. Obscene power and torque

4. Stable handling

5. Ultra plush interior

So whether you end up sitting on a winning lottery ticket or have worked tirelessly for a long time to afford such a car, make sure your fantasy ride is a sound investment. All five of the cars wev'e featured here are from reputable marques, and they're bound to stay stylish and valuable for generations to come. They might also be the last of their breed, as we appear headed toward a new era of the automobile.

Latest free preview 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

Following the redesign of its standard SL-Class range, Mercedes-Benz introduced the most powerful SL ever built. New for the 2009 model year and beyond, the SL 65 AMG Black Series was built as the interim heir to the discontinued Mercedes-Benz SLR's throne, until the eventual arrival of the SLS über coupe.


As with previous Black Series offerings from Mercedes-Benz, the SL65 AMG Black Series promises supercar performance, thanks to large quantities of power and a lighter curb weight.

Mercedes engineers were able to wring out an extra 57 horsepower from the car's twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 -- bringing total output to a monstrous 661 horsepower (20 more than the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition). But despite the bump in horsepower, the engine's torque rating remains the same at 738 lb-ft.



Power is sent through Mercedes' five-speed automatic, which is able to shift in as little as 250 milliseconds. As with the car's suspension, the automatic transmission has two different sport settings.

The SL also went on a hefty diet to become the SL65 AMG Black Series. Through the extensive use of carbon fiber in the car's front fenders, hood and new fixed roof, the SL shed about 570 pounds -- bringing its curb weight down to a still rather portly 4,080 pounds. Of note, the decision to make the roof a fixed unit wasn't strictly a weight-saving measure -- it simply wouldn't fit in its retracted position because of the car's steamroller rear tires.

To round out the performance package, Mercedes also equipped the SL Black Series with a new adjustable suspension, a wider track, larger brakes, a deployable rear spoiler and a lower hood.

Inside the SL Black Series, the car features carbon fiber shell racing seats, a flat bottom steering wheel and plenty of Alcantara. However, the carbon fiber seats won't make it to the U.S. as they do not have side-impact airbags.

The SL65 AMG Black Series -- available in white, black, red and silver -- carries a hefty price tag north of $300,000.

Base Price: $299,000

Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

Curb Weight (lbs): 4345

City (MPG): - TBD -

Hwy (MPG): - TBD -

Horsepower: 661 @ 5400

Torque (lb-ft): 738 @ 2200-4200

Wheelbase (in.): 100.8

Length (in.): 180.8

Width (in.): - TBD -

Height (in.): 51.1

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss " Limited to 75 units"

Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.


The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

The exclusive SLR Stirling Moss rounds off the current SLR family and is limited to 75 units. It is priced at 750,000 euros. The SLR Roadster will cease to be manufactured at the end of May 2009 as planned, and production of the SLR Stirling Moss will commence in June 2009.

Three letters are all it takes to make car fans’ hearts beat faster: SLR. In the 1950s the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 celebrated victory after victory. It won the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio as well as the Tourist Trophy. It was driven by the stars of the time: Juan Manual Fangio and Karl Kling – and, first and foremost, by the British racing driver Stirling Moss. At ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds he still holds the Mille Miglia record.

This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words “Stirling Moss” in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement – just like its forebears – it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.


Highly puristic concept without a roof or a windscreen



Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.


Exciting design reminiscent of the SLR racing cars



The SLR Stirling Moss, its entire bodywork made of fine lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz designers were working on the body of the new SLR Stirling Moss, they were fully aware every single moment that they were creating a vehicle with a top speed of 350 km/h. At the same time this supreme athlete is highly reminiscent of the SLR racing cars from the 1950s, whose design idiom still never fails to impress to this day.

The SLR Stirling Moss sports an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterised by an elongated bonnet and a compact, muscular rear. As there is no windscreen, the exterior and interior flow smoothly into one. The bonnet also stretches from its striking tip right down into the interior, giving the vehicle body a distinctly sleek air. Even when standing still, the sports car radiates such dynamism that the observer immediately falls under its spell.

Further eye-catching features include two air scoops behind the driver and passenger. They carry additional roll-over bars, also uniting the traditional and the modern. The wings are powerfully contoured. Black-painted ventilation “gills” sitting facet-like on the sides and on the bonnet also cite the legend. A thrilling interplay of light and shadow ensues through the expressive lines, underlining the dynamic overall impression.

Exactly as they were on the shining historical example, the side skirts on the new SLR Stirling Moss are also very high. This prompted the designers’ decision in favour of folding swing-wing doors which open forwards.

The vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot. When both tonneau covers and the doors are closed the SLR Stirling Moss resembles a sculpture.

In keeping with the puristic exterior of the vehicle, the interior is also reduced to the bare essentials. Surfaces penetrating each other in the instrument panel and doors make for an exciting atmosphere and resonate perfectionism. A mixture of high-class authentic materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and fine-quality leather sets the style here. An aluminium plate carries the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.


Innovative technology and polished aerodynamic concept



Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

Thanks to the high-precision work carried out in the wind tunnel, the SLR Stirling Moss always generates sufficient downforce for extremely safe handling. But the driver can also manually operate the AIRBRAKE in order to increase the contact pressure further, during particularly sporty driving, for example. The AIRBRAKE is also raised during powerful braking at speeds above 120 km/h, so as to stabilise the vehicle even more in such situations, thus facilitating maximum possible deceleration.


Limited to 75 units – the SLR models’ crowning glory


The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector’s item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

All car manufacrurer that eager to sell cars in Europe faces the serious business of cutting carbon dioxide emissions before European Union lawmakers enact stringent emissions laws - the proposed level is 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer - in 2012. Mercedes-Benz continues its push toward powerful yet efficient cars with a comprehensive package it calls BlueEfficiency to reduce emissions and lower fuel consumption by 12 percent in its C-class line.With BlueEfficiency, M-B applies its prodigious engineering talents to improve weight reduction (lighter windshield and forged wheels), aerodynamic drag (a 7 percent better coefficient of 0.25), and rolling resistance. Direct injection also migrates from its exclusive use in the CLS- and E-class lines, to the bread-and-butter C-class in late 2008. M-B showed the new C350 CGI BlueEfficiency sedan (with spray-guided direct gas injection) at Geneva, a more powerful, torquier V-6 with 10 percent better fuel economy than the current C-class V-6.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class

New Mercedez GLK aimed primarily at BMW X3 and Acura RDX but also has Audi Q5, the upcoming Volvo XC60, Infiniti EX35 and Lexus RX350 in its sights.

The exterior is striking in its departure from the usual soft-edge design of the company’s SUV stable. This one is angular with strong lines, great proportions and a planted stance. It reminds me a little of the G-Class, but with all of the “ugly” removed.

The interior is well laid out with everything within easy reach of the driver. Heated front leather seats, multi-function steering wheel with controls for information and audio systems are standard. Inside trim on the launch vehicles is aluminum with wood trim available in later production.

Summary:

Year/Make/Model

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class

Trim level

Base, Sport, Premium and Sport/Premium packages

Price range

$41,800 to $50,000

Options

navigation system, panoramic sunroof, 4Gig Music Register, rear entertainment system, media interface, parking assist, power tailgate

Competitors

Acura RDX, BMW X3, Land Rover LR2

Strong Points

Weak Points

• - great ride
• - excellent handling

• - short rear seat legroom if front seats moved back