Motor Vehicle Tips

The Mercedes Benz 300 ‘Gullwing’ SL is one of the best sports car of all time. It is so named because of its very striking and unique roof hinged doors, the Gullwing was the Enzo of its time, stupendously fast, insane, outrageously expensive and yet so elegant. Clark Gable owned one, Andy Warhol painted one, Ava Gardner crashed one and its in the news. No Mercedes sports car since, not even the Mercedes-McLaren SLR, has come close to matching the Gullwing’s iconic appeal. And now the Mercedes SLS.

The SLR was a bastard-child of a supercar that neither McLaren nor Mercedes-Benz engineers truly felt was their own. McLaren’s Gordon Murray, designer of award-winning Brabham and McLaren’s grand prix racers are the driving force behind it all, thought the SLR overweight, the antithesis of his personal automotive touch. For Mercedes SLS engineers they were uncomfortable with McLaren’s free-wheeling, swift development culture and were skeptical of their methods. The culture-clash car that resulted was blindingly fast and supremely robust, but oddly styled and strangely uninvolving to drive.

All of which perhaps explains the all new Mercedes SLS AMG, a lightweight, high tech, 571 hp super coupe that represents the distilled wisdom of some of the best and brightest engineers at the world’s finest automotive manufacturing firm. And yes, it has gullwing doors.

Like the SLS, the Mercedes SLS is a front mid-engine coupe, with its 6.3-liter V8 positioned entirely behind the front axle center-line. The engine is based on the M156 V-8 from the SL63 AMG, but has been tweaked and primped sufficiently to warrant a new in-house codename — M159. Mercedes SLS claims over 120 parts and components that have been redesigned. The most notable change, however, is a dry sump system that allows the M159 to nestle low in the frame. The engine delivers 571 hp at 6800 rpm, and a 479 lb-ft. at 4750 rpm. Some 402 lb-ft is available from just 2500 rpm.
The engine drives the rear wheels via AMG’s new seven-speed dual clutch transmission, repackaged in a transaxle housing at the rear of the car to help deliver the SLS’s 48/52 front/rear weight distribution. Engine and transmission are inter-connected by a sand-cast aluminum torque-tube, inside which is a carbon-fiber drive shaft. The transmission offers four modes — basic, Sport, Sport+ and Manual — each with different shift protocols. The transmission has a launch-control mode that will allow full-commando starts with electronically controlled wheelspin to preclude engine constant bog downs.

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Car shoppers know that we have to reduce our reliance on gasoline for a variety of reasons. There are a lot of alternatives to the traditional gasoline engine, but thus far none of them has established itself the clear leader. Here are the pros and cons of some of the top contenders.

Ethanol

Pros: Ethanol can be produced in the U.S. from corn, in the future might be produced from other food or waste products. E10, which is a 10% blend, can be burned in any new car. Many existing cars can use E85.

Cons: E85 gets about 25% lower fuel economy than gasoline. E85 is not readily available, since very few gas stations carry it. The federal government offers credits to automakers for E85 cars, but meeting those standards lowers overall fuel economy for all cars. Food prices could rise as a result of mass production of any product made from food crops. Increased crop production requires the use of farm equipment, which run on gasoline.

Diesel/biodiesel

Pros: Diesel and biodiesel get 30% better fuel economy than traditional gasoline engines. Fuel is readily available. Although cars that run on diesel and biodiesel cost more than traditional gasoline cars, the cost premium is lower than it is for hybrids. Any diesel car can run on a blend of renewable biodiesel fuel.

Cons: Diesel cars have historically had more vibration and engine noise than gasoline cars. The relatively high cost of diesel fuel can reduce the financial benefits of the improved fuel economy. 

Electric Cars

Pros: Cost per mile is much less than for a traditional car. Electric cars produce no emissions. Batteries can be recharged at home.

Cons: Cost of cars is high dues to expensive batteries. It takes a long time to recharge and range is limited. Although electricity can be produced using renewable resources, many power companies currently use coal to produce it.

