Benz Faqs

McLaren first began a partnership with Mercedes in 1955 and worked well together. However, rumors have surfaced over the pasts few years that Mercedes has been trying to buy out McLaren. Mercedes currently hold 40% equity stake in the company.

Mercedes has always brushed off the rumors - but in the back of our minds we have been waiting for it to happen. After all McLaren has been saying the complete opposite.

McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh has been speaking with the International Herald-Tribune (the overseas edition of The New York Times), Whitmarsh said “I would be deeply disturbed if Mercedes had no real interest in acquiring us. I think it’s a tangible demonstration of their commitment to this”.

Thomas Weber - the head of Daimler AG’s development and research for Mercedes - stated the plans that they have to offer turbocharged engine for their entire line-up. Their deadline for this goal is 2010.

Unlike Mercedes-Benz’s current supercharged engines, these turbocharged motors won’t be built in the name of performance, but rather to meet upcoming emission standards. Not only does the automaker have to worry about the new CAFE mandate in the U.S., but also new legislation in Europe that will require Daimler to cut its average fleet emissions by 33 percent by 2012.

Mercedes is proud of their new SL65 AMG Black Edition - which is said to be the most powerful car that they have produced under the AMG name. The car has been equipped with a Bi-Turbo 6.0 V12 engine that can be pushed to 670 horsepower and 1000 Nm of torque.

This engine gives it the ability to reach a top speed of 199 mph and can push it from 0-62 in only 3.9 seconds.

It also comes equipped with a high performance brake system and a sports tuned suspension. The suspension allows for the tuning of ride height and several other features of the suspension.