Continuing our online stream of the automotive-related ads of the Super Bowl XLV, we now have a trio of teaser spots from Mercedes-Benz, which will be making its first advertising appearance at the game. According to the German automaker, four new models will be featured in the ads, with two of them making their world debut in the 60-second-long spot called 'Welcome'. You can watch the two teaser spots plus the making of the 'Welcome' commercial right after the break.
In spite of the fact that we're still a couple of months away from the public unveiling the conventionally-powered SLS AMG Gullwing, Mercedes-Benz came out with an official release today confirming the development of an all-electric version of its forthcoming supercar. Mercedes did not say when the SLS AMG with electric-drive will enter production, but various reports citing inside sources suggest that sales could start as early as 2015.
Whereas the 'standard' SLS AMG comes with a front-mounted 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 571HP (420kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque with power being delivered to the rear wheels through a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the zero-emissions Gullwing model is equipped with four electric motors that are positioned near the wheels and produced a combined output of 526HP (392kW) and a peak torque of 880Nm (649 lb-ft).
Mercedes says that one transmission per axle transmits the power with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system allowing the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels.
In terms of performance, the Stuttgart automaker claims that the all-electric SLS AMG is in par with its conventionally-powered sibling accelerating from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in around 4 seconds. This compares with the standard SLS AMG's 3.8 seconds and 315 km/h or 196 mph maximum speed.
During the first development phase, the pure-electric SLS AMG is equipped with a 400-volt liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery that is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whils the car is being driven. The battery modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats, a solution that is said to have advantages in the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the balanced weight distribution.
According to the German firm, the transformation of the SLS AMG into a pure-electric model required no changes whatsoever to the aluminium spaceframe body while the company also claims that there were very few constraints in concern of passive safety and long-distance comfort.
"With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car," said Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "For us, it is not just about responsibility. We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMGperformance."
If you happen to be in New York City for the next week or so and consider yourself a trendy person, keep an eye out for a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG clad in a Fashion Force uniform resembling a police car. To explain, as part of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week festivities, the German sports saloon will be patrolling the streets of Manhattan to spot "style setters".
Those that fit the description will be pulled over and rewarded with a ride to their next destination and have their picture taken, while several will receive invitations to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runway shows as well as to the official fashion force culmination event, hosted by Brad Goreski in the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge.
"The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force car is a statement about New York being one of the greatest fashion capitals of the world and the confident approach to individualistic style that people strive to explore throughout this amazing city," said stylist Brad Goreski.
We'd like to assume that picking up trend setters from the streets is not what the AMG division's engineers had in mind when crafting the 2012 CLS 63 AMG, but then again, we doubt that Merc's clientele are your typical speed freaks.
"Mercedes-Benz has a natural affinity with the world of fashion with cars that appeal to those with a strong sense of style," said Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience for Mercedes-Benz USA. "The 2012 CLS 63 AMG four-door coupe is the perfect vehicle for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force initiative with its fascinating design and significant curb appeal."
The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011 will take place in New York, NY at Lincoln Center from February 10-17.









