Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series on the dyno

Mercedes isn't playing games with it's new SL65 AMG Black Series, especially with it's powerplant. The V12 is very potent on it's own, but a pair of turbos ensure that the Black Series is ridiculous enough to warrant it's high price tag.

Automobile decided to see just what kind of numbers they could pull with this shiny new Mercedes on the dyno. And it didn't disappoint, laying down 573 hp @ 5300 rpm and 682 lb-ft @ 3620 rpm at the rear wheels. The Black Series SL65 showed its superiority over the S65 AMG, as the more spartan AMG Benz put down 36 fewer ponies and 61 fewer lb-ft. At 5500 rpm, the Black Series' beefier turbos out-muscled the the S65 by 100 hp and 100 lb-ft.

Source: Automobile Magazine

ASC-McLaren Dodge Viper NAIAS showcar for sale

Yes, it's a McLaren tuned Dodge Viper. The American Specialty Cars (ASC) built Viper made it's debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006. At the time the car made sense, since Chrysler was still owned by Daimler, which had ties with McLaren. The Diamondback Viper Concept sported a McLaren tuned V-10.

The concept featured a host of carbon fiber body panels and an "OmniCarbon" hood to show off the car's 650 hp V-10 tuned by McLaren Performance Technologies. The American outfit based near Indianapolis was started by the same Bruce McLaren behind the F1 team, but with a focus on preparing his Can-Am racers for competition in North America.

Whatever the association with the legendary Kiwi, the Diamondback was a real show-stopper. Unfortunately, only the one example was made, but that show car is now available for a lucky buyer to take home. It cost ASC about $750,000 to build the Viper back in 2006, but only 55 miles later, it's up for grabs for $295k. Follow the link for more information on this one of a kind snake.