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Saw this on fb https://www.facebook.com/gilbertcheah/posts/10153322668121900?pnref=story Guys, do you like people taking photos of your car? How do you feel when people take photos of your car?

The first Mercedes was a racing car and its most recent successor carries this heritage forward. With the new Mercedes-AMG GT, the Mercedes-AMG sports car brand is moving into a new sports car segment. The GT is the second sports car developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-AMG. Its front mid-engine design with a rear transaxle and use of intelligent aluminium lightweight construction form the basis for a highly dynamic driving experience. Its newly developed AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine underscores the hallmark of AMG driving performance. The first sports car engine from AMG with internally mounted turbochargers ('hot inside V') and dry sump lubrication is configured in two output ratings: as a GT with 456 hp (340 kW) and as a GT S with 503 hp (375 kW). The new GT combines driving dynamics and first-class racetrack performance with superb everyday practicality and efficiency that sets new standards in the segment. It has everything you would expect from an authentic Mercedes-AMG sports car – from the characteristic styling, thoroughbred motorsport technology to the optimum weight distribution. The drive system tailored to consistently delivering driving dynamics perfectly complements this set-up. The centerpiece of the Mercedes-AMG GT is thethe new 4.0-liter V8 biturbo, which responds instantly with extreme power at low revs and delivers outstanding performance. Top figures such as 3.7 seconds from 0-60 mph (preliminary) and a top speed of 193 mph (310 km/h), combined with the outstanding driving dynamics will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps on the racetrack. At the same time, this two-seater is a comfortable and reliable companion for everyday motoring thanks to its practical decklid, easily accessible luggage compartment, and high level of comfort on long journeys. It also features an extensive list of Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive assistance systems which ensure the high level of safety expected from Mercedes-AMG. "With the new Mercedes-AMG GT, we are venturing out into a challenging sports car segment with its top-class competitive field. This is an incentive and motivation for us at the same time to prove to sports car enthusiasts around the world the kind of performance that AMG is capable of", says Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "With the new GT we are positioning Mercedes-AMG even more aggressively than to date as a dynamic sports car brand", says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "With its technological substance, the Mercedes-AMG GT fulfils our high aspirations with regard to driving dynamics, agility and sportiness. The new GT is the second sports car developed fully independently by Mercedes-AMG. The car is manufactured according to the motto 'Handcrafted By Racers' – which perfectly encapsulates our heritage and our spirit." Mercedes-AMG GT Displacement: 3982 cc Output: 456 hp (340 kW) at 6000 rpm Max. torque: 443 lb.ft (600 Nm) at 1600-5000 rpm Acceleration: 0-60mph 3.9 s (preliminary) Top speed: 189mph (304 km/h)*** Mercedes-AMG GT S Displacement: 3982 cc Output: 503 hp (375 kW) at 6250 rpm (6000-6500 rpm*) Max. torque: 479 lb. ft. (650 Nm) at 1750-4750 rpm (1750-5000 rpm*) Acceleration: 3.7 s (preliminary) Top speed: 193 mph (310 km/h)*** * In conjunction with AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package; *** Electronically limited.

Mercedes-Benz has been teasing about its new GT sports car for a while now. While it hasn't let the cat out of the bag yet, the marque continues to taunt with a video showing off the soundtrack from the next-gen 4.0-litre V8 engine. Conceived to replace the SLS, the new GT will be smaller in dimensions and more 'affordable' than the outgoing model. Likewise, the engine will also be shrunk - from a 6.2-litre V8 to a 4.0-litre V8 unit. The people at Mercedes-AMG, has however, assured us that the new block will be as great-sounding as the previous - if not more. The new engine will also feature a total of four driving modes, each with its own distinctive sound signature. http://dai.ly/x21u61t

