World Fast: March 2011

Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is already confirm its claim as one of the most extreme Mercedes-Benzes car ever built, the SL65 Black series and will be manufactured in a limited series of 350 copies.

Note that there is no official photo of the car yet but what we have offered the pictures here is the sample preview of the last issue of the journal “Auto Motor Sport” magazine. For the SL65 engine, tt starts with a 6.0-liter twin turbo V12 engine, which now can boosted up to a healthy 670hp, while stump-pullin’ grunt remains the same at 738 pound-feet. The five-speed automatic transmission, torque converter and all, will remain, but it will get two Sport shift programs, with the second delivering quicker gearchanges timed at just 250 milliseconds. The power boost, however, is only part of the equation that unburdens each horse of 1.6 lbs, which now pulling just 6.1 lbs-per-hp instead of the “lesser” SL65 AMG’s 7.7 lbs-per-hp. The SL65 Black series can drive to a maximum speed of 350km/h and with an acceleration from 0 to 100lm/h in less than 4 seconds. (more…)

mercedes black series amg

2009 Ford Mustang Highlights:
* Roof options: Segment-first, factory-installed glass roof option now available on both the V-6 and GT models.
* Added extras: The "Premium" array now includes ambient lighting, satin aluminum instrument panel trim, interior upgrades and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio.
* Style selections: "Bullitt" and "Warriors in Pink" packages continue in 2009.

"Our new panoramic glass roof will allow owners to enjoy the outdoors year-round from the comfort of their Mustang," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for Global Product Development. "It's one more feature that sets Mustang apart from the competition."

Three Roof Choices - Top That!

The glass roof joins the coupe and convertible to give Mustang customers three roof choices. It also addresses the fact that 62 percent of buyers in the sports car segment are interested in a sunroof or moonroof on their next vehicle, according to J.D. Power and Associates research. Mustang's new roof allows customers to let the sun shine in for half the price of moving up from a coupe to a convertible.

While allowing occupants an unrestricted view of the world above and around them, the special tinted, reflective glass reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioning system by 20 percent and also protects the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating. A manually operated roller blind allows owners to block the light on bright days.

Noise, vibration and harshness are controlled in the cabin with a layer of sound absorbent vinyl sandwiched within the special glass.

The glass-roof Mustang is built like the coupe and has been developed to maintain the structural integrity of the car.

"We want to offer this feature to customers while maintaining the quality and safety of the vehicle that we've been recognized externally for," said Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer.

More Standard Equipment

For 2009, Ford has also added more standard equipment to the popular "Premium" arrays offered on both the Mustang V-6 and GT, including SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, ambient lighting, satin aluminum instrument panel trim and upgraded interior trim.

A new, optional GT Security Package includes an active anti-theft system and wheel locking kit and Brilliant Silver clearcoat metallic joins the list of available Mustang exterior colors.

The Mustang V-6 coupe and convertible are equipped with a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter SOHC 6-cylinder engine that is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic. The Mustang GT coupe and convertible are powered by a 300-horsepower, 4.6-liter 3V V-8 engine. The standard gearbox is 5-speed manual, with an available 5-speed automatic.
Other highlights include:

* Standard front-seat side air bags; dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags; safety-belt pretensioners; passenger seat sensing; crash severity sensing.
* Available High Intensity Discharge headlamps.
* 18-inch wheel offering on V-6 coupe.
* Available customizable instrument panel allowing mix-and-match lighting at the touch of a button.

Warriors in Pink

The 2009 model year also marks the return of the "Warriors in Pink" package, which was designed to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Ford doubled its contributions this year to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to $500 for each "Warriors in Pink" Mustang sold.

Available on the Mustang V-6 "Premium" coupe and convertible models, the "Warriors in Pink" package adds a pink ribbon and pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather trimmed seats with pink stitching, an aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching. Three body colors will be available: black, metallic silver and performance white.

The development of the "Warriors in Pink" package took on a special meaning for the entire Mustang Team as they watched one of their own battle breast cancer and survive. Mustang program manager Jackie Marshall DiMarco was diagnosed with breast cancer while working on the special model.

"Being on Team Mustang is a special experience because we are all enthusiasts at heart. And I was thrilled to be part of the Warriors in Pink project knowing that we would be contributing to the Cure," said DiMarco. "The shock of my own diagnosis while working on this project highlighted to me how any of us can be affected when we least expect it, and how important it is to work together to heighten awareness, support the courageous women fighting the disease, and ultimately find the Cure.

"I am blessed to be a survivor while so many are still being lost each year to breast cancer and I am proud to work for a company that is committed to my survival," she added.

Onboard with Bullitt

One of the most memorable modern sports cars - the 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt - returns to the stable for 2009.

Inspired by the 1968 film of the same name that featured one of the most memorable car chase scenes in cinematic history, the 2009 Mustang Bullitt™ is powered by a 4.6-liter V-8 with 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Both the engine and suspension are modified with Ford Racing Technology to make one of the best-sounding, best-handling Mustangs ever. The 2008-model Bullitt, introduced as a limited run of 7,700 units, continues as a 2009 model due to customer demand. An additional run of 3,000 units is planned.