I Can't Drive This Car...
FAB Design's Desire Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Why would someone want to turn a future collectible supercar like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren into a Fast & Furious style "rice-racer" and on top of that, spend a fortune during the process, is something we cannot answer. What we can tell you is that FAB Design's proposal is called Desire -?????- and aside from the crab-like fascia and the numerous aerodynamic doodads that include an extra larger rear wing, the SLR McLaren has also received extensive modifications under the hood.
The result is an output of 750HP and 1,080Nm of torque instead of the standard SLR V8s 626 HP and 780 Nm respectively, for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 310km/h or 196mph.
FAB Design' package for the SLR McLaren also includes an improved suspension system and 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/30 ZR 20 (front) and 325/25 ZR 20 (rear) Michelin performance tires.
Mercedes to Reveal facelifted GL-Class
The 2009 New York International Auto Show that will be open to the public April 10-19, will host the world debut of three new Mercedes-Benz models. Aside from the E63 AMG uber sports sedan that you can check out here, the German automaker will also premiere the restyled 2010 GL-Class SUV and the production version of the ML450 HYBRID. Also on show will be the 2010 model year E-Class Sedan and Coupe, both of which are making their debut in North America.
Though Mercedes has not released any photos of the 2010 model year GL-Class, the German automaker did reveal that the renamed GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are distinguished by their restyled grille, bumpers, wheels and new lights, including LED taillights. As for the GL350 BlueTEC which replace the current GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Merc said that it boast lower exhaust emissions as well as 20-30 percent better fuel economy.
The production version of Mercedes' ML450 HYBRID combines an electric motor with a 3.5-liter V6 engine for a total output of 335HP offering improved fuel efficiency over the full-size ML550. Like the Prius, the ML450 HYBRID can operate -at low speeds- as a zero-emission vehicle when powered by its electric drive alone.
F-CELL Roadster Concept of Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster is a new concept study created by more than 150 trainees and dual education system students who worked on the project for about a year. The most eye-catching element of the study is without doubt, its large spoked wheels that supposedly pay homage to the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car. We think that they look totally out of place, but we're neither trainees or design students, so don't take our word for it.
The F-CELL Roadster incorporates an array of stylistic features from various eras of automotive history, such as the carbon-fiber bucket seats with hand-stitched leather covers and the fiberglass front section based on the component from the Formula One racing bolides.
The two-seater is powered by an emission-free fuel cell system located at the rear that develops an output of 1.2 kW allowing the lightweight concept to reach a top speed of 25 km/h or 16mph with an operating range of up to 350 km or 218 miles. The concept is controlled with drive-by-wire technology, and a joystick takes the place of the conventional steering wheel.
"This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training," said Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig. "I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project."