Do the Electric Powerslide: Mercedes Details SLS AMG E-Cell Powertrain

Written by: Donny Nordlicht [G+] on March 9 2012 12:47 PM

We’ve had the chance to see (and drive) the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell electric sports car in its concept/prototype guise, but the automaker’s starting to dish finalized specifications before it launches next year.

The SLS AMG E-Cell will be an all-wheel-drive vehicle, thanks to the use of four compact electric motors. (two in front, two in back). The system’s net output is in the neighborhood of 526 hp and a massive 629 lb-ft of torque. The motors draw power from a 48-kWh high-voltage, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack is made up of 864 individual cells and was originally developed for use with the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) employed in Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 cars.

Thanks to extensive lightweight construction – the transmission tunnel and battery monocoque is carbon fiber and the body panels are aluminum – the SLS AMG E-Cell can make the dash from 0 to 62 mph in a scant four seconds flat. That is just 0.2 second slower than the gas-powered SLS AMG, which is powered by a 571-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine. During our first drive of the SLS AMG E-Cell prototype, the car felt mind-bogglingly fast. Power for the SLS AMG E-Cell is routed through two transmissions (one for each axle) and 100 percent of torque is available from standstill thanks to the electric motors. Since each wheel can be driven independently, torque can be infinitely varied depending on brake force, acceleration, and cornering grip to best keep the E-Cell planted and moving through corners.

Mercedes utilizes a trio of cooling systems to keep the E-Cell up and moving, as well – the battery pack is liquid-cooled, and there are two separate low-voltage cooling system for each of the motors on the front and rear axles. To bring everything to a stop, the SLS AMG E-Cell with AMG’s high-performance, carbon fiber-strengthened ceramic composite brakes, roughly 16 inches in diameter in the front and 14 in the rear.

Mercedes-Benz has also overhauled the front suspension of the SLS for E-Cell duty. The redesign was forced by the new front-wheel drive unit, and does away with the gas-powered SLS’ vertically-arranged struts in favor of an F1-inspired independent multi-link suspension with pushrod damper struts. The automaker says that this was not only a necessary revision, but one that will also improve handling.

The Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell is slated to hit the market at the beginning of next year; while pricing has yet to be announced, expect it to carry a fairly big premium over the current SLS AMG’s $192,175 base price with destination. It looks like the future of supercars could be here sooner than we think.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

SSource: Automobilemag.com

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Sexy Jenni in a 1250whp Underground Racing Lamborghini

Underground Racing has a way of getting some beautiful women to ride shotgun in their tuned-up super cars, particularly that of the 1,250-horsepower Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.

We don’t know what it is about these guys, but so goes their appeal. The latest bombshell to take a ride in the rocket car of epic-ness is Jenni and judging by the way she reacts during her ride in the Lambo, we’d venture a guess that she had a pretty awesome time, short and skimpy dress notwithstanding.

The video isn’t so much about showing the world the power of Underground Racing’s programs; we already know what their capable of. The video, is of course, a way of putting two of the things men love the most in this world together: a hot car and a hot woman.

And if you’re wondering whether you’re going to get any complaints from us, well, let’s just say that you’re barking up the wrong tree.

We loved the video just like any self-respecting, warm-blooded male would.

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How to Choose the Best Engine Oil for Your Climate

By Liz Tomas

There are many different types of engine oils. Most oil companies offer engine oil that contain additives and other chemicals to improve engine function. Oil is an integral component of the engine. It reduces the friction that occurs between the engine's moving parts. If oil was not present, then heat resulting from friction would damage the engine. Engine oil ensures that the engine is running properly and can also prevent engine parts from corroding over time

Determine the minimum and maximum temperatures in your area. In particular, what are the minimum and maximum temperatures in the summer and in the winter. Temperature is one of the most important factors when choosing engine oil.

2

Check the car's manual to see if a specific engine oil is recommended. Most manuals will provide information on the best type of oil for that engine as well as which suits the different climates.

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3

Decipher the numbers and different grades of engine oil. The engine oil grade contains two numbers with the letter "W" in the middle. The first number refers to the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures and the second number refers to the viscosity at high temperatures. The W indicates that the first number is for running in winter.

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Choose engine oils that have low first numbers if your climate is frequently below freezing. The colder the temperature the thinner the oil needs to be to move around the engine. Very thick engine oil will not work well in cold temperatures, and you will have difficulty starting your vehicle. Very thin oil used for cold temperatures tends to be fully synthetic, which enhances the power and performance of the engine and is also excellent for cold starting. Synthetic oils are made of compounds derived from mineral oils.

5

Choose engine oil that has a higher first and second number if your climate is normally warm and does not get very cold in the winter. These oils provide good protection but are thicker as the climate is warm and there is no issue with cold starting the vehicle. Most engine oils for hot climates tend to be semi-synthetic. Semi-synthetic oils are blends of synthetic oils and mineral oils.

6

Add a cold weather fuel treatment to your fuel if you live in extremely cold climate. The additive helps to lubricate the engine and stop the oil from thickening in cold weather. These additives contain anti-gel agents to prevent fuel and oil from thickening.

Source: ehow.com

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