ASMA Perfectus SLR is anything but

While we can’t say we’re huge fans of previous projects from ASMA Design, we understand that individual taste is beyond debate. The German tuner has customized virtually every car in the Mercedes lineup with its signature deep grilles and other styling elements that are definitely unique. And isn’t that exactly what you’re looking for in a personalized ride? Something unique? Something that stands out from the crowd? Something that makes a mockery of regular old off-the-rack vehicles?
While that mentality can certainly be understood when applied to models that you might pass on the road every day, we don’t know what to think of doing this tuner treatment to an already great supercar like the Mercedes McLaren SLR. We get something like the RENNtech version, which turns the SLR into a DTM racer, but this new ASMA Design SLR is simply beyond us. Dubbed the ASMA Design Perfectus SLR, it was apparently designed for the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi, but will be available to any commoner with an SLR, too. While the bump in horsepower to 700 is attractive, we can’t really say the same for the changes to the bodywork. If this seems like something you’d like done to your SLR, ASMA will be happy to take your €1 million.


Via: MotorAuthority

• Fiat marketing chief & Alfa Romeo CEO Luca de Meo defects to Volkswagen

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss

There may be no better way to pay tribute to the end of the modern SLR – as well as its racing forbears – than with the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss.As the presence of Sir Moss’ name suggests, the latest iteration of the SLR is a direct tribute to the 300 SLR raced by the likes of Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio in the late 1950s. Certainly, it looks like a road racer – apart from two small screens on the cowl, there is no windshield. Likewise, there are no windows and no top, unless you consider a split tonneau cover to be valid protection from the elements.But the SLR Stirling Moss is more than just a topless SLR. We’re most impressed at just how many design cues from the original 1955 300 SLR made their way into the new car. The double-bubble headlamps are replaced with single ovoid units, which – along with exhausts exiting through fender vents and stylish rollover bars – are fairly faithful to the original racer. So too is the spartan interior, which eschews techno-baubles like an audio system and navigation in favor for aluminum accents and plaid seat inserts.Though it looks like the racer of yesteryear, Mercedes notes it’s not exactly a race-prepped vehicle. That’s not to say the Stirling isn’t quick – using the same 650-hp supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 found in the SLR McLaren 722 Edition, it moves from 0 to 62 mph in a scant 3.5 seconds.Wanting one is natural, but acquiring one will be difficult. After production of the SLR Roadster ends in May 2009, the production line in Woking, England, will shift to building the SLR Stirling Moss. Only 75 examples – each carrying a sticker price of approximately $1 million – will be built between June and December, but sales will be reserved for “loyal” SLR customers outside of North America.

Via: Automobilemag

Import carmakers leasing acres of coast to store unwanted vehicles

The hardship being endured by Detroit is making headlines across the country, but November sales figures showed that Motown manufacturers aren’t the only ones struggling to move metal. Industry all-stars toyota and Honda saw similarly steep sales declines, evidence of which is piling up on lots like the Port of Long Beach, where thousands of Toyotas and Mercedes are lined up with no place to go. The traditionally successful automakers are looking to lease out another 20+ acres each to make room for more vehicles coming to the port from overseas. Nissan is experiencing a similar scenario, but a deal to store vehicles at Long Beach fell through, causing Nissan to look elsewhere to store its unsold fleet. At the San Diego port, Honda, Mitsubishi, and VW models are piling up, too.
Just a couple years ago, a big deal was made out of the fact that thousands of Dodge Dakotas and Rams were piled up in parking lots across Michigan. Now it seems the only way an automaker isn’t storing hoards of vehicles is if they’ve stopped making cars and trucks all together. Something tells us the deals for 2008 models are going to be even better than they are now. And we’re not just talking Calibers and Rangers. Thanks for the tip, Rene!


Via: Reuters

• As sales slump, Toyota cuts bonuses and vehicle production

Mercedes-Benz shows off internet-connected myCOMMAND system

Mercedes-Benz has already toyed around a bit with some internet-connected in-car systems, but it looks to really be going all out with its new myCOMMAND system, which it’s now showing off at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Among other things, it would constantly pull various traffic information off the internet and take it into account for route selection, as well as give you access to internet radio stations, let you make VoIP phone calls, and even give you a browser that’ll let you ” surf the internet in the accustomed way.” Mercedes is also promising that the entire system will be completely intuitive, with most of the primary functions controlled with a single rotary pushbutton, and two secondary buttons provided for things like menu operation. Of course, it’s all still very much a demo at this point, and Mercedes itself says it’ll be least a “few more years” before it actually winds up in a production vehicle.



Via: Engadget

• SEMA 2008: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis
• GM selling remaining Suzuki stake for $230M

BRABUS announces Tesla Roadster customization plans

It’s a bit of a shift from its usual business, but it looks like BRABUS isn’t about to let the Tesla Roadster escape its reach, and it’s now taken the wraps off a completely customized version of the vehicle to give those lucky few owners out there (or would-be owners) a taste of what’s possible. Sure to attract the most attention is the company’s “space sound generator,” which can not only pump out the sound of a traditional V8 engine like some similar systems, but some “futuristic soundscapes” as well, including “Beam” and “Warp” sounds, which we can only hope are just as Jetsony as we imagine them to be. Other custom options include an all new tire / wheel combination that promises to improve handling, a redone exterior with a special matte white paintjob, a set of LED running lights, a whole slew of interior options and, of course, some underbody neon for that added touch of class. No word on a price for any of that, naturally, but those in the area will apparently be able to check it all out first hand at German’s Essen Motor Show later this month.

Via: Engadget

F1 budgets off the chart, $4.3 million per point

Ever wonder how expensive it is for a manufacturer to compete in Formula 1 racing? Not surprisingly, it ain’t cheap. Each of the successful teams spend hundreds of millions of dollars on their programs, but success is not necessarily tied in to how much dough was spent. For instance, Ferrari, winners of this year’s constructor’s championship with 172 total points, spent about $2.4 million per point in 2008. McLaren and BMW, numbers two and three respectively, spent a bit more than that figure, but still under a cool $3 mil. Honda and Toyota, though, had budgets nearly as large as the top-tier manufacturers yet scored significantly fewer points. In fact, Honda’s meager 14 points cost the automaker over 28 million buckaroos a piece, making theirs the most expensive points of all. On average, teams spent about $4.3 million per point. No wonder the sport is looking to cut its budget as soon as possible. Thanks for the tip, Keith!

Via: F1 Fanatic

ASMA Design turns evil eye towards Merc SL-Class

ASMA SL

Via: emercedesbenz

Carlsson unleashes CK65 RS Eau Rouge Dark Edition

Carlsson is continuing its line of two-tone Aigner-themed vehicles with the CK65 RS Eau Rouge Dark Edition. Previous versions include the CL-based CK65 Eau Rouge introduced in Frankfurt last year and the S-based CK65 RS Blanchimont. The latest rendition features an upgrades twin-turbo V12 with up to 756 horsepower, 849 lb-ft torque and a top speed of 208 mph. The exterior gets a carbon fiber aero kit, 21-inch lightweight wheels, and Obsidian Black Metallic and Himalaya-Gray paint scheme. Inside, the seats have been upholstered in Aigner leather, and a leather/Alcantara steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and wood trim have been added as well. Carlsson has planned a production run of just ten cars with a price tag starting at over $400,000. More details about the car can be found in the press release after the jump, and we’ve put together a gallery high resolution photographs below.
Via: Tags: Aigner

SEMA 2008: Carbonite SL(R) for the economic downturn

 Carbonite SL

Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket)