2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG leaks out

Despite an achingly long roll-out, the first cracks in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dam have begun to appear, courtesy of CarPoint.

Due to be revealed at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, the 300SL-inspired "Gullwing" is packing a front/mid-mounted version of the venerable 6.3-liter V8 fitted to the majority of AMG's offerings, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox channeling 563 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Weight is pegged at around 3,500 pounds, allowing the SLS to run from a rest to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is 197 mph and optional carbon ceramic discs should bring the party to a halt with supreme authority.

Although we've seen an endless string of spy shots of the SLS over the past year, we finally get a clear view of its upright fascia, drawn headlamps and curvaceous rump that draws a few cues from the departed McMerc and modern M-Bs.

Color choices will include Alubeam Silver, Syvanite Grey, Alanite Grey and red, complimenting the leather and alcantara interior and ten-spoke forged wheels. Production will begin in late 2010 with sales starting the following year, and early pricing suggests a €177,310 MSRP in Germany. Get your first eye-full in the gallery below before all the official details are delivered next week.

McLaren MP4-12C: First batch of details and images surface

Today's a big day for McLaren. After ambitiously launching its own separate automotive division to follow in the footsteps of arch-rival Ferrari, the British race engineering firm has finally released its long-anticipated new supercar. Called the MP4-12C, it's been developed entirely in-house, and features the latest advances in automotive technology derived from the Formula 1 circuit.

Ooh, where to start? The MP4-12C is built around an extremely light and rigid carbon fiber tub. But rather than the heavier multi-piece tubs used by its competitors and predecessors, the MP4's is made from a single piece, weighing a spritely 176 pounds). The body panels are all carbon fiber and composites, making the new McLaren more expensive to build than its competitors and resulting in an expected £160,000 ($265k) price tag – higher than either the new Ferrari 458 Italia or the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but lighter in weight, too.

Behind the tub sits a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine producing around 600 horsepower and 433 lb-ft of torque, offering what McLaren claims is the highest horsepower to CO2 ratio of any internal combustion engine on the market – gasoline, diesel or even hybrid. Contrary to earlier speculation that suggested Mercedes could continue furnishing its erstwhile partner with at least the engine blocks while producing its own SLS supercar and furnishing Pagani as well, McLaren says the unit was developed entirely in house. The bespoke mill features a flat-plane crank, dry sump and can rev up to 8,500 rpm, though 80% of the torque is said to be available from as low as 2,000 rpm. That ought to be good for a 0-60 time in the low threes and a 200+ mph top end. With the new MP4-12C, McLaren's betting the economy will bounce back soon. It's planning on building 1000 units in 2011.

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Rumormill: BMW proceeding with development on mid-engine Z10?

Tentatively dubbed Z10, the most ultimate of driving machines from BMW would, according to the latest churns of the rumormill, take advantage of lightweight materials – including carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium – to keep weight down, while offering more space inside than a Porsche 911. The jury's still out on what engine would find itself placed in the middle of the taut chassis, with the company's award-winning V10 reportedly axed in favor of a twin-turbo six (in either V or inline configuration) delivering somewhere in the vicinity of 450 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Adaptable aerodynamics, a supplemental hybrid electric motor and thermal-dynamics system are also tipped to be part of the package, and we wouldn't be surprised to see some of the styling elements from the new Vision EfficientDynamics concept make their way into the production vehicle. The supercar is supposedly projected to bow with a $110,000 sticker price about five years from now... that is, if it's actually ever produced at all.

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Frankfurt Preview: In lieu of warp drive, Brabus drops 750 HP under SV12 R's hood

When Brabus one day announces that they've developed a G-Wagen that can simply teleport from place to place, we won't be the least bit surprised. After all, getting there faster is the company's mission, and the Mercedes-Benzes it works its black magic on are certainly capable of that. Take, for instance, the latest ride to emerge from the skunkworks in Bottrop: the S600-based SV12 R.

The Brabus SV12 R is a car for drivers who feel that the 612-horsepower S65 AMG is lacking underhood. Fret-not, deep-pocketed speed freaks: Brabus has your back. The SV12 R features a 6.3-liter twin-turbo V12 that shovels out 750 horses and a completely insane 995 lb-ft of torque. How do we know it's insane? Because the Brabus folks – who aren't exactly shrinking violets when it comes to the gonzo power numbers – electronically cap it at 811 lb-ft to protect the transmission. (Somewhere in Germany, there must be a shady character named Klaus with a flash tuner doing back-alley torque liberations.) Regardless, that much twist going to the rear wheels ought to put you on a first-name basis with your local tire retailer, as you're likely to be in there every 45 minutes or so for new rubber. Brabus says that zero to 60 takes just four seconds, and that the SV12 R's top speed is an electronically-limited 211 mph.

