The sixth edition of World Ducati Week, the massive event that unites and excites the Ducati community, has finished after four incredible days with a record-breaking attendance of 60,000 motorcyclists. Held at the Misano World Circuit on the Adriatic Riviera, the celebration – entitled the ‘Red Planet Returns’ – ran in soaring temperatures from Thursday, 10th to Sunday, 13th June to become one of the best ever in the event’s history. While Italian Ducatisti made up 60% of the total attendance at WDW2010, the remaining passionate Ducati fans travelled from 28 nations and five continents to underline the huge international appeal of the Ducati brand. Owners from Europe, USA, Australia, Russia and India, united with those from Brazil, China, Malaysia and even Gabon and Nepal to celebrate their shared passion and loyalty to the Ducati brand.
Start your engines for the 2010 World Ducati Week, the important Ducati bike meet that sees motorcyclists and fans of all ages flock to Italy from all over the world. The Italian Misano World Circuit will once again host proceedings, and during the four-day period Ducati will offer a rich program of fun-filled, action-packed bike-themed events. Shows; track tests; special appearances by riders and stuntmen; bike tours; visits to the Ducati museum and factory, the heart of passion; historic bike exhibitions; conferences and, above all, the congregation of the world’s Ducatisti, the undisputed stars of the show.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG embodies a blend of consummate automotive fascination and high tech. The super sports car delivers a compelling mix of purist styling, consistent lightweight design and superior driving dynamics. At the same time, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG fully lives up to all the expectations of hallmark Mercedes everyday practicality and optimum safety. In essence, the new ‘Gullwing’ offers the ideal synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.
The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG makes for an alluring proposition with its unrivalled technology package: aluminium spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 420 kW/ 571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DINstandard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The ‘Gullwing’ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). The fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) puts it at the front of the competitive field (all figures provisional).
“Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the guise of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which is bound to set the pulses of all car enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster.
The brands Mercedes-Benz and AMG have joined forces to create the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – which is set to become one of the most alluring sports cars of all time”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
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Technical Features
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ChassisThe SLS AMG is the first car developed in-house by the Mercedes-Benz performance brand. The ideal front/rear weight distribution of 48 / 52 percent and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity
For the first time, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are presenting a car with an aluminium chassis and body.
Compared with the traditional steel design, this results in a significant weight saving, clearly illustrated in the projected kerb weight of 1,620 kilograms.
The newly developed bodyshell comprises an aluminium spaceframe. Despite the low sitting position in typical sports car fashion, the wide-opening gullwing doors make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle.
The fine-tuned AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine achieves a peak output of 420 kW/571 hp at 6800 rpm, thus turning the SLS AMG into one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Space FrameA power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes courtesy of the low vehicle weight. The eight-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm.
The ‘Gullwing’ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 315 km/h (all figures are provisional).
The V8 high-revving engine has been reengineered: the principal measures in increasing output include the all-new intake system, the reworked valve train and camshafts, the use of flow-optimised tubular steel headers and the dethrottling of the exhaust system.
This results in much better cylinder charging, which feeds through into an increase in output to 420 kW/ 571 hp with maximum torque of 650 Nm.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Space FrameThe use of high-strength components compensates for the increased engine load associated with the higher output.
Forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft bearing, optimised crankcase structure, along with improved lubrication thanks to an ondemand high-performance oil pump ensure optimum durability.
Despite these higher loads, the engine weight for the M159 has been further reduced. The forged pistons as oscillating masses play a particularly valuable role in this respect.
Thanks to targeted weight optimisation, the weight of the engine has been reduced further, resulting in a kerb weight of 206 kilograms and a power-to-weight ratio of 0.36 kg/hp.
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is coupled with an ultra-light carbon-fibre driveshaft at the rear axle – similar to the set-up used on the DTM CClass racing touring car.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG PrototypeThe transmission is mounted at the rear (transaxle principle) and is connected to the engine housing via a torque tube.
The advantages of this sophisticated solution are associated with the rigid link between the engine and transmission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and torque generated.
A new AMG dual-clutch transmission with seven gears boasts fast gear changes and offers the driver a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a RACE START function.
