Black Merc

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe

For a while now, I've described the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (coupe or sedan) as one of the sickest performance vehicles to ever come out of the skunkworks at AMG. So, if that's true, then the more powerful, much faster, C63 AMG Black Series, must be ultimately sick. Well, when I say that, I mean angry. That 6.2-liter AMG V8 produces 510 horsepower and will do 0 to 60 in just 4.2 seconds. That's as fast as a Jaguar XKR-S. Top speed: some sites say the car is limited to 155 MPH, but in reality, this car will do over 190 MPH. What makes this car better than the Jag is that it looks so much cooler, even though it looks mad, it uses less power but is faster than the Jag which should be good at the pumps, and it'll be less expensive than the Jag when it goes on sale early next year. So it might be a little greener than the Jag, but that doesn't mean it isn't at all angry. Below is the sound capture done by Road & Track of the car taken at the Nürburgring when it was first unveiled. Just by listening to the heavy 6.2-liter V8, you'll be certain that this car will eat Toyota Prius's, Honda Insights, G-Wizs, or any other slow electrical nonsense that it could come across.

Audi Nip/Tucks Their Sport Coupe

2012 Audi S5

If you're an S5 lover, you'll pleased when I say that Audi have updated the car with a more futuristic look. Unfortunately, the handsome 4.2-liter FSI V8 has been replaced with a fuel-saving 3.0-liter TFSI Supercharged V6. So, it's not the most powerful S model in their line (333 horsepower) and because it's a heavy sport coupe, it won't be much faster, but Audi does say that they've lightened it so you'll still get power and more fuel, which should be brilliant. As for the design, the lines stay the same. Only the front and tail lights are different. The LED "jeweled eyes" seem to have been taken from the A1, though I maybe wrong. The tail lights, however, are definitely from the A8. Everything else on the car is exactly the same: same luxurious commodities, same sport-tuned suspension, same R-tronic transmission. Now, here's the catch. Audi says that the model that you see here won't be coming to America, yet. So, the bold 4.2-liter FSI V8 S5 with the be-spoke LED "Jeweled eyes" is here to stay for a couple of years. So, if you're in Europe and miss the V8 engine, you might wanna look into the American market, cuz it's here to stay!

2012 BMW 650i Convertible: First Drive

2012 BMW 650i Convertible

So, summer's hit full swing. Temperatures are reaching the 100s and above and there's no end to the heatwave in sight, that is, until September or October arrive. So, if you're the business type with millions of dollars at your disposal and you're looking into a comfortable and fast sports car, what do you do? Well, luckily for you, I'm here to help, with a little something from BMW.

Car Meets Art

I'm probably one of the youngest ever to test drive a $100,000 convertible, and fortunately for the company and myself, that's never happening again. Anyway, this is the 650i Convertible, a redesigned, re-shaped, sports convertible for those who love just spending money and driving something relaxing. I got my first look into it at Open Road BMW in Edison. Even in the pictures you see here, you can tell that BMW has done a very good job with it. It, quite frankly, looks absolutely fantastic. What's even better is that it doesn't use as much fuel as the old 650i. The old one had a 4.8-liter 360 horsepower V8 that inhaled fuel ever quarter-inch. This one uses a much smaller 4.4-liter 400 horsepower Twin-Turbo V8 engine from the new 7-Series sedan. And, since it's a smaller engine with more power, it won't need as much fuel as the big 4.8, however I would advise you to bring a $100 bill if you're buying gas with this car, just in case. It will do 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155 MPH. Now, you would imagine a big V8 like this one would sound like something out of a Chevy Camaro SS or, more relatively, the BMW M3 since it uses a non-turbo version of the same V8. But, strangely, it doesn't! It actually sounds like a Ferrari weirdly. I guess it's because the car features two turbos and a Ferrari sized engine.

Just Glorious

As a driver's car, this thing is fantastic. BMW has really spent some time working with the suspension and body to make this car as comfortable as anything. With the top down, this car is exciting. If you're a man, this is the perfect car to take your girly-friend out for a drive. As for technology, it borrows some from the Range Rover. For example, the new Range Rover line (including the Evoque) have cameras all around the car so that the driver can see if he's close to hitting a rock when he's off-roading. The 650i has this same system, only it's a bit different. There are two cameras on each side of the front bumper, a camera on each side mirror, and the traditional rear-view camera hidden behind the BMW badge at the back. Inside the car, you press a button allowing you to see what's coming out on each side of the road in the event that you're in a blind intersection. What's next? A car that uses cruise control, line radars, and bumper radars so that it basically drive itself? Yeah, I believe Mercedes is already working on that.

