1999 Mercedes-benz Sl500 Base Convertible 2-door 5.0l Super Low Miles 21,000 on 2040-cars

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Mercedes Concept GLA45 AMG is ready to run

This is the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA45 AMG, and what we mean by that is, "This is the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG." Mercedes has just unveiled the liveried 'concept' at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, giving potential customers a very good look at the newest lunatic in the AMG asylum - a 355-horsepower, 332-pound-foot crossover that uses the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the CLA45 AMG and Europe's A45 AMG.
Joined with a seven-speed, AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, Mercedes promises a sub-five-second run to 60 miles per hour. That's not just quick for a crossover, that's quick full stop.
That sleek, lifted body has also been tweaked by the minds at AMG's Affalterbach facility. A new rear spoiler, side sills and front clip are the primary aerodynamic tweaks. Aesthetically, AMG has fitted the requisite "Turbo" badges, gloss-black accents (including exhaust tips and roof rails) and a set of 21-inch, AMG-spec alloy wheels to round out the overall package. Based on the spy shots we've seen, expect slightly toned down aerodynamics when the GLA45 AMG arrives in showrooms.

The first trailer for Top Gear's 24th season shows a hands-free drag race

In the excitement over Amazon's new motoring show, it's important to remember that there's a certain series from the BBC that's attempting to get its mojo back for a 24th season. Yes, we're talking about Top Gear. Since Chris Evans' departure earlier this year, Top Gear news has been relatively sparse, particularly as The Grand Tour and its hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond seized headlines. But on Christmas, watchers of the series' YouTube channel caught a glimpse of the first scene from the next season. Featuring hosts Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris, and Rory Reid in what looks like a trio of old, dilapidated cars. We're thinking TG is running a taxi comparison. There's a London black cab and a Mercedes-Benz W210 – a favorite of European cabbies – but we aren't sure where Harris' boxy wagon fits in. Did the Volvo 850 Estate ever serve as a livery vehicle? But it's the basis for this comparison that's weird, because the hosts appear to be having a no-hands drag race. The cars veer off in different directions, traveling across what looks like a snow-covered dirt lot. We're assuming hilarity ensues. And while we don't quite know what they're hoping to accomplish, we are looking forward to watching it go down. Top Gear's 24th season doesn't have an official air date, and the video ends only with a cryptic "Coming Soon." Expect to hear more in the next few months.

Daimler buying 12% stake in Beijing Auto

Daimler and Beijing Automotive are officially going steady, with the German company set to take a 12-percent stake in the Chinese brand tomorrow. The two are already tied up in a Mercedes engine plant in Beijing, of which BAIC will increase its stake in, from 50 to 51 percent. Daimler will also get two seats on the Chinese company's board. BAIC may also gain the ability to produce cars on Mercedes-Benz platforms, according to Automotive News Europe.
The investment in BAIC comes ahead of that company's initial public offering, according to a report form Bloomberg, which indicates the deal will be inked tomorrow in the Chinese capital. According to the report, if the circumstances are right, BAIC may turn around and invest in the Germany company "soon."
It's not entirely clear just how much the 12-percent cut is costing Daimler, although it seems reasonable to assume that, as it's ahead of the IPO, the parent company of Mercedes is getting a bit of a bargain.