Cars

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing: A Pristine Automotive Icon for Sale

This article explores the exceptional offering of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing, a vehicle that signifies a pivotal moment in AMG's history. With its remarkably low mileage and impeccable condition, this model is presented as a preserved relic from an era celebrating raw automotive power and distinctive design, making it an attractive acquisition for discerning collectors.

Experience Automotive Purity: The Unblemished 2012 SLS AMG Gullwing

Unveiling a Modern Classic: The Heritage of the SLS AMG Gullwing

When Mercedes-AMG introduced the SLS in 2010, it marked a significant milestone for the performance division. This vehicle was not merely an enhanced Mercedes-Benz model; it was the inaugural car fully conceived and engineered by AMG. Its design paid homage to the legendary 1950s 300 SL Gullwing, incorporating distinctive upward-opening doors. Furthermore, it featured an innovative front mid-engine configuration, a rear-mounted transmission, and a powerful, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine, all contributing to its unique character. Production of this exceptional coupé concluded in 2014, with fewer than 2,000 units manufactured globally, solidifying its status as a highly exclusive collector's piece.

A Glimpse into the Past: A 2012 Model with Minimal Mileage

Currently, an opportunity has arisen to acquire one of these rare machines. A 2012 SLS AMG, distinguished by its AMG Imola Gray exterior and a striking Designo Classic Red Exclusive leather interior, is being offered for sale on 'Bring a Trailer'. With an odometer reading of only 5,000 miles, this vehicle is presented as a pristine example, capturing the essence of a bygone era before the widespread adoption of engine downsizing and hybrid powertrains. It provides automotive enthusiasts with a unique chance to own a piece of AMG's most unadulterated supercar legacy.

The Heart of a Beast: Power and Performance of the Hand-Built V8

This particular SLS AMG was originally sold by Mercedes-Benz of Fort Myers in Florida and was acquired by its current owner in 2021. Under its long bonnet resides a meticulously hand-built 6.2-liter M159 V8 engine, capable of generating an impressive 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This immense power is channeled to the rear wheels via a sophisticated seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle and a limited-slip differential. The vehicle has recently undergone routine maintenance, including the installation of new spark plugs and air filters, as well as an oil change, ensuring its readiness for its next owner.

Precision Engineering: Wheels, Interior, and Exclusive Accessories

The car is equipped with staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear five-spoke alloy wheels, shod with new Michelin tires. Red AMG-branded calipers provide stopping power to cross-drilled rotors. Inside, the cockpit boasts heated, power-adjustable AMG sport seats, complemented by a COMAND infotainment system with navigation. The interior is a luxurious blend of Alcantara and leather surfaces, reflecting the car's premium status. The sale package is comprehensive, including the original window sticker, owner's manuals, a complete history of service records, a custom AMG-branded car cover, and an exclusive two-piece luggage set. The vehicle comes with a clear Massachusetts title.

Seize the Opportunity: Acquiring an AMG Legend

This is not the first SLS AMG to appear on 'Bring a Trailer' recently; a more exclusive 2015 SLS AMG GT Final Edition with even fewer miles was previously auctioned on the platform, garnering significant bids. For those who missed that chance, this 2012 model represents another excellent opportunity to own one of AMG's most celebrated creations. The auction is ongoing, with bids currently at $196,000 and four days remaining. Prospective buyers should be prepared for a competitive bidding environment, as the final price is expected to exceed $200,000, underscoring the enduring desirability of this automotive masterpiece.

2020 Audi R8 5.2 Quattro V10: A Supercar Balancing Elegance and Power

The 2020 Audi R8 5.2 Quattro V10 represents a remarkable blend of sophisticated engineering and thrilling automotive prowess. With a powerful V10 engine, all-wheel drive, and a unique aesthetic, this model carves out a niche in the high-performance vehicle segment. It offers a refined driving experience, yet it is capable of delivering intense thrills on the open road. This particular example, available through Exotic Car Trader, stands out due to its low mileage and distinctive visual package.

Detailed Report: The 2020 Audi R8 5.2 Quattro V10's Enduring Allure

In October 2025, a pristine 2020 Audi R8 5.2 Quattro V10, with a modest 17,701 miles on its odometer, was showcased for sale on the platform Exotic Car Trader. This vehicle, an epitome of automotive excellence, is painted in a pristine Ibis White, beautifully contrasting with its vibrant Express Red interior. The R8's sleek lines are further enhanced by a Carbon Exterior Package, which includes carbon fiber mirror caps, a front splitter, and a custom-mounted rear wing spoiler. Red brake calipers peek from behind 20-inch wheels, adding a splash of color to the monochromatic exterior. The entire body is protected by a full stealth Ceramic Pro Paint Protection Film (PPF), giving it a subtle satin finish while preserving the paintwork beneath. Advanced LED headlights with Audi Laser Light Technology illuminate the path forward, affirming its modern luxury status.

Inside the cabin, the R8 continues to impress with Audi's renowned craftsmanship. The Express Red leather seats provide a striking visual and tactile experience, complemented by an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel for a race-inspired grip. The Virtual Cockpit digital display ensures all vital information is readily available to the driver, enhancing the intuitive nature of the interior. Comfort features like heated seats and a premium 13-speaker sound system elevate the driving experience, making even long journeys enjoyable. This interior design underscores Audi's commitment to creating a driver-focused environment that doesn't compromise on luxury or technological integration.