From its unique architecture to its amazing skyline and eyewatering prices, the United Arab Emirate of Dubai has always done things very differently. Never afraid to flash its excess wealth, and famed worldwide for its conspicuous consumption, it’s no surprise that the local constabulary has accumulated the most exotic stable of police cars in the world. Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Ferrari and more... it’s every petrolhead’s wishlist of motoring exotica, but a daily drive from some for the lucky officers serving in the desert. We take a look at the cars that will be on your tail if you’re foolish enough to consider speeding in Dubai, the land where the PCs most certainly aren’t plodders... BMW M6 Gran Coupe Engine: 4.4 V8, 552bhp | Top speed: 250km/h | 0-100km/h: 4.1 secs A relatively tame part of Dubai Police’s fleet, but BMW’s legendary ‘M’ badge signifies there’s no shortage of power. With a 4.4-litre V8, the M6 Gran Coupe is propelled from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds, on its way to a limited top speed of 250km/h. At just under £100,000, this is one of the cheaper cars on the fleet, but rest assured those sumptuous leather seats will keep criminals comfortable. Mercedes SLS AMG Engine: 6.2 V8, 591bhp - Top speed: 320km/h - 0-100km/h: 3.7 secs As supercars go, few would deny that the Mercedes SLS AMG is a work of art, with its generously proportioned front end sweeping back to a dramatic set of gullwing doors. The Mercedes produces almost 600bhp from a 6.2-litre V8, and is capable of nearly 320km/h, doing 0-100km/h in under four seconds. Now where do the bad guys sit? Lamborghini Aventador Engine: 6.5 V12, 690bhp | Top speed: 350km/h | 0-100km/h: 2.9 secs A product of Lamborghini’s famous factory at Sant’Agata, the Aventador is striking in every way. Its rakish lines and aggressively flared arches and intakes give it a presence few cars can match. And with a massive 690bhp from the 6.5-litre V12 engine, this bull can charge to 350km/h and from 0-100km/h in a mightily impressive 2.9 seconds. But at £265,900, it’s definitely no cheap thrill. Aston Martin One-77 Engine: 7.3 V12, 750bhp | Top speed: 354km/h | 0-100km/h: 3.7 secs This is as special as they come from the legendary British maker. As the name suggests, the Aston Martin One-77 was a limited release of just 77 models worldwide. Beautifully hand-crafted materials and an obsessive attention to detail mark the car out. It’s no slouch, either, with 750bhp from a V12 and a top speed of 354km/h. The force’s accountant may be concerned at the £1,150,000 price tag, though. Ferrari FF Engine: 6.2 V12, 651bhp -| Top speed: 335km/h | 0-100km/h: 3.7 secs Practical and Ferrari are two words you rarely hear in the same sentence. The Ferrari FF is an exception, though, because it is a genuinely practical supercar with space for four occupants in a shooting brake bodystyle – the perfect choice for transporting criminals to the station quickly, thanks to its 651bhp V12 engine. Another costly addition to the Dubai police fleet. Bentley Continental GT Engine: 6.0 W12, 567bhp | Top speed: 317km/h | 0-100km/h: 4.3 secs Another British car, the Bentley Continental GT is a fine choice due to its superb refinement and quality. It’s hand-made at Bentley’s famous Crewe factory, and every effort is made to produce the perfect car, tailored to buyers’ every request. The 6.0-litre W12 engine catapults the car to just shy of 321km/h, and dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds. Ford Shelby Mustang Roush Edition Engine: 5.0 V8, 575bhp | Top speed: 236km/h | 0-100km/h: 4.5 secs The Ford Mustang costs small change in relation to the other cars on the fleet, but doesn’t disappoint. This ‘pony car’ is more of a cobra, something its Shelby badge backs up. Modifier Roush has added even more power to the Ford, which features a highly tuned 5.0-litre V8. This pushes out 575bhp and gets the car from 0-100km/h quicker than the Bentley. It costs under a third of the price of its British rival, so what’s not to like? Whether it's for practical or publicity purposes, do you think it makes sense for the Dubai police force to run such an incredible fleet of supercars? What would the response of our tax payers be if Singapore police force attempted the same thing?

We have seen F1 drivers in action in their single-pilot, open wheel race cars. But what happens when you put two of them in one supercar?

