Mercedes SLS AMG Tunnel Video Staring Michael Schumacher [Video]

The first in a series of Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ads featuring Michael Schumacher was released today. It shows Schuey driving the car through a tunnel at high speed, steering it off the road, up one wall, across the ceiling, down the other wall, before safely and smoothly getting the car back on the road.

Rough edits of the video had surfaced over the past few weeks. This is the first to identify Schumacher as the driver of the gullwing model. Rather, it is the first to try to convince us that he is the driver.

Fake or not, the minute-long video is fun to watch. It is part of a coordinated, cross-media marketing campaign by Mercedes to promote their speedy car, and their brand as a whole.

Production of the hand-built Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG began this month, about two months before its scheduled European market launch. The car uses a 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 engine producing 563 horsepower and up to 479 ft-lb of torque.

VW Group Considering Audi R4 Platform for New Entry Level Porsche - speculation

The R8 started an exciting journey for the Audi brand when it launched into a segment its maker had not competed in before. Soon after rumours of a smaller R8, thought to be called the R4, surfaced. A concept e-tron car unveiled at the recent Detroit Auto Show confirmed that indeed an R4 is in the works.

Now Porsche is considering using the R4 platform as a basis for its newest and smallest model line. Speaking to Autocar, VW Group chairman Martin Winterkorn finally admitted to be looking at a car below the Boxster/ Cayman pair.

"The Porsche model range is firmly based on the 911, Boxster, Cayenne and Cayman, and it will stay that way," he was quoted as saying. "We are also investigating opportunities for a smaller sports car and a smaller SUV - but I cannot say more at the moment."


The car dubbed the new 356 would use a mid-engine layout and source power (said to be about 186kW or 250bhp) from a turbocharged boxer engine. It will share its transmission with the R4 but remain very much a Porsche in most other ways.

Although the R4 is expected to go on sale around June 2011, the Porsche model won't be available until at least 2012. Speculated prices stand at the equivalent of £33,000 (US$53,300) in today's money.

Porsche 991 Latest Winter Test Spy Photos - Rear LEDs in View

Spyes have snapped new pictures of the redesigned Porsche 911 (codenamed 991 or 998) undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden.

While it's still heavily camouflaged, we can see new details about the 911's LED taillights. Overall, the shape is similar to the one used on the current model (997.5), but the turn signal elements appear wider.

As we have previously reported, the next-generation 911 will feature an evolutionary design theme with minor styling tweaks. Changes include streamlined headlights, Panamera-style door mirrors, a revised rear windshield wiper, and wider rear wheel haunches. The 2011 model may also be a tad longer than the 997.

Engine options will likely carryover with minor modifications, and they will be connected to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. Like the current 911, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants will be available.