Plug-in hybrids

Pros: Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home. When they’re running on electric power, they have low operating costs and no emissions.  Their range is up to 40 miles on electric power, which is good enough for most drivers most of the time. A gasoline engine can extend the range for lengthy trips.

Cons: The price is higher than that of conventional vehicles due high-priced batteries. Charging car batteries could tax existing electric grid, especially if done during daytime hours. The gas mileage depends greatly on driving habits, and drivers often don’t get the mileage they expect.

Hybrids

Pros: Hybrids use gas, which is nice since there are gas pumps across the country. They drive like regular cars, so drivers don’t have to change the way they use their cars. These vehicles can get great fuel economy.

Cons: Hybrids are costlier than traditional automobiles, requiring a large investment up front. Many budget conscious car shoppers have been disenchanted because their hybrids don’t get the gas mileage they expect.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Pros: Hydrogen cars get very good fuel economy – about twice that of gasoline cars. They produce no emissions – just water vapor. Hydrogen is abundant and some of it can be made from renewable energy.

Cons: Hydrogen fuel cells are expensive and often don’t last long. In order to get an acceptable range, you need very high-pressure hydrogen storage. Hydrogen is expensive to transport, and there is no infrastructure in place yet, so it’s difficult to find places to refuel. Although hydrogen fuel can be made from renewable energy sources, it is currently made from natural gas. The production process creates a large amount of CO2 emissions.

Natural Gas

Pros: Natural gas burns much cleaner than gasoline, costs much less, and provides comparable power.

Cons: Large amounts of natural gas are required, so cars must have huge gas tanks, which reduce space available for other uses. Refueling takes a long time due to the amount of fuel required. Natural gas cars have a limited range. There are very few refueling stations available.

Most of these alternative vehicles involve extra initial expenditures, which is only viable if the consumer can reasonably expect to recoup the cost over the life of the vehicle. So far in the U.S., hybrids are in the lead, with electric cars gaining popularity. Diesel cars have been practical in other countries for a long time. Only time will tell which technologies are practical and cost effective.

Written by Hannah Valez.  Nissan Dealers Inland Empire      Used Cars in Palm Springs

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In the 1950′s, the war was over and the American economy was on the upswing. The future looked so promising and customers were in the lookout for something new and exciting, so a race car can best match the enthusiasm of the generated interests. Mercedes responded with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL in 1954, an icon of design and innovation. Its doors were hinged at the roof and when opened, looked like the outstretched wings of a seagull. Given the name ‘Gullwing’ for its authentic upward-opening doors, the Mercede SLS was the first ever car to be equipped with the fuel injection technology. This doubled the engine’s power from 115 hp to 240 hp and helped the Gullwing achieve a top speed of 260 km/h, making it the fastest production car of the period.

Following the success of the Gullwing on many racing circuits, Mercedes Benz decided to create a luxury sports car class based on it. Minus the Gullwing doors, the body style remained as a 2-door coupe convertible with a hard roof that can be retracted into the lower body frame. Body styling emphasized aerodynamics, given the nature of the Gullwing as a race car. This was also to attract more buyers since body styling at the time favored aggressive, curvilinear forms. Owing it to its origins of technical wonder, Mercedes SLS parts prides of precision steering, and independent suspension, allowing a better drive control and ease of use. The class was named SL which stood for Sport Light.

In 1957, the Mercedes 300 SL roadster rolled out of the popular assembly lines. A similar looking line 190 SL was also started. The 190 SL had a 105 hp engine and enjoyed a bigger production than the 300 SL, selling a total of 25,881 units. Both W198 models were discontinued in 1963, replaced by the “pagoda-roof” W112 models. Cars of this line sported advanced Mercedes SL parts like a fuel-injected, six-cylinder engine and lightweight aluminum fittings. All models were rear-wheel drive and equipped with independent rear suspension. Many early models came with both a retractable hard top and a soft top, but there were also versions such as the “California Coupe” that only had hardtop configurations. Members of this line included the 230 SL, 250 SL, and 280 SL.

