Take a Look at Mercedes’ Exhibits from the LA Auto Show

Like many other carmakers, Mercedes-Benz had to split its attention between Tokyo and Los Angeles, as both cities hosted important auto shows simultaneously.

The Germans did a pretty good job actually, capturing our imagination with the world debuts of the AMG Vision Gran Turismo study, as well as the racy Concept GLA 45 AMG. Mercedes also premiered new production models like the S 65 AMG and SLS AMG Final Edition at the show, which also hosted the U.S. debut of the GLA crossover.

The Concept GLA 45 AMG is a pre-production study that shows us how the upcoming GLA 45 AMG will look like. No big surprises here, and there are no new things under the hood either. The GLA 45 AMG uses the same powerplant from the A 45 AMG, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four delivering 355hp (360PS) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft), connected to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports dual clutch transmission and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

The AMG Vision Gran Turismo is all fantasy. It is a 1:1 scale model of the model that will be offered as special downloadable content for the Gran Turismo 6 video game. That being said, it does look spectacular.

A more down-to-earth car (if we’re allowed to use that expression for a 583hp car) is the Final Edition version of the SLS AMG supercar. Mercedes-Benz will only built 350 units of these cars that signal the end of the SLS AMG line. Final Edition models bring updated aerodynamics and interior upgrades, including “AMG FINAL EDITION - 1 of 350” badges.

The most powerful production Mercedes-Benz S-Class model ever made premiered in LA too. We’re talking about the S 65 AMG, which packs 621hp (630PS) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque from a 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine. Sporting a similar aero kit to the V8-powered S 63 AMG, the range-topping S-Class will set you back €232,050 in Germany.

Finally, Mercedes’ least spectacular car from the LA booth (but the most important in terms of sales) is the GLA, which had its U.S. debut at the show. The brand’s smallest crossover will arrive in U.S. dealerships in fall 2014.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes SLS AMG Final Edition Is the Swan Song of the Series

Mercedes-Benz plans to discontinue the SLS AMG supercar and will mark the end of production with a limited run of 350 units of the SLS AMG Final Edition. Celebrating its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Tokyo Motor Show, the limited edition model will be available as both a Coupe and a Roadster.

The SLS AMG Final Edition brings a series of carbon fiber-look body components, an optimized aerodynamic balance and optional Dunlop Sport Maxx Race Cup tyres, among other things. Visually, the limited edition model stands out due to its carbon fiber bonnet with central air outlet, carbon fiber front splitter, fixed carbon fiber rear wing and exclusive AMG forged light-alloy wheels – available as either matt black with a high-sheen finish or matt black with a high-sheen rim flange.

The limited edition SLS AMG features new aerodynamic components including a carbon fiber bonnet, rear wing and front splitter that help reduce the lift on both the front and the rear axle. The bonnet features a central air outlet that not only dissipates engine heat but also increases down-force.

Under the bonnet there’s the 6.3-liter AMG V8 engine punching out 583hp (591PS) at 6,800 rpm and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) at 4,750 pm. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 3.7 seconds, while the 0-200 km/h (124 mph) sprint is covered in 11.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 320 km/h (199 mph).’

The engine is linked to the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission with four shift programs, RACE START and an automatic double-declutching function.

Interior upgrades include Designo Exclusive leather in a diamond pattern with contrasting topstitching in silver, carbon fiber trim, silver seat belts and black floor mats edged in silver leather. Each model has the “AMG FINAL EDITION - 1 of 350” badge on the carbon fiber center console, as well as the so-called “3D seam” – a fine strip of Alcantara set into the leather-covered instrument panel.

Final Edition models will launch in March 2014 in Germany, with prices starting from €225,505 ($305,270) for the SLS AMG GT Coupe Final Edition and €233,835 ($316,545) for the Roadster version.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY