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Specifications Engine: 6 liter W12 Weight: 4939 lbs Aspiration: twin turbochargers Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 1700 – 5600 rpm HP: 621 hp @ 6000 rpm HP/Weight: 8 lbs per hp HP/Liter: 103.5 hp per liter 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds Top Speed: 204 mph (from Bentley Press Release) BENTLEY CONTINENTAL SUPERSPORTS The Continental Supersports is the fastest, most powerful Bentley ever with 630PS (621 bhp) 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) and a 204 mph (329 km/h) top speed. (Bentley Motors, Crewe. 25 February 2009). The Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. It is the extreme Bentley, a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience. The Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel, pioneering the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. This represents stage one of the company’s commitment to make its complete model range compatible with renewable fuels by 2012. Available worldwide from autumn 2009, the Continental Supersports will be FlexFuel compatible in the majority of markets from launch with North American cars offering the capability by summer 2010, following regulatory approval. The Continental Supersports began as an ‘under the radar’ project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Continental GT but with more power and torque. A largely experimental process crystallised over a period of 24 months into an official new car programme, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers. The results are dramatic. With 630PS (621 bhp) and new ‘Quickshift’ transmission that halves shift times, the Supersports sets new performance benchmarks for Bentley. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) onto a top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h). Supercar performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilising lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars. Agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment, benefiting steering response, grip and ride comfort, while saving weight. Overall, the engineering team have achieved a weight reduction of 110 kg (243 lb) compared with the Continental GT Speed. The evolution of the Supersports’ design is very much a case of ‘form following function’ with new purposeful sculptural forms signalling the engineering changes beneath the skin. For example, the increased power and torque of the W12 engine necessitated additional airflow to the twin turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. Bentley’s designers responded with a purposeful and dramatic style that features large vertical intake apertures and twin bonnet vents. Similarly, new flared rear wings that accommodate the 50 mm (2 inches) wider rear track are designed to emphasise the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance coupe. The resultant Supersports style combines the looks of the iconic Continental GT with a new and distinctive appearance that reflects its more extreme character. The Supersports is further distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by a unique dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior ‘brightware’, including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. A complex ‘Physical Vapour Deposition’ process is applied to all stainless steel components to give a lustrous and highly durable finish. A car industry first, this process is normally used as a coating on industrial tools, watches and even hip replacement joints. Fully embracing the extreme spirit of the Supersports, Bentley’s interior designers have created a unique ambience. The cockpit represents a dramatic re-interpretation of Bentley interior design in which carbon fibre and AlcantaraTM not only convey a sporting and contemporary style but also reduce weight. The Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fibre clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam. The new interior also provides a showcase for the skills of Bentley’s craftsmen and women at the company’s factory in Crewe, England. Signature premium grade leather and brightware are complemented by carbon fibre panels, replacing traditional wood veneers. The Continental Supersports is capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis. Well-to-wheel is a measurement of a fuel’s net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. It is a way of quantifying how much CO2 a fuel emits from its growth or extraction (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel). It includes refinement, distillation and transport of the fuel. The fuel supply system detects the blending ratio of the fuel in the tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel. The result is seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. The ‘Supersports’ name is inspired by the original two-seater 3-litre Supersports model introduced in 1925, itself an evolution of the 3-litre Speed. The lightweight, 85 bhp Supersports was the first production Bentley to reach 100 mph and was also renowned for the application of Le Mans-winning race technology. Commenting on the new Supersports model, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive said: “The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley’s engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector.
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Specifications Price: €272,500 (approx $349,673) Engine: 6.2 liter V8 Aspiration: natural Torque: 520 lb-ft @ 5100 rpm HP: 600 hp HP/Liter: 96.8 hp per liter (from Carlsson Press Release) Carlsson re-defines open-air pleasure SL CK63 RS sprints from zero to a hundred in 4.1 seconds Eight-cylinder renders 600 hp after alteration With its CK63 RS refinement, Carlsson brings significantly more pressure on the streets than the Mercedes Benz SL 63 AMG which provides the basis for the new vehicle. More performance, a complete aerodynamics kit, finest leather in the interior and an exclusive varnish are the hallmarks of the new roadster from the Merzig-based company. Carlsson, the automobile manufacturer specialised on Mercedes Benz models, invigorates the eight-cylinder with significantly more performance. Although the cubic capacity with 6,208 cc has not been changed, the refined power engine renders up to 600 hp (441 kW) instead of the serial 525 hp (386 kW) with the AMG. Also the maximum torque rises from 630 Newton metres at 5,200 rpm to 705 at 5,100 rpm. With the Carlsson refinement, the sprint from zero to a hundred only takes 4.1 seconds and is therefore half a second faster than the AMG-model. The acceleration is electronically limited at respectable 325 km/h instead of 250 km/h. In order to convey the power of the engine to the road, an extensive aerodynamic kit presses the CK63 RS onto the tar and provides an optimal grip. The air which is aspirated at the car front flows out through specially formed outlets at the car wings. Front apron and rear diffuser are made of polyurethane (PU) and are refined with carbon fibre elements which direct the air-flows for the best possible road grip. C-Tronic® SUSPENSION – intelligent lowering Moreover, the best road holding is guaranteed by the electronic lowering kit C-Tronic® SUSPENSION by Carlsson combined with the ABC-sports running gear by AMG. This enables to lower the roadster up to 30 millimetres. The high-performance brake system Carlsson Carbon Composite takes over the negative acceleration. At the front axle, 6-piston callipers carve into the 398×36 millimetre carbon composite brake discs. At the rear axle, two 4-piston callipers grab the 330×35 millimetre brake discs and stop the forged Carlsson 1/16 Ultra Light wheels sized 9.5×20 inches at the front and 11×20 inches at the back within the shortest time. As far as the last centimetres to the road are concerned, Carlsson chose the high- performance Dunlop SP SportMaxx with 255/30 ZR20 at the front- and 305/25 ZR20 at the rear axle. Even when the CK63 RS is parked, it impresses with its breathtaking varnish called “Stealth Titanium Graphite”, the far-most matt black colour that was ever produced. The co-operation between the internationally successful Mercedes-Benz refiner Carlsson and the expert for varnishes, Standox from Wuppertal, has led to a striking result. “Matt black was not enough for us” says Stafan Müller, responsible for Marketing at Carlsson. “We wanted a black varnish with such an extensive matt degree as it has never been seen before”. This intention was more than successful with the CK63 RS. Normally matt varnishes reach a degree of 20 to 25 gloss units, but the particular colour which has been especially developed for Carlsson, only has five gloss units. “And the colour shade still remains brilliant and is neither blurred nor milky” ensures Sascha Pfeffer, application technology manager at Standox. Apart from alterations for the varnish, engine and running gear, Carlsson also equipped the CK63 RS with a new interior. The seat sides, the inner lining of the doors and the cockpit hood scoop are made of charcoal-coloured ultra suede. The light ornamental seam renders an elegant contrast on these component parts. The soft velour car mats and the headrests are adorned with the prancing Carlsson horse. The driver enters the cock-pit by opening the gull-wing RS doors and by stepping over the door sill protectors with the illuminated manufacturer logo. With the CK 63 RS, Carlsson once more affirms its expertise as an exclusive manufacturer of high-quality Mercedes automobiles. The new model is offered for 272,500 euros including V.A.T. For more information about the Carlsson CK63 RS on the basis of the SL 63 AMG and all refining possibilities for the entire Mercedes Benz range from A- to S-class and Smart, please visit the website www.carlsson.de
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(from Mercedes-Benz Press Release) Stuttgart – The new CLS Grand Edition special-edition model sees Mercedes-Benz introducing a new highlight to the segment for four-door premium coupés. A matt designo paint finish lends spectacular definition to the lines of the coupé and makes the CLS Grand Edition really catch the eye. This exclusive style is echoed in the interior with high-grade designo leather and high-quality equipment details. All of which makes the multi-design-award-winning Mercedes-Benz Coupé unmistakable. Coupés are truly special cars. Not least the Mercedes Coupés, which have always epitomised automotive elegance, exclusivity and refinement at the very highest level. With the CLS, Mercedes-Benz paved the way for four-door coupés. The trend-setting model from Stuttgartinspires coupé enthusiasts with its exciting and muscular styling. Even more pronounced lines through new paint The new Mercedes-Benz CLSGrand Edition catches the eye straight away. A unique "designo magno platinum" matt paint finish brings the lines and contours of the premium Coupé fully to the fore and emphasises its multi-award-winning design. As well as being an eye-catching feature, the matt paint finish is highly scratch- and dirt-resistant. In keeping with the avant-garde paintwork, the radiator grille louvres are also painted in "designo magno platinum". The Grand Edition customers can select from a choice of metallic paint finishes: obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red or flint grey. The additional exterior equipment for the CLSGrand Edition includes: — Bi-xenon headlamps with dark headlamp casings, active light function and cornering light function in the fog lamps, headlamp cleaning system, and dynamic headlamp range adjustment designo interior displaying sporty, elegant touches The no-nonsense elegance continues inside the car. Here a perfectly matched designo interior and a roof lining in anthracite Alcantara, together with the standard-fit tilting/sliding glass roof, define the sporty, elegant style. Special touches are provided by the designo leather upholstery in "marron" – with the option of substituting this shade for sand, black, mystic red, porcelain or chablis. Pioneering engine technology in the CLS 350 CGI There are four engine variants available for the CLSGrand Edition, including the V6 unit for the entry-level CLS280 model and, perhaps most impressively of all, the CGIdirect-injection power plant for the CLS350 CGImodel, offering high output and low fuel consumption. This V6 engine with piezoelectric direct injection and spray-guided combustion develops 215 kW/292 hp and consumes just 9.1 litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined). The Mercedes-Benz CLSGrand Edition can be ordered from January 2, 2009. Prices start at 67,294.50 Euros incl. VAT (CLS280 Grand Edition). The deliveries to customers start in March 2009.
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(from Kicherer Press Release) KICHERER SL Evo II: The sportiest R 230 ever Here a little SLR, there a little AMG, and, of course, lots of KICHERER – these are the ingredients for the most recent KICHERER tuning achievement which is based on the “old” Mercedes SL (Basis SL R230). The highlights: extendable rear wing, carbon fibre front apron and handmade forged wheels. Those who do not yet wish to allow themselves a new Mercedes SL or SL 63 AMG may now have their “old” SL upgraded by car tuner KICHERER. Apart from the handmade forged wheels and further sports extras, the car tuning specialists offer a carbon fibre front apron and a carbon fibre rear lid. As is the case with big brother SLR, the chief attraction at the rear is an extendable wing. In order to enhance the classic SL model’s good looks, aerodynamic components made of genuine carbon fibre have been added, further stressing the SL’s racy character. The front apron has a particularly eye-catching design and prevents excessive lift forces. Further lateral air intakes have been added to provide the engine with sufficient quantities of fresh air while the rear diffuser brings the aerodynamic modifications to perfection. But, the highlight par excellence is the rear lid. It is a patented carbon construction (KICHERER Downforce System) including an electronically extendable rear wing. Its control is speed-dependent and, thus, assures an optimal contact pressure at the rear axle. The complete system is available for all SL R230 models – model upgrading included. The SL by KICHERER is carried away on RS-1 forged wheels. The handmade three-part lightweight constructions are rotary forged and equipped with stainless steel exterior wheel discs. The programming of the ABC suspension lowers the vehicle up to 25 millimetres for better handling and much more driving pleasure.
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Specifications Production: 75 Engine: 5.5 liter V8 Aspiration: supercharged HP: 650 hp HP/Liter: 118.2 hp per liter 0-62 mph: under 3.5 seconds Top Speed: 217 mph (from Mercedes-Benz Press Release) 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 in 1955. 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, the Eifel race, the Targa Florio as well as the Tourist Trophy. It was driven by the stars of the time: Juan Manuel 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. Highly puristic concept without a roof or a windscreen Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrows equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly puristic, 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 SLRStirling 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 lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz designers were working on the body of the new SLRStirling 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 SLRracing cars from the 1950s, whose design idiom still never fails to impress to this day. 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. 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 Coup 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 coup 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 enthusiasts alike. At the same time it 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.
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