2011 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Receives Minor Cosmetic Updates

Mercedes-Benz's 510-horsepower-strong ML63 AMG SUV has received some rather minor upgrades for the 2011 model year. The subtle changes to the exterior include a newly styled bonnet with power domes, darkened bi-xenon headlamps with active light function and smoked tail lamps incorporating a clear-lens design and LED technology. And that about covers the updates to the 2011 ML63 AMG model.

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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.

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Vorsteiner Releases V6E Kit for Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Vorsteiner has a new aero kit for the latest AMG E63, and it's called the V6E. The body kit consists of a front lip spoiler, trunk spoiler, and diffuser all made of carbon fiber.

Also part of the package are Vorsteiner's forged V-308 rims, which have an interesting claim to fame if you take Vorsteiner at their word: they're "the most concave wheel available on the market". Hey, whatever helps you stand out.

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class Returns to the UK Market, Available in Three Flavors

After a ten year absence from the UK, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class will return to the German firm's biggest right hand drive market this Autumn. The oldest model in Merc's lineup that recently celebrated 30th birthday will be offered with a choice of diesel or supercharged petrol engines.

In particular, UK drivers be able to choose between the diesel-powered G 350 CDI which produces 221HP and returns 25.7 mpg UK, and the range topping G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR, which produces 500HP and reaches 0-62 mph (100km/h) in just 5.5 seconds.

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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with New Bi-Turbo V8

Even though the standard 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is still undergoing development, the company's AMG division has began testing the high-performance version of the series.

Expected to arrive shortly after the standard M-Class model, which itself, will go on sale in late 2011, the ML 63 AMG will feature the brand's newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in place of the outgoing car's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit.

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New Mercedes-Benz (W204) C63 AMG with 457hp and 600Nm!

Mercedes-Benz has released details of its long-awaited new C63 AMG, based on the latest W204 C-Class. Its AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine develops a peak output of 336 kW/457 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm � unrivalled figures in this segment. As expected with such brutal output figures, the C63 AMG rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. In conjunction with an all-new front axle, speed-sensitive AMG sports steering and the new, 3-stage ESP�, the AMG sports suspension ensures both outstanding driving enjoyment and exemplary handling dynamics. A combination of bolder design, a sportier but still comfortable interior and a high level of everyday practicality makes the C63 AMG a unique high-performance car.

With the new C63 AMG, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is making a confident statement to mark the 40th birthday of the company. The new V8 flagship model is now the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class, whose family tree goes back to the C36 AMG of 1993 � the very first vehicle developed as a co-operative venture between Daimler-Benz and AMG.

The C63 AMG is looking muscular with its wide, road-hugging stance. The new bonnet with its prominent twin power domes (think: 1st gen SLK) conceals the independently-developed AMG 6208cc V8, which develops a heady 457 hp at 6800 rpm. In this respect, the C63 AMG comes very close to the 470 or so horsepower delivered by the AMG C-Class racing touring car in the DTM series.

The torque developed by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, of 600Nm at 5000rpm is unrivalled in this class, and the torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250rpm the driver always has more than 500Nm on tap � ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range, in any gear of the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-G Tronic automatic transmission.

Worldwide launch and sale of the new C63 AMG will be in early 2008, with right-hand drive models to follow months after.

Related post:

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-2008-mercedes-benz-c63-amg.html

New 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

By Dr Long


Mercedes-Benz�s latest vehicle to undergo AMG transformation will be the recently premiered W204 C-Class. It will be named � rather expectedly � C63 AMG, a successor to the outgoing 2006 model of lower alpha-numerical order, the C55 AMG.

The luxury automaker has been plonking its new AMG hand-made 6.3L V8 into every conceivable model of late. To date, DaimlerChrysler AG have for sale the CLK63, E63, S63, CLS63, R63 and the ML63, all in AMG guise. Next up, the junior exec sedan in MB's lineup will get the same 32valve DOHC V8 displacing 6,208cc. Official output figures are 507hp @ 6,800 rpm and 630Nm of torque @ 5,200 rpm in most versions. In the C63 AMG however, this sophisticated 6.3-litre V8 will be massaged further to pump out massive (estimated) 520bhp! Should this power trip materialises, this �baby� Mercedes saloon is slated to be the fastest car of its kind in the world. But it is widely expected to churn out �only� 485bhp in its final form. In comparison, the most powerful C-Class model currently sold is the W203 C55 AMG, which is already delivering a punchy 362hp from its 5.5L twin-Kompressor V8.

According to insider sources at MB�s AMG division, the C63 should be able to outgun the 420bhp Audi RS4 as well as the upcoming BMW M3, which is rumored to be good for around 415bhp. If all claims come true, this hotter C-Class may lead the teutonic trio�s power race.All that brute will be sent to the C63's rear wheels via Merc�s current 7-G Tronic transmission, albeit retuned for better shift responsiveness and incisiveness. An AWD, 4Matic model is also expected further down the road. Standard lightweight AMG alloys are 18-inches with upsizing options. Six-piston calipers up front bite fade-resistant ceramic-composite disc rotors, to effectively haul this AMG saloon down from speed.

AMG director of marketing and sales/branding, Mario Spitzner promises a compact muscle car that�s sportier with more crisp performance. However, he exclaimed: "The world doesn't need two M3s", adding that the Merc is likely a more civilised tourer minus that European boy-racers� demeanour. Loosely translated it means that the C63 will remain aesthetically understated versus its Munich rival, with ride and handling that are aptly refined. In other words, not sacrificing comfort in the quest of all-out hard-edged handling, a common and affable trait for the three-pointed star - with the exception of DTM cars and the McLaren SLR supercar. We can expect not only a powerful drive, but a smooth and comfortable ride too, with steering and chassis that emphasises composure and confidence on the road.

