We were treated not only to the BAT concept reveal, but also to several other fabulous historic cars that were in attendance. Chief among them was a 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL, fresh from a 100-point concours-quality restoration at Legendary Motorcar Company, making its worldwide debut. If you watch Dream Car Garage this car will look familiar, as it's been their resto project for 13 episodes. The car is actually owned by Southfield-based BASF, so naturally it's wearing a fresh coat of color-correct BASF paint. Damn impressive car — we'd say it's probably better now than it ever was.

And lets not forget another car in the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage, the 1948 Tucker Torpedo. This one is owned by RM auctions, which will be holding a preview event on Friday at Meadow Brook and an auction on Saturdayi. There's a lot on the blocks at this event, including the entrance to the old Packard Plant here in Detroit.

Things actually get rolling on Thursday, with the Second Annual Hangar Party. An event held at the Oakland County Airport, the Hangar Party puts a dozen vintage planes and historical cars together with liquid lubrication and tasty edibles. If you want to get to that one, you better move fast, as we'd bet tickets for the 'oo-la-la' event are getting scarce.

On the list of 'new and improved' for this year is the first-annual "Destination D'Elegance." The full-day event on Saturday before the Concours features free entry, a huge variety of modern supercars, demonstrations on restoration and collecting, a bevy of the worlds most heady modern superbikes and much more. Also notable: If you want to know how the Hyundai Genesis feels from the passenger or driver's seat, Hyundai will be having on-site ride-and-drives of the new kimchi-scented luxo-barge all day. This will be the one the plebes go to, as it's free, and the actual Concours has a steep $25 entry fee. We really want to get there and cover the Pabst-soaked yard-dart contests, but we'll see.

Oh yeah, then there's the actual Meadow Brook Concours D'Elegance set for Sunday. If you pay your ducats you can expect to see 225 of the finest motor cars in history. Like we mentioned, on hand will be the Mormon Meteor; a supercharged, inline-8-packing, Duesenberg Model SSJ (you'll see us licking it), a 1932 Helicron (give it a Google, it'll be fun), the only '56 Taylor Aerocar still in flying condition, 16 different V16 powered cars — with their engines displayed, and rarely seen Bill Mitchell styling concepts from GM's "Studio X" (sounds porny). Of course, that's far from everything. This year they've got a field of groundbreaking and historical Ferraris, so, you know, that should be pretty boring, as well as vintage motorcycles with sidecars. A little something for everybody.

Yes indeed folks, if you've never been out to the Meadow Brook Concours D'Elegance, this year wouldn't be a bad time to start coming. We'll be there as much as possible, bringing you fresh, wallpaper-quality images and car-induced, delirium-saturated prose. For details on events, times and locations, visit Meadow Brook Concours Online.

It's still uncertain what's going on under the hood of the new Mercedes because no one has been nice enough to leak the press release (but that's bound to happen fairly soon). In the meantime, enjoy the cars and the smiley drivers MB trots out for these photos. [Carscoop, World Car Fans]

[via MotorPasion]

660 hp: Lorinser catapults exclusive SL limited series to 325 km/h

The 12.4 kilometre race track in Nardo has become a legend thanks to the speed records that were set in this location. Now, for the third time, a luxurious Lorinser limited series that is based on the Mercedes Benz SL will be named after this Southern Italian circuit. Independently measured speeds of up to 325 km/h catapult the Winnenden car maker into extreme regions that are usually reserved for puristic super sports cars. Impressive 660 hp/485 kW are required to help the almost two tons of this roadster climb the Himalaya of top speeds. The gargantuan maximum torque of 1,013 Newton metres matches the torque produced by a medium-sized truck. While these benchmark figures may sound exorbitantly high, they are necessary to overcome the physical problem of air resistance increasing exponentially rather than linearly, which makes it necessary to utilize as much power as possible to achieve an increase in speed. The Swabian technicians, therefore, optimised the electronic system and fuel injection of the engine, which is based on the 612 hp / 450 kW Biturbo engine of the SL65 AMG. "The Nardo3 is a race machine designed for the road. The goal we tried to achieve with this design was to allow the driver to have as much fun as possible and, at the same time, enjoy the atmosphere the car creates," explains Marcus Lorinser, Managing Director of the Winnenden maker of exclusive vehicles. In line with the quality doctrine of his company, Lorinser also made sure that the Nardo3 test vehicle is not a souped-up and delicate prototype, but an absolutely reliable daily driver.

The vehicle's exterior has all the characteristics of a menacing race car. The flanks of the vehicle are marked by the aggressive front and rear bumpers, widened fenders, and gigantic air intakes. The latter are used for effectively deflecting the heat generated by the engine and brakes. A car that most other drivers are likely to see only from behind does, of course, also need a corresponding exhaust system that is both visually and acoustically impressive. By integrating double exhaust pipes into the rear bumper, Sportservice Lorinser managed to create a particularly beautiful sculpture.

