Official: Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series has been revealed ahead of going on sale in the Summer of 2013. The SLS Black Series gets the usual mix for a Mercedes Black Series model – more power and less weight – and uses the same 6.2 litre V8 as the regular SLS but with the wick turned up to 622 horses from the regular, but hardly wanting, 583 thanks to a new air intake, cams, boost tweaks and better cooling. The oily tweaks for more power – and some weight shedding (70kg) – means the SLS Black can get to 62mph in 3.6 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker than the regular SLS – and top out at 196mph (due to the extra downforce).

Saab secures investment from China et al

China's Hawtai Automotive invest €150 million in Saab As you can’t have failed to notice, Saab has stopped production because it’s run out of money. And despite the best efforts of Vladimir Antonov to throw money at Saab, the EIB and the Swedish Debt Office seemed unwilling to move quickly to allow Saab to get back in to production. But things they are a-changing.

New Vauxhall Astra engine details

Vauxhall has released details of the engines for the new Astra Vauxhall released a fair bit of information on the Insignia inspired new Astra back in May. That was followed up with video of the new Astra blatting round Millbrook and details of the new Astra’s interior. But with the official launch of the Astra at Frankfurt looming, Vauxhall has now released details of the engine range for the new car.