What else? The de rigeur aero kit is in play, as are a variety of wheel designs for maximum curb appeal. Inside, the car can be outfitted with "BRABUS Yachting precious-wood" accents and a fully-equipped backseat office, allowing you to finalize that corporate takeover PowerPoint deck while your retired DTM-racer chauffeur breaks every traffic law ever written in a bid to get you to your meeting on time. The car will make its debut later this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Hamann to introduce widebody BMW X6 Tycoon Evo at Frankfurt show

As far as sport-utilities go, the BMW X6 clearly leans towards the "sport" side of the spectrum. But for those seeking a little more aggression in their "Sports Activity Coupé," German tuning house Hamann has you covered. Back in January, the German tuning house let loose the Tycoon mod kit for the X6, but in case that wasn't enough, they'll be coming to Frankfurt in a couple of weeks with the even more extreme Tycoon Evo.

Hamann's tuning program for the X6 permeates the entire range, so no matter what kind of engine you've got under the hood, there are performance enhancements on offer. The six-cylinder xDrive35i has been upgraded from 306 horsepower to 360, the diesel xDrive30d boosted from 235 hp to 265, the more powerful xDrive35d from 286 hp to 320, and the top-of-the-line xDrive50i from 407 to a massive 500. Visually, the Tycoon Evo gets a body kit 60mm wider than stock, with a new front fascia, side skirts, diffuser with twin center-exit exhaust tips and a pair of rear spoilers. LED lights, 23-inch wheels and an aluminum and carbon fiber interior trim kit also form part of the package.

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Rendered Speculation: next Murcielago will be (*gulp*) longer and wider

Meet the next ultimate Lambo!

These pictures give us the best look yet at how the raging bull of the future will shape up – and it’s set to eclipse the existing Murciélago in every way.

The car has yet to be given a name, but it’s expected to combine Lamborghini owner Audi’s aluminium spaceframe chassis with a carbon fibre bodyshell.

That will make it much lighter than the Murciélago it replaces – and guarantees stunning performance to go with the incredible looks.

Up front is a pronounced spoiler and fresh headlamps – but designers have reserved the biggest changes for the rear. They have moved the Murciélago’s trademark angular exhaust closer to the ground, while new strip-like LED tail-lights replace the current square units.

Power is expected to come from a 6.0-litre V12 with around 700bhp – that would propel the car from 0-60mph in just over three seconds.

The new Lambo will also be wider and longer, while four-wheel drive ensures it’s firmly planted on the road.

Preliminary prototypes have been spied near Germany’s Nürburgring track, but the car is unlikely to arrive before 2012.

The newcomer will also pave the way for future generations of hybrid Lambos.

It will be the brand’s first car to use efficient technologies such as stop-start and energy regeneration, and is a major step towards bosses’ plans to deliver the first-ever Lamborghini hybrid by 2015.

Holland & Holland by Overfinch: The World's Most Luxurious Range Rover

The Holland & Holland Range Rover by Overfinch, the "ultimate all purpose, all season luxury supercar" with a sporting edge billed as the most luxurious Range Rover ever made, will make its debut in the UK later this month. Limited to only 100 examples and expected to be priced at around $300,000, it will be a contender for the title of world's most expensive SUV, in competition with Spyker's Peking-to-Paris. Based on the supercharged 503 hp 2010 Range Rover, bespoke tuner Overfinch collaborated with Holland & Holland, maker of fine shotguns established in London in 1835 who hold two Royal Warrants, on the vehicle. A saddle-stitched leather interior is offset by a 32 piece, hand-carved woodwork set available in a selection of finishes. The rear console includes an integrated refrigerator, capable of chilling two full size champagne bottles, along with storage space for two flutes. The luggage compartment contains a beautiful hand-crafted bespoke gun cabinet with multiple drawers capable of holding up to eight crystal champagne flutes and whisky tumblers, as well as two cased shotguns, cartridges and all the accessories.

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