Glistening in the Sun

So, it handles well, it rides comfortable, has technology from the future, and looks beautiful. Any car with all these features must be quite expensive: and it is. The base price of this car stands at $90,500. The one I drove was available for $108,650. So, if you're a businessman or businesswoman, and like to get to places in a hurry, comfortably, and with the top down, the 650i Convertible is the car for you. Unfortunately, this is my last test drive of the summer, but don't worry. My next test drive: the new Ford Mustang GT 5.0.

Back in Black

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series

First there was the CLK63 AMG Black Series, which Jeremy Clarkson liked very much. Then, the crater-smashing SL65 AMG Black Series came along, which Jeremy liked as well, except for its ride and price. Now, there's this: the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series, and this is as good as it gets. Will Jezza like this one? Well, rumor has it that the car produces 517 horsepower out of its updated 6.2-liter AMG V8 engine. It also will do 0 to 60 in, say, 4.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 190 MPH. So, it has more power than the CLK63, accelerates almost as fast as the SL65, but, as for top speed, it's right in the middle. As you may recall, Jezza drove the standard C63 AMG Sedan in Spain while comparing it to the BMW M3 E92 and the Audi RS4. That car came in second. Now, with this new Black-ified version of the AMG coupe, it's rivals include the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, Audi RS5, and, once again, the BMW M3 E92. Will it do better? Let's find out.

The Teenage TransHelper

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series

You see this? This is a rather beautiful Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series. This was one of Jeremy Clarkson's favorite cars because of the power, the balance, and the looks. This could even be the official Teenage Transporter car if we can help out. You see, Claudia Hefner, the owner of the car, was recently divorced with her daughter sick in the hospital. Now, she's throwing away all of her husband's belongings. She read my blog and thought maybe I can help purchase this rather magnificent Merc. She wants to sell it to me for $19,993 and she wants me to act fast. I really want to help, because she wants to use the money for the car to save her daughter who has come down with some disease in which she can't describe. We gotta help her out! If we can, I promise I'll provide something extra special for everyone! Maybe a free upcoming racing game? Or some Mercedes-Benz swag from Mercedes-Benz themselves? Anything! We just need to help her out! Please press the yellow button on the top and donate! She will be very grateful!

Shift 2 Unleashed enters NFS World...Again!

2012 BMW Z4 GT3 Team NFS (NFS World)

Black Box Studios always have tendency to add high-end racing machines into their street racing games. For example, in NFS Most Wanted, it was the BMW M3 GTR and the Corvette C6.R. In Carbon, again, it was the BMW M3 GTR. In ProStreet, it was the Aston Martin DBR9. Undercover was the only game without an illegal race car. But, luckily, Black Box and EA have heard the racers' cry and have finally added a racing machine into the game. And, it's not just any ordinary racing machine. We're talking about the BMW Z4 GT3 Team NFS that won the Dubai 24H race back in the Spring. Straight out of Shift 2 Unleashed, Tommy Milner & Patrick Soderlund's elegant racing machine features a 4.0-liter V8 from the M3 GT2 with 480 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in just 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 187 MPH. Of course, in this game, it might achieve a much faster top speed. If you thought the Audi A1 was brilliant, you'll probably be drooling for this car. It will be available later tonight on the East Coast and everywhere else later today. I'll take it for a test drive to see what it's like, but for now, enjoy the awesome montage that Team NFS has prepared for you.

Fastest Saloon on the 'Ring?

2012 BMW M5 F10

It's possible, very possible! The M5 E60 put in a time of 8:13, putting it in with the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and the Ferrari 355 GTB. Now, rumor has it that the new F10 put in a lap time of 7:55, which is a second faster than the Chevy Corvette C6 Z06 and the Porsche 996 Turbo and 4 seconds faster than the Cadillac CTS-V sedan. This also puts the car up there with the Ferrari F430 F1 and the Caterham R500 Superlight. Remember, this is only a rumor! But, if it were true, this would make the BMW M5 F10 the fastest saloon to go round the Nürburgring. Sounds fantastic!

Sabine, Your New Taxi is Here!

2012 BMW M5 F10 'Ring Taxi

So, if you were watching the Nürburgring 24 Hour race last weekend, you were probably thinking to yourself, "Man! That is one intense track!" You're right! It is! Mastering the track takes days, weeks, or even months to accomplish. There are more than 150 corners you must conquer in order to completely dominate this track. That can take an awfully long time, but, thankfully, Sabine Schmitz will be willing to help you out. Known as the "Queen of the Ring", Sabine has been the official Nürburgring taxi driver for many years in a BMW M5, and she will be once again with the all new M5 F10. BMW personally took the car here to test the car's ride, handling, and power. It's been notified by many drivers as one of the best performance sedans ever. And now, it's gotten much better with a more powerful 4.4-liter Twin-Turbo 552 horsepower V8 engine which shoots the car from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 MPH (limiter off). As usual, the car will wear the special M Power livery as did the old M5 E60. Only this time, Sabine will shed some seconds off her previous lap times in the old M5.

