Mercedes-Benz recently launched a dedicated website for the SL65 AMG Black Series, and it's loaded with goodies for anyone who can't get enough of the uber coupe. The site has detailed info on all of the Black Series' features, as well as some new studio photos that we haven't seen before. Best of all, they've provided six new desktop wallpapers available in normal, widescreen, and iPhone sizes. We've compiled these beautiful high-res photos in a gallery and included the original shots if that's not enough.
We usually try and reserve judgment when it comes to aftermarket styling packages. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and different people prefer different styles. In this case, however, we have to take exception with this body kit from Wald. First the name - Black Bison Edition? We can understand the metaphor of a prancing horse or a raging bull, but this one just doesn't make sense. And the actual body kit? The massive rear wing on a Mercedes-Benz screams boy racer, and the excessive vents don't go very well with subtle German styling. The only redemption are the semi-attractive two-tone wheels. We'll have to pass on this one...
We've had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a few MINI variants, including a 2007 Cooper S and more recently a 2008 Cooper Clubman. Despite some quirky interior design cues and limited practicality, it's hard not to love the MINI for its superb handling and slick-shifting transmission. Still on our to-do list, however, was to experience some of the John Cooper Works options that were absent on our previous test cars. Fortunately we were able to schedule a short drive with a 2008 MINI Cooper S with a few select JCW options. Are the upgrades worth the price of admission? Read on...
We were completely taken with the BMW M1 Hommage concept car that was introduced at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este earlier this year. It's blend of modern and retro design is a fitting tribute to the original M1 road car, and we'd have no objection to BMW putting a production version on the road. There were only a handful of photos available when the car was officially introduced, but since then BMW has released several more for us to drool over including some of the original design sketches. We felt no need to keep them to ourselves and have put them in a high resolution gallery below for your viewing pleasure.
When we think of shaker hood scoops, our minds conjure up images of classic muscle cars with rumbling V8s. The current Mustang's retro design looks pretty darn good with a shaker installed as well, as Saleen proved with the Parnelli Jones Mustang. The only problem is that a shaker hood doesn't combine well with one of Saleen's best selling aftermarket parts, their Series VI twin-screw supercharger. Since both take up the same space, Mustang owners have to either choose between classic good looks or a boost in horsepower. Until now. Speedlab, the aftermarket arm of Saleen, has developed a new product called the Super Shaker that is the best of both worlds. Not only does it combine a shaker hood and a supercharger, but the direct injection of cold air from outside the engine bay actually improves horsepower and keeps the motor running cooler. A variety of kits are available, including full systems as well as upgrade kits for both Saleen S281 Supercharged Mustangs and even the Parnelli Jones Mustang. Follow the jump for full details on the Super Shaker in the press release from Saleen or get ordering info on Saleen's web site.
Top Gear has had its fair share of mishaps. There was that time the Stig took the Koenigsegg CCX on an off-track excursion, and of course Hammond's horrific crash in the jet dragster. The latest incident involves the one and only Nissan GT-R press car in Great Britain. Apparently it was involved in a fender bender in the Isle of Man after a photoshoot for Top Gear magazine. It seems that the GT-R wasn't damaged too badly, despite the pic of its naked arse above, and the same exact car ran up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed only a couple days later.
Check out our own just-published review of the 2009 Nissan GT-R. We managed to keep our press car in one piece.
Those in attendance at the German Grand Prix this past weekend were also treated to a revival of the M1 Procar series that originally raced in support of the F1 schedule in 1979 and 1980. The original series featured the five fastest F1 drivers in the Friday practice session in addition to another 15 cars with up and coming drivers behind the wheel. The M1 Procars, which were featured in races both on Saturday and Sunday, were piloted by some of the most famous names in motorsports including three-time F1 champion Niki Lauda who took the lead early and kept it until the end. Follow the jump to read about the drivers' post-race reactions or check out the huge gallery of high resolution images from the race below.
Click above for high-res gallery from the 2008 German Grand Prix
A stormy 2008 British Grand Prix had left a three-way tie for the drivers' championship in Formula 1, with Hamilton. Raikkonen and Massa all in a deadlock at 48 points. That made the German Grand Prix this past weekend, the tenth race on the F1 calendar, that much more important. Raikkonen said it was a "must win" race for him, and Massa and Hamilton no doubt felt the same way. In qualifying Hamilton kept up the momentum from the previous race by capturing pole position, followed closely by Massa, Kovalainen, and Trulli. Follow the jump for a race report and results.
Click above to watch the GT-R take on the Top Gear test track
It's the lap time that everyone has been waiting for. Just how fast can the Stig push the Nissan GT-R around Top Gear's test track? Those who couldn't wait could see the track time posted on Wikipedia a few days ago. Even after the entry was removed (it's since been added back in), Wikipedia still allowed users to review the revisions made to an entry. So while the GT-R's time may have been no secret, those with enough will power not to look can now watch the video of the GT-R lap the Top Gear test track and have the result still be a surprise. Even if you do know the time, it's still worth watching, and as an added bonu,s Clarkson wrings out the GT-R at the Fuji race circuit. Just follow the jump to watch the video.
Click above for a high resolution image of the C30 D-Design package
Volvo gave its C30 hatchback a pretty aggressive look when it introduced the R-Design package, but unfortunately none of that sportiness made its way beneath the hood. Adding some show to the go, Volvo has reportedly created a C30 prototype fitted with a turbocharged inline-5 pumping out 350 horsepower using the Ford Focus RS engine block as a base. Best of all, it would be able fully put down all that power combined with Volvo's AWD system, unlike the FWD system on the Focus RS. Unfortunately, Volvo has no current plans to bring the car to production, and with high gas prices and upcoming fuel consumption regulations, it would be tough to convince them otherwise.
London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"
London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora
2010 Chevy Camaro - Official Details and Images
2010 Chevy Camaro - LIVE from the reveal
Volkswagen unveiling two-door Elise fighter in LA, new sports car
First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW
In the Autoblog Garage:2009 Nissan GT-R
North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo
First Drive: 2009 Kia Borrego
In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG
