If Carmakers Made Speedboats, What Would They Look Like?

The answer to the question we posed in the title comes to us in the form of five different conceptual studies, all made by Russian designer Vladimir G. The drawings show proposals for various kind of boats inspired in design by Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati and Bugatti models as well from Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG Gullwing supercar. Hit the jump to see the complete gallery.

Source: Cardesign

Rare Sbarro Mercedes-Benz Gullwing 116 6.9 found on eBay

Swiss coachbuilder Franco Sbarro is known all over the world for its extreme production and concept cars like the wacky Autobau supercar. However, it's not often that we find the firm's creations on eBay so we were surprised to see that one of its production cars from the 1980s is up for grabs on the auction site.

The Mercedes-Benz Gullwing 116 6.9 - we're not entirely sure about the name- is a odd-looking two-door Grand Tourer with gullwing-style doors.

Even though at first it appears to be based on the 1980's Mercedes W126 coupes (420 SEC / 560 SEC etc), the different styling of the roof and window lines, the dashboard and the fact that it is powered by the 6.9-liter V8 engine (not to mention the name given by the seller) point towards a modified version of the previous W116 S-Class of the 1970s.

For the record, a quick search on the internet revealed that Sbarro built a handful of similar-looking Gullwing models that were 100% based on the W126 560 SEC in the mid 1980s.

This particular example you see here is offered for sale on eBay Motors with a starting price of US$50,000.

Link: eBay

Daimler and BYD Join Forces, Create a New Brand with Electric Cars for China

Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler AG have set up a new joint venture called "Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd," to develop electric vehicles for China.

The two companies said that they are planning to invest a total of 600 million yuan (US$87.9 million) in the 50-50 partnership in China.

According to a statement made by Daimler, the German automaker will bring its "know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety" to the venture, while BYD will contribute "it's excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems".

The new electric vehicle(s) will be marketed under a new brand jointly created and owned by Daimler and BYD.

BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu and Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche signed the joint venture contract today in Beijing, however, like everything else in China, the business license for the new joint venture is still subject to relevant government approval.

Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited: "Together with Daimler we are making excellent progress identifying opportunities to utilize the strengths of both companies to create a new brand of electric cars for China. This is a unique and exciting initiative and together we are pushing hard to bring this new electric vehicle to market as soon as possible."

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: "Our new joint venture is well positioned to make the most of the vast potential of electric mobility in China. We are fortunate to have excellent joint venture partners in China and the establishment of this research and technology center with BYD adds another dimension to our growing presence in this important market."

*BYD Model Featured in These Photos is the F8 Coupe-Convertible and Not the Dedicated Electric Car Being Prepared by Daimler and the Chinese Automaker

Mercedes-Benz Reprises Role in Sex and the City 2 Film [with Video]

Question for our readers: In your opinion, how do four cougar-aged women who can't keep their panties (or their brains) on after one shot of tequila and a guy named 'Mr Big' relate to Daimler's Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products/brand?

While you think about it let us tell you that, as with the first installment of the male-snoozefest that is "Sex and the City", the sequel to the movie that hits cinemas on 27 May will see most characters driving or being driven in a bunch of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach models.

If you're still here, in addition to the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID, Mr. Big (Chris North) now also drives the new E-Class Cabriolet while Samantha (portrayed by actress Kim Cattrall) ditches her GLK soft off-roader from the first film for the more masculine G-Class.

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Mercedes-Benz Hexawheel Concept Study

The Mercedes Hexawheel concept asks an interesting question: what if Mercedes (or Smart) tackled mini-off-roading?

Thought up by Siyamak Rouhi Dehkordi, a 35-year-old Mechanical Engineer from Iran, it features an insect-inspired all-wheel-drive platform integrating hydraulic pistons into the frame to help control the car's two halves.

A diesel engine would put power through a "flexible hydraulic power transmission system" to all six wheels.

The concept is 4.8 meters long, split up by twin 0.95 meter wheelbases. It may be a little too funky for production, but it would be awesome to see something like in real concept form.

For an idea of what the Hexawheel could theoretically handle, have a look at some of the pics below.

By Phil Alex

Images: Siyamak Rouhi Dehkord, Via: Carbodydesign

Brabus Takes on Merc's SL65 AMG Black Series with New T65 RS

The latest big Benz to come out of the Brabus garage is here - the new SL65 Black Series-based T65 RS, and it's screaming one thing: "That E V12 Coupe in Geneva was a sissy!"

Instead of the standard SL65 AMG Black Series' 670HP biturbo-V12, it gets the same modded 800-horsepower, 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) twin-turbo Brabus V12 under the hood. Between the engine and that new hood scoop are four intercoolers while the car also gets a new stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts.

With all the modifications, the T65 RS hits 60 in 3.6 seconds (versus the basic Black's 3.9 seconds) and 200km/h (124mph) in 9.8 seconds, while top speed is once again limited to 320km/h or 200mph

Inside, you'll notice the Black's seats (which Clarkson couldn't bear) have been replaced with luxurious, multifunction pieces. Good call by the owner on that one, especially if this is doing any sort of real driving duties.

All that, and it still meets EURO IV emissions standards.

By Phil Alex