Less wings, More flings

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen. Fresh off the presses in Stuttgart, Germany, say hello to the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. As you can see the iconic gullwings have been replaced with the exciting droptop amenities with the themes of freedom and excitement all integrated into that AMG steering wheel. Since it now lives, the SLS AMG Roadster has been proclaimed the most powerful non-turbo V8 droptop in the world with the same 6.2-liter 563 horsepower AMG V8 engine, a new 0 to 60 time of 3.9 seconds, and a top speed (with the top down) of 195 MPH (197 with the cloth top up). The car might of lost its top, but it hasn't lost its spirit. It's still crazy around corners, and when it comes to noise, it will blow everything out of the water. No prices have been announced yet, but expect them to be in the $200,000 as this thing launches this fall with a worldwide debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

Anniversary Muscle

2012 Chevy Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition

The Camaro has been with us since 1966. Today is its 45th birthday and what better way to celebrate it then with something special. This is the Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition coming complete with all the legacy and specialty that made the Pony Car so famous. Other than the unique vinyl finish on the car with the 45th Anniversary Logo, you'll also get special 20-inch rims and an upgraded 323 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, 18 more than what the Mustang has. Inside, you'll find all special commemorative things like a jet black trim along with red, white, and blue stitched seats with the 45th Anniversary logo on them. There are also special white gauges that are nested in the vehicle's dashboard. Not to leave you SS fans hanging, but Chevy has also announced to produce a special FE4 Suspension package just for the Camaro SS which will firm up the ride giving you better handling. Let's not forget that the King Camaro, the ZL1, will arrive first thing next year, so you better save up. Until then, Happy Birthday Camaro! 

Mad Merc vs. Sweet Bike

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

BMW M3s beware! There's a new kid on the block. The all new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe redefines sheer driving pleasure with raw power and speed. Under the hood of this Mad Merc is the remarkable 6.2-liter 451 horsepower V8 engine propelling the car from 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155 MPH. And since it's in coupe form, you can expect more crazy drifts and a much wider grin on your face when driving it. This is a fast car, but is it faster then, let's say, an italian superbike?

2011 Ducati 848 EVO

This is the Ducati 848 EVO, one of the greatest superbikes Ducati has ever created, right behind the 1198. Jason DiSalvo took it all the way to a victory at the Daytona 200 a couple weeks ago. A 140 horsepower Testastretta Engine powers this awesome bike all the way up to 160 MPH, about as fast as the Merc. So who would win in a race to the beach: the Steel Horse or the Mad Merc? Well, Mercedes experimented a bit by showing a commercial of who exactly does win such a race. It looks like their new-found relationship with Ducati does come in handy. Check out the race below.

M3 Pickup?

2011 BMW M3 E94 Truck (Courtesy of AutoBlog)

Believe it or not, the M3 you see here is real. BMW recently ran an experiment round the Nürburgring; What if the M3 were to lose the rear seats and only have room for, let's say, farming materials? So, say hello to the all new BMW M3 E94 pickup Truck. It still has the fantastic 4.4-liter 414 horsepower V8 engine which accelerates the truck from 0 to 60 in just 4.4 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155 MPH.

Front View

Since there's no weight in the back end, expect to pull some massive drifts when you put the hammer down. BMW has also told me that this car will only come in rear-wheel drive and have a 6-speed DSG gearbox. The flatbed itself is big enough to hold some farming materials as big as a small tree. It is rather remarkable that BMW would turn the best two-door sports saloon out there into a crazy two-door pickup. You can experience the awesomeness of this sports truck, never!

APRIL FOOLS!!

Everyone Loves the Manual

2012 BMW M5 F10 Prototype (Courtesy of AutoBlog)

Look Out Mercedes and Jaguar! The BMW M5 is back, and its bringing more power with it. We're talkin about BMW's new 4.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged 600 horsepower V8 that has been tweaked from the insanely fast X5M. BMW says this car will do 0 to 60 in about 4.0 seconds on its way to a limited top speed 155 MPH. They also recently told me that the car will be available with a 6-speed manual shifter, which should make you manual fans happy. I personally prefer their 7-speed DSG because it's easier to use and shifts faster than the manual. Either manual or automatic, if you live in Europe and decide to buy the car there, you will be given the option of raising the limiter from 155 to about 190 MPH. That's faster than the limit on the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Could this be the ultimate German sports saloon? We'll have to find out. The car is scheduled to make its official debut sometime this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Tune in then!