Prototype C63s have been caught undergoing high-speed testing on several occasions on autobahns and at Germany�s challenging N�rburgring circuit. The super upmarket C63 AMG has been spied to sport a lower and wider air dam with bigger air inlets. Other key differences from the normal C-Class variants will be a set of imposing quad exhausts and the �obligatory-now-for-high-performance-car� rear diffuser. This high performance BMW M3 and Audi RS4 challenger is expected to be unveiled sometime in 2008, possibly at next year�s Geneva International Motor Show.

Related post:

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/02/mercedes-benz-all-new-c-class-w204-in.html

SLK55 AMG - A Merc to die for

I couldn�t believe my eyes. What luck, standing in front of me, a roadster and not just any roadster. It was a Mercedes SLK. You may still say, so what, seen loads of them around. (Well loads maybe exaggerating a little here) I took a closer look at the badge and I immediately ask the owner, can I have a spin in it.

You�re right, your eyes are not deceiving you and the badge has the engine in the bonnet to back it up.

Here is my quick take/experience of piloting a Mercedes SLK55 AMG!

I was holidaying down under and was visiting a friend when I chanced upon his spanking new SLK55. Ok where do I start, right let�s get to the specs first. What makes this so special is the gem of the V8. It has 5439 cubic capacity delivering 360 Hp and wait for this, 510 Nm of torque. Just imagine that amount of torque in a 2 seater roadster. 0-100km/h arrives at a shade below 5 seconds. I didn�t have a GTech with me but the manufacturer�s claim is believable. To top it all off, it came with the ultra smooth shifting 7-Gtronic automatic with AMG speedshift.

Now time for the drive. I got into the driver�s seat, did the necessary adjustments all this while my heart was pounding. The biggest engine I have ever driven is a 4 liter car in US, so I was really anxious and was very careful with the throttle. So I started off really slow. (My friend was frowning wondering if I knew how to drive) The throttle pedal felt very Merc like i.e. C, E class. Once I got a little use to the steering, I looked at my friend and grin. He read me grin spot on, he gave me the thumbs up and said floor it. (We took the car onto the M4 motorway) Words can�t express the feeling. Now I know what they meant by being shot out of a cannon. Being pinned to your seats and just feeling the G force. The throbbing and blurbs from the V8�and�the�four�large�pipes�at�the�rear was too intoxicating. You could just die for, each time you planted your foot on the go-pedal.

In comparison, I had recently driven a SLK320 (older model) which to me didn�t really handle that well for a �sports� car but this newer model is another beast all together. Steering feel of the old model felt vague and too light for my taste. The newer model has rectified this bane and played the genre of a sports roadster smack on. The car tracked perfectly and you knew where and what the front wheels were doing each time you twirled the steering. We easily hit 100 km/h without even trying and since speed limits are strictly adhered I was very weary all the while. The car felt like a rottweiler tugging at its leash raring to go.

The interior is really sporty. I just love the AMG aluminum trims. It really livens up the cabin and puts a touch of classiness. The size and feel of the AMG steering wheel was just right, in terms of size, grip and looks. Bravo! The car did feel a little tight, space wise. Maybe I am just not use to it as some may call it a snug fit.

To sum it all up, during my brief drive, I just love this car, from the way the hard top retracts into the boot to the way it screams down the road each time you command it. To some extend, I felt the engine was too powerful for such a small car. Last but not least, the best part of it all, the base price for this car is about AUS$ 160,000. (I kept asking my friend how much he paid for it, but he was just too modest and didn�t want to share). Yup you read correctly, base price of only 160K. When you convert that to MYR, it is around 448K. With that you can�t even buy a SLK 200! (base price of MYR 468K)

Now how can I apply to work down under?

Spied: Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class

By Dr Long

The successor to the current W211 E-Class isn't expected to make its official public appearance until the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Codenamed unsurprisingly - in an ascending numerical tag - as W212, right hand drive units are predicted to roll off production line only by early 2010. Yet, DaimlerChrysler AG has been caught busy with its development work of late.

In trend with current developments seen in the new C-Class (W204) and the facelifted E-Class (W211), Mercedes is expected to standard-fit a more conventional braking system (Adaptive Brake), as the electro-hydraulic SBC set-up has proved expensive to make and maintain (costly recalls and upgrade). Electronic driver aids - ala the W221 S-Class � like advanced stability control, night vision assist and lane departure warnings will be standard in the higher end line up.

Styling is expected to take leads from the latest S-Class plus the just-premiered C-Class, with more sculpted bumpers, bulging wheel arches and more sharp-edge lines. Design cues like decked-on bonnet (as seen in the B, C and R-Class), chromed window frames and distinct rising flank lines are probably omnipresent too.

Engine range is expected to be topped by the same V8 found in the E63 AMG, being normally aspirated. However, it is still too early to predict whether the supercharged M271 all-aluminium engine will soldier on for the �entry-level� models come 2010. Predictions are abound that Mercedes-Benz will likely introduce direct injection - for its petrol engines � with turbocharging as well for the smaller capacity blocks. For the European market mainly, diesel CDI variants will carry over Merc�s greener BLUETEC technology.

Pictures from channel4.com