The success of the Mercedes-Benz SLS, which has sold 5,000 units since its release and grown to include a Roadster version and has paved way for the automaker to release another AMG version. It will be a smaller, cheaper version of the SLS, poised to rival the Porsche 911. According to Christoph Jung, development director of performance division AMG, "There is room for an AMG model below the SLS, targeting the Porsche 911. This is the next market for AMG, and we are considering what is the right package." "It is important to work on our brand and grow it. Look at the Porsche 911 - it is a huge success. They have done a very good job in evolving it over the years. Now, thanks to the SLS, companies like Porsche see AMG as competition. Everyone recognises that AMG can produce super sports cars." The car will be a two-seater and comes with a front-mounted V8 engine, most likely a development of the company's latest 5.5-litre twin-turbo. This engine would produce up to 500bhp, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Expect zero to 100km/h in four seconds and a top speed of 297km/h. The model will also showcase some highly efficient features such as stop-start technology. The new SLS model would have to start at around 80,000 Euros in order to be profitable. A coupe is a certainty, and a roadster could join it. Photo credit : AutoExpress

Brabus has taken to opportunity to launch their widebody version of Mercedes-AMG's gull-winged SLS at the 2010 Essen Motor Show in Germany recently. The car gets a widebody kit called the 'Widestar' and this modification is for those who somehow think that the SLS isn't butch or, shall we say isn't wide enough to create an impact at the local nightspots or at the country clubs. Since the most important addition to the SLS is the body kit, we'll start with this first. The Widestar gets the usual front bumper/spoiler setup, rear bumper/diffuser setup, bootlid spoiler and only slightly wider rear wheel arches with optimized (and larger) air inlets and outlets. It isn't one of those really over the top, super wide body kits like we've seen on some tuned cars. It actually pretty subtle for a 'widebody' kit. Too subtle in my opinion. Anyway, the front inlets and fender outlets are also aerodynamically tuned and tested at Brabus' wind tunnel facility to optimize airflow throughout the car. All of the components mentioned above are made from carbon fiber and customers can opt for a matte or glossy finish for the parts if they do not want to paint the add on parts. But do note that it is only wider at the rear wheel arches as the front fenders and arches are not extended. Only the front fender outlets seem to protrude more than the stock ones giving some illusion of a wider front end. To complement the package even further Brabus gives the Widestar SLS an adjustable suspension that is driver controlled from inside the cabin. Aside from being 30mm lower, the suspension system allows the driver to increase or decrease the ride height as well as harden or soften the damping rates to make the car handle better when needed or ride better when the driver wants some comfort instead. The bespoke system was developed in collaboration with suspension specialists Bilstein. If the customer still feels that this isn't extreme enough, there is an option for stiffer anti roll bars front and rear. To complement and to ensure that the rear wheel sit nicely under the wider arches the rear gets 21inch wheels running rubberband 295/25ZR21 series tires and the fronts get 20inch wheels with 275/30ZR20 tires. The wheels are Brabus specific Monoblock F Platinum Edition and must cost a bomb too. According to Brabus, the alloy wheels are lighter even though they are bigger than the stock versions. The press release also states that the car gets Brabus' titanium sports exhaust system. This system increases the power output by 10bhp giving the SLS 573bhp to play with. The exhaust system is also 12kg lighter. I suppose both of these small improvements would only enable the Widestar SLS to power past a standard SLS by a mere whisker or so.

As gorgeous as it already is, the Mercedes SLS AMG is going to look even better with its convertible version. With the top down, the SLS looks even more appropriate as a bedroom wall pin-up or a high roller's car parked outside a casino in Monte Carlo. It tells the world that you don't really care whether you have gull-winged doors or not and that you probably look better than the car. And egoistical statement in other words. This version is for the man who treats this amazing work of engineering art as an accessory, it complements his looks and isn't afraid to flaunt it. Underneath, you get the same 6.2litre V8 with the twin clutch gear box, so you wouldn't have to worry about it being slow. The only worry will come if you're planning to thrash this round a track because it probably will be a little wobbly after taking the roof off. But then again, this car is equivalent to the poseur's expensive watch; fantastic, but just for show really.. Instead of the usual metal folding roofs that most convertibles have these days, Mercedes have decided to go with the soft top. This is mainly to keep its weight down. I actually prefer the look of the soft top, I think it adds a more classic feel to the car. Anyway, this version will probably only be out in 2012 but will be showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show around mid-September in 2011. [photos courtesy of autoexpress]