A mechanical differential lock is integrated in the compact transmission casing.
The chosen solution with a front-mid engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 48 to 52 percent.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG PrototypeThe suspension system adopts double wishbones and hub carriers made of lightweight forged aluminium.
Electronic controls include 3-stage ESP as standard, providing the driver with access to the three “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” modes at the push of a button.
The braking system features ceramic composite brakes, while the wheels are 9.5 x 19 inch (front) and 11.0 x 20 inch (rear) in size and are based on the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the unsprung masses while increasing driving dynamics and suspension comfort.
They are combined with 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres developed exclusively for the SLS AMG.
After producing only 20 of the 25 CLK GTR Coupes, HWA decided to build the remaining five as roadsters. Unlike the Coupe, they have a rear wing supported by normal stanchions and built up headrests with intake scoops. Each was specially built for an individual customer and had a huge list of standard options including air conditioning and a luggage set.
The company behind the GTR Roadster is HWA GmbH and they have a long history developing Mercedes-Benz race cars. Since 1967, HWA have been producing cars such as the CLK DTM touring cars and other one-of creations. Naturally, HWA also worked with AMG on many of these projects.
Back in 1999, DaimlerChrysler acquired AMG, renaming it to Mercedes AMG GmbH. In doing so they effectively separated HWA from AMG developments. This left the 170-employee firm with independence over its products and let the company produce the stunning CLK GTR Roadster.
In November of 1998 the very first road-going CLK GTR was completed to homologate the GT1 racecar. GTRs competed in every round of the 1997 FIA GT Championship against the Porsche GT1 and McLaren F1. Drivers Bernd Schneider and Klaus Ludwig took many victories and helped the factory team win the FIA’s championship in 1997 and 1998. Riding on this success, HWA decided to sell a road-going variant and limited production to 25 examples.
While the front end of the GTR had a resemblance to the front-engined CLK saloon it was named after, the GTR was entirely new. The road cars (Straßenversion) mimicked the racecars almost entirely from the outside, but featured more forgiving suspension, a lush interior and an integrated wing.
The technology used to beat the competition on the track is bred into the CLK GTR. The basis of the car is a race-proven, carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque. Protection for the occupants is provided by an integrated steel roll cage with rigid crash-impact boxes. The suspension is all inboard, like the race car and the ride-height is adjustable. The entire body is made from carbon fiber.
Powering the GTR was the M120 V12 based off the SL600. It displaced 6.9 liters and produced around 600bhp. Mated to the monocoque tub and sequential gearbox, the engine was a stressed member of the chassis. A six-speed sequential-manual transmission is fitted to the power plant with gear change by buttons on the steering wheel. Some customers had their car ordered or upgraded with the 7.3 liter engine.
Inside the car was very well appointed with a bespoke instrument cluster, a leather clad steering wheel with integrated airbag, air conditioning, an audio system, adjustable pedals, four point seat belts and luggage pods with set of seven suitcases.
Chassis
Limited Edition No. 1-First CLK GTR Roadster produced and used to promote the next four. Completed in 2003 with chassis number WDB2973971Y000037. Painted silver with dark blue leather interior. Offered by Classic Car Collection in Switzerland for many years at $1,200,000USD or €850,000.
Limited Edition No. 2-Completed in Silver with purple upholstery chassis WDB2973971Y000032. Only example ordered in right hand drive. Original price tag was €1,300,000. Sold at RM Auctions’ 2009 Automobiles of London sale for £616,000 ($1,000,000 USD)
Limited Edition No. 5-Bought by Mark Johnston to promote his Calabasas Mercedes-Benz dealership. During a customer test drive the engine oil light came on and the transmission only lasted 10 blocks. Threatened to sue Mercedes-Benz and HWA for the price of the car.
Because the 2009 Formula One World Championship season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend. The sport is returning to the BBC and this will be the first season where new rules governing the design of the cars and the scoring of the races will come into fo
In essence, the new ‘Gullwing’ offers the ideal synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.
“Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the guise of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, 
which is bound to set the pulses of all car enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster.
