Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Clean Autocheck 58k Low Miles Nav Leather Harman Kardon Sport Pkg Xenons Blueth on 2040-cars

US $21,980.00
Year:2009 Mileage:58220 Color: Blue /
 Gray
Location:

Houston, Texas, United States

Houston, Texas, United States
For Sale By:Dealer
Engine:V6 3.5L DOHC
Fuel Type:GAS
Transmission:Automatic
Body Type:Convertible
Vehicle Title:Clear
Condition:

Used

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
: WDBWK58F79F199406
Year: 2009
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Doors: 2
Model: SLK-Class
Fuel: Gasoline
Drivetrain: RWD
Mileage: 58,220
Trim: Base Convertible 2-Door
Sub Model: SLK350
Drive Type: RWD
Exterior Color: Blue
Number of Cylinders: 6
Interior Color: Gray
Warranty: No

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 2-Door Convertible
Exterior Color:     Capri Blue Metallic Interior Color:     Beige Leather Stock Number:199406
Mileage:58,220 Engine:V6 3.5L DOHC Fuel:Gasoline
Transmission:Automatic Warranty:As Is - No Warranty Title:Clear
VIN:WDBWK58F79F199406 AutoCheck:FREE AutoCheck Vehicle Report
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 1 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 MERCEDES BENZ SLK350 ! 
BEAUTIFUL CAPRI BLUE METALLIC ! 
FREE AutoCheck Report
84 78 - 86
Vehicle Description
Ultimate Motorsport Presents
 
2009 Mercedes Benz SLK350
 
NAVIGATION ! POWER TOP ! LEATHER !  ALLOYS ! XENONS !
PREMIUM HARMAN KARDON SOUND!
SPORTS PACKAGE ! BLUETOOTH
 
CLEAN LOADED MERCEDES SLK350   WITH 58K ORIGINAL MILES  
 
CLEAN AUTOCHECK NO ACCIDENTS
CLICK ON AUTOCHECK LOGO ABOVE FOR FREE FULL REPORT !
 
ADD A 3 MONTH 3,000 MILE WARRANTY
FOR ONLY $ 295
ASK US FOR DETAILS ON A 4 YEAR UNLIMITED MILES NATION WIDE WARRANTY !!
 
PEACE OF MIND ! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE !!
 
60+ PICTURES BELOW AFTER DESCRIPTION
 
THIS CAR IS LOADED WITH THESE OPTIONS:
NAVIGATIONW ITH VOICE COMMAND
POWER CONVETIBLE TOP
XENON HEADLIGHTS
TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL WITH CONTROLS
CRUISE CONTROL
DUAL ZONE AC AND HEAT
ALARM SYSTEM WITH KEYLESS ENTRY
FULL LEATHER INTERIOR
HOMELINK
TINTED WINDOWS
POWER LEATHER SEATS WITH MEMORY AND LUMBAR
PREMIUM HARMAN KARDON SOUND SYSTEM WITH CD CHANGER AM FM SAT RADIO WITH IPOD CONNECT
POWER WINDOWS AND MIRRORS
FOG LIGHTS
TRACTION CONTROL
PREMIUM ALLOY 18”  WHEELS
SPORTS PACKAGE
BLUETOOTH EQUIPPED
 
 
MUCH MUCH MORE SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT !!!
 
Beautiful CAPRI BLUE METALLIC on
TAN LEATHER Interior!!
 
Low Buy It NOW or Make us an Offer NOW!!

100% Positive Feedback
OWN THIS BEAUTY at a Fraction of the
Original $ 53,000 Price!!!
COMPARE AT
KELLY BLUE BOOK $ 28,182
NADA RETAIL $ 25,425
OUR BUY IT NOW $ 21,980
WOW ! WHAT A DEAL  !!!
 
 
WONT LAST LONG AT THIS PRICE !!! CALL US TODAY AT
281-506-8808

If You are Looking for a MERCEDES BENZ SLK350 CONVERTIBLE with all the options with LOW MILES, You Don't Have to Look any Further!!!
DON'T SLEEP ON THIS ONE!

NOTE: JUST LIKE ANY USED VEHICLE FEW VERY MINOR NICK NACKS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND ROAD DEBRIS.
REMEMBER: YOU ARE BUYING A TOP LOADED USED VEHICLE IN CLEAN CONDITION NOT A BRAND NEW ONE!

Bid with Excitement & Confidence!!!
Only at ULTIMATE MOTORSPORT !!
Good Luck & Happy Bidding!!!
FOR ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT
281-506-8808

So, If you are in the market for a LATE MODEL, VERY AFFORDABLE MERCEDES BENZ SLK350 CONVERTIBLE, then you owe it to yourself to take a closer look

LOW BUY-IT-NOW or MAKE AN OFFER!!!
 
WE FINANCE ! APPLY ONLINE FOR AUTO LOANS AS LOW AS 2.99%

FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS FEEL FREE TO CONTACT @ (281) 506-8808
or email sales
 
DOOR TO DOOR SHIPPING AVAILABLE ASK FOR A QUOTE !
We Export For Canadian Customers
Email:
sales@ultimatems.com
Call
281-506-8808
Visit
10311 Altonbury Lane
Houston TX 77031
 
 
Additional Photos
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 2 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 3 - Houston, TX 77031
BEAUTIFUL CONVERTIBLE ! 
CLEAN AUTOCHECK REPORT ! 
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 4 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 5 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 6 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 7 - Houston, TX 77031
TINTED WINDOWS ! 
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 8 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 9 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 10 - Houston, TX 77031
XENONS ! SPORTS PACKAGE ! 
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 11 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 12 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 13 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 14 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 15 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 16 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 17 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 18 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 19 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 20 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 21 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 22 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 23 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 24 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 25 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 26 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 27 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 28 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 29 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 30 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 31 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 32 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 33 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 34 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 35 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 36 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 37 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 38 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 39 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 40 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 41 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 42 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 43 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 44 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 45 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 46 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 47 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 48 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 49 - Houston, TX 77031
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Photo 50 - Houston, TX 77031
Contact Information
Name: Sales Department Main Phone: (281) 506-8808 Alt. Phone: (281) 657-7293
Vehicle Features & Options
Standard Features
Appearance /
  Exterior:
  • Chrome Exhaust Tip Color
  • Dual Exhaust Tips Exhaust
Appearance /
  Interior:
  • Leather Accents
  • Metallic-Tone Accents
  • Wood-Tone Accents
Comfort:
  • Active Charcoal Air Filtration
  • Cargo Area Light
  • Alloy, Leather and Wood Dash Trim
  • Stainless Steel Door Sill Trim
  • Alloy, Leather and Wood Door Trim
  • Carpet Floor Mats
  • Floor Mats
  • Stainless Steel Foot Pedal Trim
  • Dual Front Air Conditioning Zones
  • Automatic Climate Control Front Air Conditioning
  • Height Adjustable Front Headrests
  • 2 Number of Front Headrests
  • Front Reading Lights
  • Leather Shift Knob Trim
  • Leather Steering Wheel Trim
Convenience:
  • Front Console With Storage
  • Front Cupholders
  • Front Door Pockets
  • Push-Button Start Keyless Ignition
  • Keyless Entry With Panic Alarm Multi-Function Remote
  • Proximity Entry System Multi-Function Remote
  • With Removable Valet Key Multi-Function Remote
  • Variable Power-Assisted Steering Power Steering
  • Remote Trunk Release
  • Steering Wheel Mounted Audio and Cruise Controls Controls
  • Steering Wheel Mounted Multi-Function Screen Controls Controls
  • Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
Drivetrain /
  Suspension:
  • 4-Wheel ABS
  • 3.27 Axle Ratio
  • Braking Assist
  • Gas Shock Absorbers Front Shock
  • Coil Springs Front Spring
  • Independent Front Suspension
  • Multi-Link Front Suspension
  • 13.0 Front Brake Diameter
  • 1.1 Front Brake Width
  • Ventilated Disc Front Brakes
  • Gas Shock Absorbers Rear Shock
  • Coil Springs Rear Spring
  • Independent Rear Suspension
  • Multi-Link Rear Suspension
  • 11.4 Rear Brake Diameter
  • .4 Rear Brake Width
  • Disc Rear Brakes
  • Stability Control
  • Front and Rear Stabilizer Bar
  • Traction Control
Entertainment /
  Telematics:
  • External Temperature Display
  • MPG and Range Fuel Economy Display
  • 6 Disc In-Dash CD
  • Bluetooth Phone Wireless Data Link
  • AM/FM Radio
  • Sirius Satellite Radio
  • Teleaid Satellite Communications
  • Trip Computer
  • Lamp Failure, Low Fuel, Engine Oil, Coolant Warnings and Reminders
Exterior:
  • Daytime Running Lights
  • Exterior Entry Lights
  • Front Fog Lights
  • Auto Off Headlights
  • Dusk Sensing Headlights
  • Rear Fog Lights
  • Led Tail and Brake Lights
Rims / Tires:
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Performance Tire
  • 5 Wheel Spokes
Roof / Glass:
  • Glass Convertible Rear Window
  • Power Retractable Hard Top Convertible Roof
  • Intermittent Front Wipers
  • Rain Sensing Front Wipers
  • 2 One-Touch Windows
  • Remote Operation Power Windows
  • Rear Defogger
Safety:
  • Remote 2-Stage Unlocking
  • Dual Front Active Head Restraints
  • Alarm With Remote Anti-Theft System
  • Engine Immobilizer Anti-Theft System
  • Child Seat Anchors
  • Emergency Interior Trunk Release
  • Heated Exterior Mirrors
  • Integrated Turn Signals Exterior Mirrors
  • Power Exterior Mirrors
  • Dual Front Airbags
  • Auto-Dimming Inside Rearview Mirror
  • Dual Front Knee Airbags
  • Occupant Sensing Passenger Airbag Deactivation
  • Remote Power Door Locks
  • Speed Sensitive Central Locking Power Door Locks
  • Front Side Airbags
  • Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Seating:
  • Sport Bucket Front Seats
  • Height Adjustable
  • 8 Manual Adjustments
  • 8 Manual Adjustments
  • Front Seatbelt Force Limiters
  • Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
  • Leather Upholstery
View our eBay Feedback:

eBay Motors
ultimate_motorsport_inc
Financing Information
We Finance ! Rates a slow as 2.99% with Approved credit
Fill out our credit app today by clicking the link above !
Shipping Information
WE SHIP AND EXPORT WORLDWIDE
GREAT LOW NATIONWIDE US SHIPPING RATES !!
Canadian Customers Welcome
Email us your zip code for Special Shipping Rates !
email sales@ultimatems.com
If Outside US or Canada email us your Port City and Country
for a quote !
Dealership Information
Ultimate Motorsports
Main Phone:(281) 506-8808
Alt. Phone:(281) 657-7293
Email:sales@ultimatems.com
Business Hours:
Weekdays:9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday:10 TO 5PM
Sunday:CLOSED
Location:
10311 Altonbury Lane
Houston, TX 77031
Map of Ultimate Motorsports at 10311 Altonbury Lane, Houston, TX 77031
Terms of Sale
Standard Terms & conditions
 

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! BY SUBMITTING A BID, MAKING AN OFFER OR CLICKING THE BUY IT NOW YOU ARE AGREEING TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

Fee and Tax Information: All Texas residents will pay 6.25% state sales tax and $ 133 Title Fee. This only applies to Texas Residents ONLY! Out of State customer only pay :

All sales are subject to Texas V.I.T. tax based at a rate of .002834% of purchase price and $395.00 Processing fee.

PAYPAL IS FOR DEPOSITS ONLY. WE DO NOT ACCEPT FULL PAYMENTS THOUGH THE PAYPAL.

FINANCING IS AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT (WAC) ONLY ! ALL BUY IT NOW PRICES LISTED ARE FOR CASH BUYERS OR IF CUSTOMERS ARRANGE THEIR OWN FINANCING !!!

IF YOU CHOOSE TO CLICK THE BUY IT NOW OPTION YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE LOCALLY AND ADDRESS ANY ISSUES BEFORE THE VEHICLE LEAVES THE LOT.

