Latest news with #MiguelCortina
USA Today
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Manufaktur Golden Coast is a limited-edition masterpiece
Miguel Cortina MotorTrend The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has long been one of the most iconic convertible sports cars, and for 2025, a rare special edition is set to make it even more distinctive. Enter the 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Manufaktur Golden Coast, an exclusive model limited to just 100 units worldwide, with a select number allocated to U.S. dealers starting now. Crafted by Manufaktur, Mercedes' bespoke personalization program that offers exclusive materials, finishes, and design elements, the Golden Coast edition exudes sophistication. It debuts in Kalahari Gold Magno, a matte hue paint inspired by sun-drenched golden beaches. Complementing this elegant finish are 21-inch AMG forged cross-spoke wheels in black, featuring rim flanges painted to match the car's golden exterior. Equipped with the AMG Aerodynamics and Night Packages, the exterior has a few black elements, like front splitter, and mirror caps, but even the grille, Mercedes' three-pointed star and exhaust tubes are also finished in black chrome. Luxury EVs:Mercedes-Benz' solar paint could make plugging in EVs a thing of the past Inside, the SL 63 Manufaktur Golden Coast maintains its bespoke theme. The AMG Performance seats are hand-stitched in black Nappa leather, adorned with diamond quilting in gold to mirror the exterior's tone. Gold-accented trim extends across the seats, door panels, and center console, further elevate cabin. High-pile floor mats with Nappa leather piping and an embroidered AMG logo add a final touch of exclusivity, while a 'Manufaktur Golden Coast' badge on the center console proudly marks its rarity. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. More from MotorTrend:Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler Like the standard AMG SL 63, the Golden Coast edition is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, delivering 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, it offers blistering acceleration. In our own instrumented testing, the 2022 AMG SL 63 sprinted from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 124 mph. This special edition variant will closely match those figures. With only 100 units available, the AMG SL 63 Manufaktur Golden Coast is as unique and individual as it gets. Select Mercedes dealers in the U.S. will start receiving the special editions this month.
USA Today
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Mercedes-Benz opens sales for more ultra-luxurious residences in Miami
Miguel Cortina MotorTrend Automakers are extending their influence beyond the road, curating a lifestyle that seamlessly blends opulence with innovation. Beyond crafting vehicles, luxury automotive brands are forging deeper connections with their customers — now extending into the realm of high-end real estate. Among the pioneers, Mercedes-Benz has made an entrance into this space with Mercedes-Benz Places in Miami, an ultra-luxurious 2.5-million-square-foot development nestled in the prestigious Brickell neighborhood. Following the launch of Tower 1 — where 100 residences were purchased within just four days — the marque is now opening sales for Tower 2, along with an exclusive, residents-only Silver Arrow Lounge rooftop, a sophisticated space high above the city skyline. This marks Mercedes-Benz's first foray into residential living in North America, complementing its ongoing luxury tower development in Dubai. The brand joins an elite circle of automakers that have extended their prestige beyond the road and into the realm of high-end real estate. In Miami — a city synonymous with glamour and exclusivity — Porsche, Bentley and Aston Martin have already established their own residences, each embodying the same meticulous craftsmanship and refinement that define their cars. Read more:The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the 2025 MotorTrend Car of the Year Mercedes-Benz partnered with the esteemed JDS Development Group to bring its vision of refined living to life with the 67-story tower. Just as with its automobiles, Mercedes-Benz Places in Miami is defined by a commitment to luxury, timeless design and cutting-edge technology. The project's architectural elegance is a collaboration of renowned firms; Field Operations sculpted the lush green spaces, serene gardens and meticulously designed landscapes, while SHoP Architects crafted the bold, cuboid structure that houses the residences, multi-use playgrounds and basketball courts. The interiors, which shine for its sophistication and mid-century modern design, have been penned by Woods Bagot Studio. Perhaps the most sought-after amenity in this development is the exclusive Silver Arrow Lounge, the resident-only rooftop retreat that features a 52-foot swimming pool and sun deck. Inspired by the legendary 'Silver Arrows' racing cars, this private sanctuary exudes the same spirit of performance, elegance and innovation that defines the Mercedes-Benz legacy. And to top it all off, the building has its own Mercedes-Benz F1 simulator, as well as a professional recording studio. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Read more:Mercedes-Benz' solar paint could make plugging in EVs a thing of the past Much like its cars, Mercedes-Benz Places in Miami offers a range of residences designed to suit varying lifestyles. The development comprises approximately 800 condominiums, ranging from chic studios to expansive three-bedroom spaces. Beyond its private residences, the project seamlessly integrates 250,000 square feet of premium office space, indoor and outdoor bars, world-class health and wellness facilities and a lavish 174-room hotel. Naturally, convenience is paramount — ample parking, complete with EV charging stations, as well as dedicated bicycle and scooter storage, ensures effortless mobility. In true luxury fashion, residents will also enjoy the exclusivity of valet parking and a fleet of house cars, elevating everyday living to a level befitting the Mercedes-Benz legacy. With the launch of sales for the second tower, Mercedes-Benz Places has unveiled a sales gallery, offering prospective residents an immersive preview of the project's interior designs. Showcasing the refined aesthetic of the residential suites, the gallery also provides an enticing glimpse of the forthcoming Silver Arrow Lounge. As anticipation builds, Mercedes-Benz estimates that residents will be able to move into their luxury condominiums in 2027, ushering in a new era of sophisticated living infused with the brand's signature excellence. Photos by manufacturer
USA Today
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Winter driving: Here's how to gain confidence navigating bad road conditions
Miguel Cortina MotorTrend Hear this story For those of us who don't regularly face icy roads, driving on snow can be an intimidating experience. Understanding how to maintain traction while keeping control of the car — especially when dealing with understeer or oversteer — is crucial for staying safe. Fortunately, Bridgestone's Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, offers the ideal environment to master these skills. With expert instruction and real-world scenarios, it teaches drivers how to navigate slippery conditions with confidence — and what to do when things don't go as planned. Nestled in scenic farmland just outside one of Colorado's top ski resorts, Bridgestone's Winter Driving School offers a thrilling yet educational experience on three distinct tracks, each featuring elevation changes and challenging obstacles. Open to the public, the school provides hands-on training with professional drivers riding shotgun, guiding you through the dos and don'ts of regaining control when traction slips away. By the end of the session, you'll not only gain confidence behind the wheel but also feel like a pro yourself — mastering tricky conditions and even nailing the perfect ice drift. Start easy, then go hard As a leader in tire innovation, Bridgestone offers a range of winter tires designed for maximum grip in icy conditions. Our day began behind the wheel of a current-gen Toyota Highlander AWD, fitted with Bridgestone's Blizzak DM-V2 tires — engineered with a specialized compound that channels water away for improved traction and braking performance. The first set of exercises focused on mastering stopping on ice. With the antilock braking system (ABS) disabled, we accelerated to 25 mph before executing a hard stop, releasing the brakes, locking the tires again and repeating the process until the Highlander came to a complete stop. The challenge? Halt before crossing a designated line of cones — standing in for stopped traffic — a crucial skill for real-world winter driving Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. The best off-road SUVs:Get rowdy in these rugged rides While the exercise seemed straightforward, it was eye-opening to see how even a small speed difference could have major consequences. Stopping from 22 mph required noticeably less distance than from 25 mph — a seemingly minor gap that could mean the difference between a safe stop and a collision. At 28 mph, the challenge intensified, with the Highlander's weight shifting more dramatically to the front, making control even trickier. The lesson was clear: In icy conditions, every mile per hour matters. Winter tires are essential for maintaining control in challenging conditions, as they're specifically engineered to maximize grip on slippery surfaces. Black ice, packed snow and cold, wet pavement significantly reduce traction, making it harder to stop or correct understeer and oversteer. Unlike all-season tires, winter tires feature deeper, more aggressive tread patterns and specialized rubber compounds that remain flexible in freezing temperatures, allowing them to bite into snow and ice (and even pick up and take it with, as snow-on-snow friction is high) for improved stability and braking performance. The next challenge required us to bring the Highlander to a stop within a designated coned-off zone, roughly the size of two parking spaces. While this might sound like a simple task, the real test came from attempting it on an icy downhill slope — an entirely different ballgame compared to stopping on dry pavement. Each small increase in speed meant adjusting our braking point; misjudging it even slightly resulted in overshooting the box. Despite the slick conditions, the Blizzak DM-V2 tires proved their worth, delivering impressive traction and grip. Some sections of the track were naturally more treacherous than others, but with the