Preview: Mercedes-Benz at LA Auto Show 2015

As predicted, both the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL and 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS have been confirmed to be celebrating their world debuts at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

The facelifted SL has yet to be fully revealed but yesterday, a number of images of the new sports car was released. So far, the German marque has confirmed that it has been adorned with a selection of technical enhancements including more powerful engines, a revised 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, the Active Body Control function introduced by the S-Class Coupe and a Dynamic Select system with five different transmission modes.

From a visual standpoint, the new Mercedes-Benz SL is easy to distinguish from the outgoing model. Most significantly, it adopts revised headlights and taillights as well as redesigned bumpers across the range. The design of the range-topping SL63 AMG model is particularly noteworthy thanks to its gloss black front air intake surrounds which curve around to the number plate.

As for the new Mercedes-Benz GLS, it has been introduced as the successor to the GL and is being promoted as the SUV equivalent of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Different variations will be available throughout the world. They include the Mercedes-Benz GLS500 powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 outputting 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. In the United States, this model is badged the GLS550. Elsewhere in the range is the entry-level GLS450 complete with a 3.0-litre turbo V6 outputting 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, the same as other ‘450’ badged models in the Mercedes-AMG Sport line-up.

Dubai Police Add Porsche 918 Spyder to Fleet

The Dubai Police’s fleet of supercars has just become all the more exceptional with a brand new Porsche 918 Spyder added to the range.

As with all of the other high-end supercars currently being used by the Dubai Police department, their 918 Spyder won’t be engaging in any high-speed pursuits or even any typical traffic stops. Instead, the German hybrid hypercar will be used extensively for marketing purposes.

That means the car doesn’t have police lights on the roof but has been outfitted with the department’s well-known white and dark green livery. For the 918, it has been slightly tweaked with the green elements on the sides mimicking those from the liveries offered by Porsche itself through the optional Weissach package.

While the car will never engage in any chases, if it did, it would be able to outsprint pretty much any other car on the planet. Thanks to its 4.6-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, two electric motors, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, the Porsche 918 Spyder can accelerate to 100 km/h in as little as 2.6 seconds and onto a 350 km/h limited top speed.

Chevrolet Introduces New Performance Parts for Corvette

At SEMA 2015, Chevrolet has just introduced its new range of Performance parts for the Corvette Z06. Additionally, some of the parts are also offered for standard Corvette Stingray models.

Starting with the Corvette Z06, it can now be ordered with the Level 3 Aero Package. This kit has been designed for Z06’s already equipped with the Level 2 aero kit and includes a more pronounced front splitter and an adjustable, transparent lip spoiler. Meanwhile, the rest of the upgrades revealed by Chevrolet are designed for the Corvette Stingray and borrowed from the Z06.

For starters, the Corvette Stingray can now be installed with the Z06’s 600-watt radiator fan for improved airflow and better cooling capacity. For even more efficient cooling, the Z06’s front grille can be installed onto Corvette models with it providing a 17 per cent improvement in front-end airflow compared to the standard grille of the Stingray Z51.

Elsewhere, Stingray owners can now options the Z06’s quarter panel vents which offer a 25 per cent improvement in airflow for the transmission oil cooler and differential cooler. In the same vein, the Z06’s rear transmission oil cooler can be installed as can the Z06’s carbon fibre torque tube which alone saves almost 7 kg.

Other Z06 parts now available for the Corvette include its prop shaft assembly, brakes discs and pistons, brake cooling kit and suspension components.

Vorsteiner Lamborghini Huracan Novara

Prior to SEMA 2015, Vorsteiner has just unveiled its Novara aero program for the potentLamborghini Huracan. The car incorporates a selection of new aerodynamic components that make it exceptionally aggressive and a real head-turner.

At the front, the Vorsteiner Novara Lamborghini Huracan includes a completely overhauled fascia alongside a carbon fibre front splitter. Additionally, the car includes carbon fibre ventilated front fenders similar to those from the current Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Like those from the Porsche, they also serve an aerodynamic purpose on the Novara Huracan by utilising the air flow from the spinning wheels to exit air out and produce downforce across the front axle.

Elsewhere, the Vorsteiner Novara Huracan includes carbon fibre side skirts which efficiently direct the air to the rear of the Italian supercar to ensure optimum stability at high speeds. At the rear, the changes are extensive with a bold diffuser and a rear wing complete with aerospace-grade aluminium uprights. The rear air vents have also been tweaked and now includes 3 trapezoidal openings to enhance engine cooling for the engine and exhaust.

Completing this particular Huracan Novara are the tuning firm’s brand new V-FF 105 flow forged wheels set to be revealed at SEMA. Here they measure 20×8.5 at the front and 20×11 at the rear with Pirelli P Zero tyres. A Vorsteiner stainless steel exhaust system is also offered alongside all the aero upgrades.