Please contact SALES@ultimatems.com or 281-657-7293
Winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours of auction end, and make arrangements for payment at that time. A $500.00 NON REFUNDABLE deposit is due within 24 hours of end of auction. The remainder is due within 7 days of Auction end. If no contact is made within 24 hours we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle, sell it to the next high bidder, or sell it otherwise.  Most banks and credit unions do not finance vehicles older than 2002 or with more than 100K miles. Make sure if financing, your financial institution accepts the year and miles of this vehicle before bidding. Please arrange financing prior to bidding.
Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping of this vehicle. If you wish to have it shipped using a service, we will gladly cooperate, you can locate shippers by doing a search for `auto shippers`.
If you are not sure about something, Please ASK. Do not assume anything not listed is included. We reserve the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback. We reserve the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale.
Please do not bid on this auction unless you are serious about owning this vehicle.  All non-paying high bidders will be reported to Ebay, and negative feedback posted.
PLEASE ONLY BID WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY.  IF THE RESERVE IS NOT MET, WE MAY CONTACT THE HIGH BIDDER TO OFFER THE SECOND CHANCE OPTION.
By placing a bid on this vehicle you are entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the above-described vehicle. We reserve the right to cancel all existing bids and end the auction early should the item no longer be available for sale.
By bidding and buying this auction, you enter a contract that you have read and understood all the terms and conditions of this auction. 
We reserve the rights to sell the car outside the ebay auctions. We reserve the right to end the auction anytime. We reserve the right to cancel any bid from any bidder. 
This vehicle is being sold as is, where it is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. In either case, The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.
Please understand that the vehicles are Pre-Owned vehicles and at times, the vehicles may come without accessories such as extra keys, cd magazines, navigation discs, floormats, tools, and owner's manuals. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle. 
Buyer's are responsible for shipping costs.
All bidders should have all questions answered and loans pre-approved before bidding. Please note that Non paying buyers would be handled by our attorney. Remember buying a car on eBay is legal binding contract.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS". This is in full accordance with the laws of the State of TEXAS regarding motor vehicle sales. You the buyer/bidder must have a complete understanding that this vehicle is used and we do not know the complete history of this vehicle. We are presenting this vehicle to the best of our knowledge. The accuracy of our description is based on any and all information that we were able to obtain concerning this vehicle either by records, previous owners statements, or other statements if any made by the persons who sold or traded in this vehicle. We ULTIMATE MOTORSPORT Inc or any of its employees or agents will not be held responsible. All buyers are responsible for having an independent inspection completed on their vehicle of inetrest prior to sale or close of auction. You are welcome to fly in or schedule a inspection with several companies in Houston area to have a car professionally inspected.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS OR INSPECTIONS PRIOR OR AFTER THE SALE OF AN AUTOMOBILE. ALL VEHICLES SOLD AS IS WHERE IS !!

WE WELCOME INSPECTIONS BUT PLEASE DO INSPECTIONS BEFORE THE SALE IS CONFIRMED ! 

This Agreement will be governed the laws of the State of Texas (without regard to principals of conflict of laws). Any claims arising out of or related to this Agreement or the Goods shall be brought exclusively in Harris County, Texas. Bidder submits to the jurisdiction of all such courts. BIDDER AND SELLER HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE, DEFEND, CONSTRUE OR OTHERWISE CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT OR THE GOODS. If it is necessary for bidder to commence litigation to enforce any portion of this Agreement, Seller will be entitled to recover from Bidder its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, including the reasonable fees of in-house counsel.

Auction Views:  

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class for Sale

Auto Services in Texas

Whatley Motors ★★★★★

Used Car Dealers, Wholesale Used Car Dealers
Address: 409 Scott Ave, Sheppard-Afb
Phone: (940) 723-8991

Westside Chevrolet ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, New Car Dealers, Used Car Dealers
Address: 23001 Katy Fwy, Barker
Phone: (281) 392-3200

Westpark Auto ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: 4045 Tanglewilde St, West-University-Place
Phone: (281) 320-1185

WE BUY CARS ★★★★★

Used Car Dealers, Financial Services, Loans
Address: 2306 E Berry St, Aledo
Phone: (817) 535-1111

Waco Hyundai ★★★★★

New Car Dealers, Used Car Dealers
Address: 1501 W Loop 340, Bruceville
Phone: (254) 420-2366

Victorymotorcars ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, New Car Dealers, Used Car Dealers
Address: 5829 Beverly Hill St, Missouri-City
Phone: (713) 783-6555