Under the hood, the R8 houses a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine, a powerful relic in an era increasingly dominated by hybrid powertrains. This engine delivers its immense power close to an 8,500 rpm redline, paired with a swift seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This combination ensures immediate and predictable power delivery, offering a pure, unadulterated driving sensation that is characteristic of naturally aspirated engines. Adding to its acoustic appeal, the car features a Capristo-valved exhaust, custom-tuned by Pearson, which produces a deep, mechanical note without overpowering the engine's inherent sound. Power is efficiently transferred to all four wheels through Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, providing exceptional grip and stability, whether navigating challenging country roads or commuting in adverse weather conditions.

The Journalist's Perspective: A Timeless Machine in a Changing Automotive Landscape

The 2020 Audi R8 5.2 Quattro V10 stands as a testament to the disappearing art of naturally aspirated supercars. In an automotive world rapidly shifting towards electrification and hybridization, this R8 offers a poignant reminder of mechanical purity and direct sensory feedback. Its V10 engine, with its linear power delivery and intoxicating sound, connects the driver to the machine in a way that forced induction or electric powertrains often struggle to replicate. This car isn't just a mode of transport; it's a statement, a celebration of traditional performance engineering that provides both daily usability and heart-pounding excitement. For enthusiasts and collectors, this R8 represents an increasingly rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history that masterfully balances aggressive performance with luxurious refinement and distinctive style.

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Pininfarina Embraces AI for the Vittori Turbio Hypercar Design

The automotive industry is witnessing a groundbreaking fusion of tradition and innovation as the renowned Italian design house, Pininfarina, ventures into uncharted territory with the Vittori Turbio hypercar. This collaboration with the Californian startup Vittori represents a significant pivot from conventional design practices, embracing artificial intelligence as a primary creative tool. Unlike projects initiated with traditional hand-drawn sketches, the Turbio's genesis involved hundreds of AI-generated conceptual renders, which served as the foundational visual language for its development. Pininfarina's role was to translate these advanced digital concepts into a fully realized, operational vehicle, culminating in its debut as a functional concept rather than merely a static display piece. This innovative approach prompts a contemplation on the evolving landscape of automotive design, questioning whether this signifies a natural progression or a departure from established artistic methodologies.

Vittori's CEO, Carlos Cruz, championed this unconventional path, presenting Pininfarina not with conventional artistic drafts but with a vast collection of AI-generated images. This decision aimed to expedite the visualization of diverse design possibilities, allowing for a rapid iteration process that would be impractical with traditional methods. The result is a hypercar that marries Pininfarina's legacy of exquisite design with a futuristic, data-driven aesthetic. The integration of AI extends beyond initial conceptualization, influencing various aspects of the Turbio's development and manufacturing, illustrating a comprehensive adoption of advanced technological solutions in high-performance vehicle creation.

Beneath the captivating exterior of the Vittori Turbio lies a potent naturally-aspirated V12 hybrid engine, meticulously engineered by Italtecnica, a company celebrated for its soulful powertrains featured in vehicles from manufacturers like Totem Automobili and Kimera Automobili. This hybrid system unleashes an impressive 1,100 horsepower, propelling the Turbio from 0 to 62 mph in an estimated 2.5 seconds. The vehicle's exterior design subtly references iconic marques such as McLaren and Alfa Romeo's latest hypercar, yet it carves out its own distinct identity through features like a hexagonal grille and sleek headlights, showcasing a blend of familiar and novel design elements.

The application of AI in the Turbio's creation is not limited to its visual appeal; it also plays a crucial role in its structural integrity. Artificial intelligence-powered 3D printing techniques are employed to construct the chassis, utilizing advanced materials like carbon fiber, titanium, and specialized alloys. This method ensures both lightweight construction and exceptional strength. Inside the cockpit, Vittori deliberately steers away from the prevalent trend of touchscreen-dominated interiors, opting instead for a driver-centric environment with physical knobs, dials, and switches, emphasizing mechanical engagement and a more tactile driving experience. This choice reflects a desire to preserve a sense of traditional interaction within a technologically advanced machine.

The exclusivity of the Vittori Turbio is underscored by its limited production run, with only 50 units planned for manufacturing. Each hypercar carries an approximate price tag of $2.5 million, with initial deliveries anticipated in the final quarter of 2027. Vittori, established last year by Cruz, harbors an ambitious vision to reshape high-performance mobility, with future plans extending to the development of eVTOL aircraft. Although based in the United States, the company maintains its manufacturing operations in Italy, a strategic decision that underscores its commitment to honoring established automotive craftsmanship while simultaneously embracing and integrating state-of-the-art technological advancements. This approach signifies a forward-looking strategy that seeks to balance heritage with the progressive demands of the modern automotive landscape.

This pioneering venture by Pininfarina and Vittori into AI-driven design raises profound questions about the evolution of creativity in the automotive sector. As a design powerhouse with nearly a century of tradition, Pininfarina's embrace of AI-assisted concepts prompts debate: Is this a visionary stride towards an augmented future for automotive design, or does it signal a potential dilution of the human artistic touch? The Vittori Turbio serves as a tangible manifestation of this ongoing dialogue, challenging preconceived notions about design processes and hinting at what lies ahead for vehicle aesthetics and engineering.

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