I recently posted about Hamann going ballistic on the looks of the F10 BMW 5 series. Basically Hamann had gone through great lengths in trying to make that car look very aggressive. It had also tried its best, and failed, with the 5series Grand Turismo too (although it wasn't at fault as the car itself looks like a illegitimate child of a 7series, a X6 and with the DNA from a Rover SD1). The latest Hamann Motorsport release is not a BMW, but a Mercedes. The SLS to be precise. This time they have only released a few performance/upgrade parts for the already mad and at the same time fabulous SLS. The most noticeable upgrade featured is the HAMANN alloy rims called the 'Design Edition Race

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia gave a special treat to the Malaysian media on the 24th of March 2010 by inviting them to a preview of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. This preview is in line with the upcoming Malaysian Formula 1 race in Sepang on 4th April 2010. Mercedes Benz has deemed that the Malaysian SLS launch should coincide with this event as one prestigious launch should compliment the other. This event was held at Sepang and is one of the first previews of the car outside of Europe and the United States. The Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a hand built 6.3 litre V8 engine with an output of 571bhp and 650Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 3.8 seconds and sure 0 to 200 km/h in 12 seconds. The top speed is an electronically limited 317 km/h. Why 317km/h is another mystery to me. Why not 318 as the number seems nicer to feng shui believing Asians? Anyway it is also equipped with a 7-speed dual clutch rear transaxle gearbox for better weight distribution. The SLS AMG will be touring Malaysia after the official launch on 27 March 2010. Malaysian and neighbouring country car buffs should be able to catch a glimpse of one at Mercedes Benz Malaysia's respective dealers. The exact schedule isn't out as yet and if anyone from the Lion City who wants to take a drive to the dealer in Johor Bahru, you'll have to check with them on the exact timing of the SLS arrival over there. But if you are a F1 fan, I don't think Mercedes Benz will miss the opportunity to have it on display for all those people that will fly in from everywhere. So if you do intend to travel down and watch the Sepang Formula 1 on the 4th of April, you may also get a first hand look at the car. Anyway, if it isn't on display, you would get to see it in the pitlanes as the SLS is also the official safety car for Formula 1. Production starts in June 2010, but orders can be made now. In Europe, the car will be sold at the price of 177,310 Euros inclusive of VAT. In Malaysia, it'll cost some lucky Malaysian RM1,999,000.00. Tax is a killer as 177k Euros do not become RM1.99million after current currency conversion rates.

[extract] Looks like there will be another Mad Mercedes is on the way. But only for GT racing. Coinciding with the official market launch of the road going AMG SLS on 27 March 2010 Mercedes-AMG has showcased the SLS AMG GT3 for FIA GT3 Racing teams to consider. The SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a racing car for customers competing in sprints and long-distance races. These race series for near-series GT cars are noted for their very varied participants and great excitement. Not least because of their comparatively favorable cost structure, they are enjoying increasing worldwide popularity. Oh yes, favorable for those racing Aston Martins, Maseratis and Ferraris in those GT races most popular in the United States and in Europe. How favorable it is for any small time South East Asian motor racing team is questionable but that

Behold guys, this is not your usual slow moving safety vehicle seen during your army days. Sometimes, speed equals safety. Perhaps nowhere else is that more true than on a racetrack when you're piloting the so-called safety car and you've got a pack of Formula One cars riding up your tailpipe. The good thing is that the newest safety car to be used for F1 duty is the 571-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The SLS AMG F1 safety car is mechanically unchanged from the street-ready version except for the tailpipe that is modified to bring it up to official F1 safety car standards. The differences between the safety car and a standard Gullwing include a new carbon fiber hood with front-mounted camera, rear number plate with a camera and an aerodynamically optimised full LED roof light bar to ensure this particular SLS AMG will not be missed on the race track. The SLS AMG replaces the SL63 AMG, which had been the official safety car for the previous two seasons. Again, the F1 safety car will be piloted by former DTM driver Bernd Mayl