Auto blog

Autoblog's guilty pleasure cars

Tue, Mar 10 2015

Guilty pleasures are part of life – don't even try to pretend like you don't have one (or two, or six). In the non-automotive space, this could come down to that secret playlist in your iPhone of songs you'll only listen to when you're alone; or think of that one TV show you really do love, but won't admit to your friends. I've got plenty, and so do you. Going back to cars, here's a particularly juicy one for me: several years ago, I had a mad crush on the very last iteration of the Cadillac DTS. Oh yes, the front-wheel-drive, Northstar V8-powered sofa-on-wheels that was the last remaining shred of the elderly-swooning days of Cadillac's past. Every time I had the chance to drive one, I was secretly giddy. Don't hate me, okay? These days, the DTS is gone, but I've still got a mess of other cars that hold a special place in my heart. And in the spirit of camaraderie, I've asked my other Autoblog editors to tell me some of their guilty pleasure cars, as well – Seyth Miersma, as you can see above, has a few choice emotions to share about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Read on to find out what cars make us secretly happy. Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG This decadent convertible is the epitome of the guilty pleasure. It's big, powerful, fairly heavy and it's richly appointed inside and out. It's a chocolate eclair with the three-pointed star on the hood. Given my druthers, I'd take the SL65 AMG, which delivers 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. That output is borderline absurd for this laid-back convertible. I don't care. You don't need dessert. Sometimes you just crave it. The SL line is about the feel you get on the road. The roof is open. The air, sun and engine sounds all embrace you. It's the same dynamic you could have experienced in a Mercedes a century ago, yet the SL gives you the most modern of luxuries. An Airscarf feature that warms my neck and shoulders through a vent embedded in the seat? Yes, please. Sure, it's an old-guy car. Mr. Burns and Lord Grantham are probably too young and hip for an SL65. I don't care. This is my guilty pleasure. Release the hounds. – Greg Migliore Senior Editor Ford Flex I drove my first Flex in 2009 when my mother let me borrow hers for the summer while I was away at college. The incredibly spacious interior made moving twice that summer a breeze, and the 200-mile trips up north were quite comfortable.

Autoblog Minute: Frankfurt Motor Show recap

Wed, Sep 16 2015

We check in with Autoblog staffers in Germany for a recap of the biggest reveals from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Autoblog's Adam Morath reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute with commentary from senior editor, Greg Migliore. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] As the doors of the Frankfurt Motor Show open to the world's press we venture across the Atlantic for a front row seat to all the action. I'm Adam Morath and this is your Autoblog Minute. The fall auto show season kicks off this week and Germany is set to play host. We're expecting plenty of big vehicle reveals and industry news to come out of Frankfurt. [00:00:30] [Greg Migliore Interview] [00:01:00] Be sure to check in with Autoblog for tons of great photos, video and editorial coverage on all things Frankfurt. For Autoblog, I'm Adam Morath. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals. Frankfurt Motor Show Bentley Jaguar Mercedes-Benz SUV Concept Cars Electric Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video

Ecclestone wonders if F1's upcoming turbo V6s should get augmented sound [w/videos]

Mon, 08 Apr 2013

While every team on the Formula One grid is worried about making a good showing in this year's championship at the same time as they develop a brand-new car for next year's championship, Bernie Ecclestone and F1 circuit promoters have a different concern: how next year's cars will sound. The current cars use 2.4-liter, naturally-aspirated V8s that can reach 18,000 revolutions per minute and employ dual exhaust, next year's engine formula calls for 1.4-liter turbocharged V6s that are capped at 15,000 rpm and are constrained to a single exhaust outlet. Ecclestone and promoters like Ron Walker believe the new engines sound like lawnmowers and that the less thrilling audio will keep people from coming to races. If Walker's Australian Grand Prix really is shelling out almost $57 million to hold the race, every ticket counts. As a fix, according to a report in Autoweek, Ecclestone "suggests that the only way to guarantee [a good sound] may be to artificially adjust the tone of the V6s."
However, neither the manufacturers nor the governing body of F1, the FIA, think there will be a problem. Ecclestone fears that if the manufacturers "don't get it right" they'll simply leave the sport, but the only three carmakers and engine builders left next year, Renault (its 2014 "power unit" is pictured), Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari are so embedded that it would stretch belief to think they'd leave the table over an audio hiccup - if said hiccup even occurs. And frankly, these issues always precede changes to engine formulas, as they did when the formula switched from V10 to V8; fans, though, are probably less focused on the engines and more on the mandated standardization of the sport and the spec-series overtones that have come with it.
No one knows yet what next year's engines will sound like, but we've assembled a few videos below to help us all start guessing. The first is an engine check on an Eighties-era John Player Special Renault with a 1.5-liter V6 turbo, after that is Ayrton Senna qualifying in 1986 in the Lotus 98T that also had a 1.5-liter V6 turbo, then you'll find a short with a manufactured range of potential V6 engine notes, and then the sound of turbocharged V6 Indycars testing last year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Any, or none of them, could be Formula One's future.