Mad Merc to the Rescue!!

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car

If you've watched Formula One races on SPEED or whatever channel you get them on, you might've seen this car come out either in the beginning of a race or when the caution flag flies out. This Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the official Safety Car for the Formula One series. It has all the power and speed of the regular SLS, just with a fancy lightbar and some new rear lights. Former DTM driver Bernd Mayländer pilots this car, and it only comes out in times of need. It seems that AMG has become the significant Safety Team to Formula One racing. And now, they're team has just expanded.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate F1 Medical Car

Introducing F1's new ambulance: the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate. When you find yourself in a fix during the Australian GP, this car will come to you in no time to see if you're okay. Hopefully, this car doesn't have to come out at all during the race. It is a good looking thing, but it's a medical car, which means it only comes out when there's been a terrible accident. Hopefully nothing like that happens this weekend. Anyway, look for the AMG F1 Safety Team doing work down under as the F1 season kicks off this weekend.

The M3 has Met it's Match...from Mercedes

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

We've seen the new C-Class coupe. Now it's time for its much more powerful AMG relative to step up to the plate. So welcome everyone to the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe, a true M3 fighter. As you can see, it looks just like the new C63 sedan, only there are two fewer doors. The engine is the same Affalterbach''s 6.2-liter 451 horsepower V8 engine. 0 to 60 is done in 4.4 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155 MPH. This model, in particular, is wearing the AMG Development Package which increases power from 451 to 481, the 0 to 60 from 4.4 to 4.3, and the top speed from 155 to 174. The M3 has always been hailed as the best sports saloon car of all time. Let's see it keep its title with a Mad Merc chasing after it. The C63 AMG Coupe will make its official debut in April at the New York Auto Show, and I will be there for all of the latest creations from Mercedes and the other manufacturers there. 

King Cobra

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (Courtesy of WorldCarFans)

It seems like Ford was rather displeased by the unveiling of the Chevy Camaro ZL1. So, after that car made its world debut, they decided to even the odds. And by evening the odds, I mean making their pony car the fastest and most powerful on the planet, in their terms at least. So, welcome everyone, to the all new King Cobra, the Shelby GT500 for 2013. No real changes in body work. Ford just wanted this Cobra to be more powerful. So what did they do? They took out the old 5.4-liter 550 horsepower supercharged V8 engine and put in an all new 5.8-liter 620 horsepower supercharged V8 engine. The new supercharger provides all the beans in this car. Our current GT500 uses one from Eaton Performance. This new one will use a TVS blower for more power and torque. No calculations yet on how fast the new Cobra can go, but Ford promises that this car will do 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds and a over 190 MPH. I hope they can achieve this. The Camaro ZL1 will do 0 to 60 in about 3.8 seconds and up to 200 MPH. Ford has a lot of work to do if they want to catch up.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Twin Mill Lives!!

2009 Hot Wheels Twin Mill

When you were a little boy, or if you still are a little boy, and you've played with Hot Wheels cars, the name "Twin Mill" may have come across your mind. It was one of the idols of the Hot Wheels diecast line. Since the 1960's, this car led Hot Wheels to economic success. It still is the most popular car Hot Wheels has designed. They even made two more versions of this car. It was that cool. Well, the car you see in front of you is Twin Mill. The only difference between this car and the actual toy model is that it has lept from its 1/64 scale figure to the real world. A special team of designers and engineers helped build Life-sized Twin Mill. The engines are two real 502 Block Chevy V8s with dual B & M superchargers. Altogether, this car produces 1,400 horsepower, 200 more than the fastest car in the world, the Veyron Supersport. This picture was taken at SEMA in Las Vegas, but Hot Wheels recently uploaded a video of the car in real life with the engines roaring to life and the car actually moving. Check it out below and see if the brings back any childhood memories.

Deora II Lives!!

2010 Hot Wheels Deora II

It seems Hot Wheels has decided to bring their toy cars to life. Take this car for example: Deora II, which was first introduced in 1999. It was meant to be a Supercharged Surfboard truck with a space-age hatch to drive in. The first Deora was actually designed and built by Dodge in the 1960s. But, when that truck went belly up, Hot Wheels decided not to let the truck die, so they created this. The engine is a real 5.4-liter Northstar V8. The rims are Chip Foose's and are 24-inches tall. You can place your surfboards securely on the bed of the truck. And yes, the door is that front bit you see in front of you. This photo was taken last year at SEMA, but Hot Wheels has recently uploaded a video of the car in their garage with the awesome Spectraflame blue paint and new rims. Check it out below to see how far they've come.