Conquering rivals most often requi-res more stratagem than just weaponry and manpower. Thoughtful minds and intellectual leaders are capable of achieving a win over opponents through keen calculations, cunning movements and sometimes an elemental foundation. Moreover, the greatest minds of all win without striking! For AMG – Another Magnificent German – the formula dwells within the domineering “one man, one engine” philosophy, which brings credence to the luxury auto brand from Stuttgart, Germany. In fact, virtually all Mercedes-Benz (M-B) vehicles are morphed into AMG soldiers ready for battle. This 2014 squadron represents another Throne of Luxury to see who takes the coveted iron chair at the end of the pursuit.
Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California was the arena chosen to evaluate M-B’s fleet of performance vehicles including Haute’s preferred weapon of choice, a 2014 Solarbeam Yellow ($12,750 color option) SLS AMG Black Series Coupe which is the pinnacle of AMG performance ($275,000). As previously stated, each AMG engine is hand-built by one individual technician from the ground up and inscribed with his signage. In Stuttgart, these builder’s status and reputation are akin to the entitlement of rock stars. Based largely on the GT3 racecar, the RWD supercar is paired with a modified AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and a ferocious 6.3-liter V8 distributing 622 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque.
Upon closing the Gullwing doors, gripping the Alcantara AMG speed-sensitive power steering wheel and meshing yourself within the designo leather and Alcantara interior, the SLS AMG ignites and takes off like a fighter jet on the runway. Power is resilient and must be controlled with precision in and out of turns or you can easily end up sideways. I had no problems adjusting to the energy the SLS AMG presented after a few laps. For inquiring minds, COMAND, the multi-media center for all M-B vehicles, provides feedback on the 7” display regarding vehicle data including G-forces.
The SLS AMG Black Series underwent major improvements from aerodynamics to stability to help elevate its supercar characteristics. It reaches a top speed of 196 mph and sprints 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The halo is now wider, it sits on 19” and 20” forged alloy rims features a titanium exhaust system, 2-piece ceramic brakes with gold calipers, AMG adaptive performance suspension and is lathered with carbon fiber. Premium audio comes in the form of an 11-speaker, 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround sound system. However, my favorite music was the resonance of eight AMG cylinders under full throttle.
Paving the streets on your daily commute to work in a Hugo Boss suit with an elongated super car is the avid dream of many. While negotiating traffic in style with “top gear” performance available instantaneously, the daily work chores ahead become inconsequential. Not only is your AMG rapid and fierce, it’s as intelligent as the mind occupying the driver’s seat and enhanced with myriad safety innovations.
When 40 years of AMG engineering meet 125 years of Mercedes-Benz culture the outcome is Another Magnificent German!
Haute Auto
December 2, 2013Truth In Engineering: 2014 Audi RS 7