During the period between 1972 and 1989, several SL models in the R107 (Reihe series) were introduced to replace the aging W112 line. These models were a cross between the SL line and the Mercedes W114 model, carrying a small chassis with the SL’s large engine. R107 was later replaced by R129, starting with R129 300 SL in 1989. A new variety of this class, the 600 SL, was most elegant and heaviest SLS ever built in history. It featured options such as a CD changer, all-leather interior, V12 engine, and other standard Mercedes SL parts. While the SL series of Mercedes underwent slight design modifications in late 1994 and 1999, it was apparent that the decade long SL series is losing ground to its more aggressive competitors.

Mercedes SLS completely overhauled the SL line in 2001, it showcased the brand new SL which prides itself of a brand spanking new body style and elerconically controlled folding steel roof. This was followed by the 2004 Mercedes Benz SL and 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG. In 2005, the entire SL lineup was again refreshed. Mercedes SLS parts for these new models included an automatic climate control, power steering and locks, active body control suspension, an anti-theft mechanism, and a cruise control. Safety features, which Mercedes has been known for, were standard in all models.

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As a prestigious company, AMG was created in 1960′s in Germany by two noted engineers that has previous works with Mercedes and they produced amazing racing engines. Design and testing of new engines was the new AMG’s early role. Mercedes have expanded their main business into creating prime cars, based on the stringent standards of Mercedes cars but it was not until late 1993 that the first and ever true Mercedes AMG was finally built with the C36.

You will notice that when you compare prices of the AMG Mercedes SLS Benz against the production models, the upgrades do add significantly to the price ticket.

Through the early 2000s, AMG Mercedes Benz focused on two engines, both V8, both 5.5.liter, one standard four stroke and the other a supercharged engine. In early 2006 however, AMG scrapped both of these versions of M113 engine and exchanged it for the M156. Again a V8, 5.4 litre, but updated and also now commercially available in a very turbo charged setting.

The smallest, current, turbocharged AMG Mercedes SLS Benz is the G55 and it’s standard V8 powered sibling is the SLK55.For those looking for a slightly larger AMG Mercedes Benz, the SL63 and the E63 are the models on offer, unless you really want to make an impression? In which case, the mystical Black Series CLK63 is top of the tree.As if this wasn’t enough, there is always AMG’s offering of a true super car!

It is now available in Europe, but sad to say it will be for public release come spring of 2010 in the US.S., the AMG Mercedes Benz SLS, a gull winged super sports car is unleashed. With a whooping speed of 197 mph, and that is very electronically restricted! The SLS prides a 6.3ltr V8 that develops 571 hp at 6800 rpm.

This new Mercedes SLS supercar has just been nominated as world’s best ever sports car by over millions of European readers of major motoring publications so if you have a US$265,000 to spare, go grab it now.

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Buying a car is always an exciting experience, and whether it’s new or used, there are many different great value buys on the market today. Despite this, used cars come with a higher risk of gearbox problems. Used cars aren’t always known for their reliability, and if you have bought a car that’s over 5 years old, you have to consider the fact there might be gearbox problems with it.

If you want a car with no worries, a new car is going to be your best bet. After all, something that is so new definitely shouldn’t have anything wrong with it. Having said that, some people are a little wary of buying new cars that haven’t been “run in” yet, and that’s why many like to buy a car that has a couple of hundred miles on it to show that it has been used and is working fine. A new car could have problems, but the chances are minimised because everything is ‘new’. Naturally, used cars will have a higher mileage and that means the car has been put through the mill a bit more so there’s a greater risk.

It’s like anything really; the more use something gets then the higher the risk of something going wrong with it. As much as you love your 10 year old car, you have to bear in mind that gearbox problems are going to be likely. If you notice the gearbox sticking or an unusual sound when driving, this could mean that there are gearbox problems. If you do notice something, its time to get to the garage. You could find that you end up paying a lot more if you don’t get the gearbox sorted ASAP.

Bear in mind that gearbox problems can be very expensive to repair and so it is best to check the car over thoroughly before you buy it. Check that there are no funny sounds you can hear coming from the gearbox area. It’s always best to speak to the car dealership about your concerns.

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