The vehicle's interior, on the other hand, provides the driver with all the creature comforts including seats that are both comfortable and provide sufficient support as well as the opulent and comprehensive Alcantara interior equipment. This interior ensures that the Nardo3 can be used for every day driving and offers an enjoyable ride even on long-distance trips. "This concept is just as well received in Germany as in the USA and Saudi Arabia. It is, therefore, important that the Nardo3 performs exceptionally well in all areas. This is the only way for us to excite customers who love to live life on the edge," explains Marcus Lorinser the synthesis of sportsmanship and luxury, which his group tries to achieve with its dealerships that are spread across the globe in 42 countries. The number of units the company is planning to produce is only slightly higher than this figure. In an effort to underline the exclusiveness of its vehicles, the company will produce no more than 50 vehicles in its Winnenden production facilities. [Source: Lorinser]

The unclad prototype shows off some of the front-end styling of the facelifted SL spotted two months ago in Death Valley, but the extreme styling elements of this model set it apart in grand fashion. Air management is apparently a big priority for the SL Black Series, with the vented hood, and deep front bumper intakes which lead to extraction ducts behind the front wheel flares.

The hugely flared fenders are likely created with ultra-light carbon fibre, to reduce weight and to accommodate this car's enormous wheels and tires. The roof on this SL has been converted into a fixed coupe roof, also crafted in carbon fibre to lower the Black Series' center of gravity and further reduce weight.

Judging from the sculpting on the car's rear deck lid, the large rear wing standing tall on this test car actually appears to be retractable, allowing for smoother lines when speeds allow. I'm sure that most drivers of a car like this Black Series will appreciate a break from the Fast and the Furious rear wing treatment when they're rolling up to the valet. But more than any SL that has come before, this prototype is more about extreme performance than it is about slick curb appeal.

Spy photos: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL getting a facelift [Straightline]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2009 Mercedes SL AMG; SL Facelift Details [internal]

Mercedes SL350 and SL500 buyers in Europe can select a new check box on the options sheet. It's the SL-Class sports package, and it comes with five-spoke wheels, silver-painted front brake calipers and perforated brake discs at the rear wheels to heighten stopping power. Minor performance mods include a sport air cleaner in the SL350 installed to give it a throatier growl. The 7G-TRONIC automatic gets a manual-shift program and paddle shifters. Merc says the tranny programming decreases shift times by 30 percent. Inside are a few tweaks including silver contrast stitching, black fabric roof liner and aluminum trim, and Nappa leather. Prepare to pony up nearly 3000 euros for the extra bits. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Sports package for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Sporty looks and technical highlights

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is now available to order with a sports package comprising exclusive details that inject a new and thrilling sense of flair. Inside, it is primarily the silver-coloured contrast stitching, perforated leather and aluminium trim in a fresh new look that set the tone for the sporty and luxurious ambience. Outside, large wheels in a thrilling five-spoke design dominate the picture, while setting off the silver-painted front brake callipers to particularly stunning effect. Perforated brake discs at the rear wheels help endow the Roadster with excellent stopping power. Finally, the 7G-TRONIC Sport transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles further intensifies the sports car sensation felt when sitting inside the Roadster bearing the mystical letters "SL".

Ever since the world-famous 300 SL Gullwing Coup was premiered over 50 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has ranked as one of the most fascinating and coveted cars in the world. Now in its fifth generation, the current SL-Class has lost none of this mystique and excels in all the same ways as its predecessors, by offering sophisticated design, groundbreaking technology, exceptional comfort and immense driving pleasure. A new equipment package from Mercedes-Benz, which is available to order now, gives the two-seater an even sportier, individualised look thanks to a host of refined details both inside and out.

The new large 19-inch wheels (8.5 inches at the front with 255/35 ZR19 Y tyres, 9.5 inches at the rear with 285/30 ZR19 Y tyres) are the most striking visual feature and deftly underscore the extra-special status of the SL-Class with sports package. Their sensational, newly devised design comprising five twin spokes with very straight lines and a hubcap cover featuring the Mercedes star and laurel wreath instantly attracts the gaze of any onlookers. The wheels' visual impact is reinforced by the fact that they afford an unimpeded view of the attractively styled front brake callipers, which have been specially painted in silver for the sports package and marked with the Mercedes-Benz lettering. The high-performance brake system lives up to these sensational looks, assisted by perforated brake discs at the rear wheels too. Dark-tinted tail light units form a further distinguishing feature.

Innovations on the technical side include a sports air cleaner that produces a richer sporty sound in the SL 350. The chief technical highlight of the new sports package is, however, the 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic transmission, the only passenger car transmission of its type in the world. Apart from a manual shift program, the new transmission also comes with steering-wheel shift paddles in both the SL 350 and the SL 500. The paddles allow drivers to shift through the seven gears without having to take their hands off the multifunction steering wheel, just like in a racing car. What's more, 7G-TRONIC Sport is capable of shortening gearshift times by as much as 30 per cent.