right tires and proper technique, we were able to navigate the challenge effectively, maximizing both control and confidence. Controlling the vehicle when it's out of control Before breaking for lunch, we hopped into a fifth-gen Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, also equipped with Blizzak DM-V2 tires, for a drifting challenge on a half-circle course. The layout added an extra layer of difficulty — starting with a slippery downhill section before transitioning into an uphill climb. Managing throttle input was key; too much gas too soon, and we'd spin out, too little, and we'd struggle to regain traction. Despite the relatively low speeds — averaging under 15 mph — controlling the rear of the 4Runner proved tricky. On our first few attempts, the moment we hit the slickest patches of ice, the vehicle broke loose almost instantly, forcing us to quickly adjust our steering and throttle control to stay on course. It was a humbling but invaluable lesson in the delicate balance required for winter driving. It took a few tries to get the rhythm down, but after five or six passes, we began to understand the delicate dance of letting the SUV slide before applying just the right amount of throttle and counter-steer. The key was patience — allowing the front wheels to regain traction before making any aggressive inputs. Throttle control was especially crucial; too much gas would send us spinning, while too little meant losing momentum. Finding that perfect balance made all the difference, turning what initially felt chaotic into a smooth, controlled drift. Celebrity cars:How Jay Leno's 2015 Tesla Model S P90D ended up in Fort Myers, Florida After mastering the fundamentals, it was time to put our skills to the test on a full lap around the school's 1-mile track. This time, we pushed the pace, reaching higher speeds than we had in the morning while applying our newfound knowledge of braking and throttle control. With a mix of sweeping corners and tight U-turns, managing the 4Runner's slides required finesse, but the lessons from earlier in the day proved invaluable. The Blizzak DM-V2 tires continued to impress, offering solid traction despite the slick conditions. After a few laps, what initially felt daunting became second nature, and we found ourselves more confident behind the wheel — reading the surface, adjusting inputs, and fully embracing the art of winter driving. The second part of the day was dedicated to comparing two all-terrain tires: the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent and the Pirelli Scorpion A/T Plus. Although neither of these tires is designed specifically for winter conditions, it quickly became clear that the Dueler A/T Ascent outperformed the Pirelli in this test. From the moment we started, the Bridgestone tire impressed with its ability to maintain traction, whether making sharp low-speed turns or navigating a curve at 30 mph. We drove both tires back to back on fifth-gen 4Runners, and the difference in handling was immediately noticeable. While we didn't conduct formal instrumented tests, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent provided significantly better grip and traction, making the 4Runner feel more planted and responsive compared to the Pirelli. Feeling like a pro The final leg of the day was by far the most thrilling. Having honed our snow-handling skills, we hopped into a 2024 Toyota GR Corolla AWD, equipped with the new Bridgestone Blizzak 6 — set to hit the market this May. Tailored for sports cars, performance sedans and crossovers, the Blizzak 6 enhances both snow performance and wet braking. It's also Bridgestone's first winter tire featuring Enliten technology, which focuses on optimizing performance, safety and sustainability. To elevate the challenge, Bridgestone's instructors revamped the 1-mile track, adding a more competitive edge. The course now included high-speed sections, sharp corners and tricky zigzags. While we struggled with basic tasks like stopping in a straight line earlier that morning, by the end of the day, we were confidently drifting around corners, feeling like seasoned pros behind the wheel. The GR Corolla's smaller size made it easier to control than larger vehicles like the 4Runner and Highlander, but the Blizzak 6 tires played a crucial role in making the experience even more enjoyable. The tires' direct response in the corners provided exceptional handling, and their grip in slippery conditions was truly impressive. While the all-wheel-drive system certainly aided performance, the Blizzak 6 tires were instrumental in delivering outstanding cornering and stability, making them a standout choice for performance vehicles tackling winter conditions. Can I do it? Bridgestone's Winter Driving School is open to the public from mid-December to mid-March, depending on the season's weather conditions. As the only school of its kind in North America, it offers a unique opportunity for those visiting Steamboat Springs who may want a break from the slopes. Not only is it an incredibly fun experience, it's also an invaluable learning opportunity. The professional drivers who accompany you in the car are friendly and exceptional teachers, guiding you through each exercise with expertise. By the end of the day, you'll leave feeling like a pro, no matter how often you drive in snowy conditions. Photos by manufacturer