In the interior, silver-coloured contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, centre console, selector lever gaiter, armrest as well as the door linings (and in the rear of models with Exclusive nappa leather appointments) creates an unmistakable emphasis. The same applies to the borders of the high-grade velour floor mats. A roof liner trimmed in black fabric, new-look aluminium trim as well as the perforated leather adorning the steering wheel and selector lever further underline the car's sporty aspirations.

When the model received its most recent facelift one year ago, the engine line-up, driveline and suspension were all tuned for even sportier performance. Ever since, a new V6 and V8 power unit together with even more powerful V8 AMG and V12 engines have been delivering yet more dynamic motoring pleasure in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, allied to an even greater sense of effortlessly superior fun at the wheel. The second-generation "Active Body Control" suspension in the SL and its more direct steering for that extra touch of sportiness are equally as impressive.

The new sports package offers customers an enticing way of further enhancing and personalising this legendary dream car. It is only available for the SL 350 and the SL 500 in conjunction with black leather appointments (standard in the SL 500). It is priced at 2975 (incl. VAT).

Related:
Spy Photos: 2009 Mercedes SL AMG [internal]

Spotted: 2009(?) Mercedes-Benz SL [Winding Road]

Related:
Whither AMG? Kicherer's Mercedes SL Evo; Mercedes CL63 AMG Revealed [internal]

Top 10 Most Appealing Vehicles
(according to JD Power & Associates)

1. 2006 Porsche Cayman
2. 2006 BMW 7 Series
3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
4. 2006 Lexus IS 250/IS 350
5. 2006 Infiniti QX56
6. 2006 Nissan Armada
7. 2006 Scion tC
8. 2006 Mini Cooper
9. 2006 Lexus GX 470
10. 2006 Infiniti M-Series

Most Appealing Vehicles [ForbesAuto.com]

Related:
ForbesAutos On the Sopranos' Coolest Cars [internal]

Expansion of AMG's design studio continues unabated, with the division introducing new, track-day aero and brake packages for the CLS, SLK and SL Benz models — upgrades the house-brand tuning shop will slot into its "custom" series. They're on a major push to win some of the Euros they've ceeded to independent tuners over the past decades, though this superficial stuff is only one in a multithreaded strategy of aftermarket add-ons, special editions and DTM supercars. Available kit includes body kits, cross-drilled ventilated discs and various manner of alloy jewelry. Motor Authority offers some high-res imagery.

AMG provides new packages for improved racetrack performance [Motor Authority]

Related:
Go Ahead, Pimp Mein Auto: AMG Launches New Design Studio, New Limited-Edition Series [internal]

Messing with already potent AMG materiel is Carlsson's raison d'etre. This time, they've applied their epic — if not completely ludicrous — tuning capabilities toward the Mercedes SL 55 AMG, to create the CK 55 RS. What they've come up with is a 601-hp fire breather that can top out at 206 mph. As is their MO, they've done it by tweaking the supercharger to increase compressor RPM to, in turn, raise boost pressure. Then, they recast the engine software and added a stainless-steel exhaust kit designed to reduce backpressure. Simple. Such futzing reduces zero-to-62 time to 4.2 seconds. Next, the company plans to offer its C-Tronic automatic suspension lowering kit — coming soon to a left lane near the river Saar.

Related:
Driving a Mighty Mercedes: GCF on the Carlsson CK55 [internal]

So the Merc SL is due for a facelift in the near future, but it's not as radical as the SLK's redesign, according to eMercedesBenz. On deck? More power, via an across-the-line power boost, with a displacement bump in one case and a reduction in the other. Nose and tail tweaks are in order, and the AMG model will also seea 24-horsepower bump, apparently to keep it ahead of the plebian Z06.

Details Emerge On Mercedes SL Facelift [eMercedesBanz]

Related:
More Shindiggin' with Dieter: Bluetec GL-Class [Internal]

A poor man's Mercedes SLR? Well maybe a poorer man's SLR, but definitely a rich man's toy, the Kahn KSLR combines visual cues from the $500,000 SLR with those of the $100,000 SL in one bespoke roadster. Project Kahn, a luxury-vehicles builder in the UK, aimed to fill that $300,000 void in the Mercedes line with the KSLR conversion, whose most notable SLR-like feature is its restyled hood (bonnet). It also includes a quad exhaust, 20" wheels, a lowered suspension and custom leatherwork, Price? No word yet, but expect to displace about half of that void, all told.

See German Car Fans for more.

Related:
More on the SLR-Powered Mercedes SLK: Out of the Mouths of Mechanics [internal]