Autoblog

Dartz promises own 6x6 G-Class with golden shishas and a dining room

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Russia, Design/Style, Luxury, Off-Road, MISC

So you didn't really think Dartz Motorz was going to let the limited-production, 544-horsepower Mercedes 6x6 G63 AMG go without a challenge, did you? Picking up the gauntlet as only Dartz can, the Russian dream-makers have come up with the Sahara G-eopard, supposedly a special request from a buyer to make one of the 'standard' six-wheelers "more opulent and insane."

That means the vehicle from the factory gets extended by about a foot (30 centimeters), coach doors in the rear, a "yacht floor" and air conditioning that runs on its own power source, Asanti 24-inch Gold Bullion wheels and a water dispenser with Russian diamonds, which the owner will need to fill the golden shishas (hookahs) in the portable smoking room. That's right, you heard the man: a portable smoking room. Where the occupants will retire when they're finished in the portable dining room. Of course.

Yes, it will even have leopard spotting painted onto its nano-coating, and so much more. You can check out the press release below from the source. Try not to be jealous.

Continue reading Dartz promises own 6x6 G-Class with golden shishas and a dining room

Dartz promises own 6x6 G-Class with golden shishas and a dining room originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes releases 6x6 G63 AMG specs and pics [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz has finally dropped full details on its insane G63 AMG 6x6. The machine puts 544 horsepower to all six wheels thanks to a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8. A seven-speed gearbox shuttles power to the ground via three sets of portal axles, which helps give this machine a full 15.75 inches of ground clearance. By comparison, the standard G63 AMG sits with just 8.27 inches of ground clearance. The extra lift allows this 6x6 to ford nearly 40 inches of water and run massive 37-inch tires. All told, there are five differential locks on this thing, all controlled by a special "locking logic" that provides the best traction possible for any given situation.

The controls offer up three stages of locking, which we can only assume range from JKLOL to OMGWTF. Right now, AMG says this monstrosity is only a show vehicle, but we imagine it wouldn't take much to convince the team to whip up one of your very own. Check out our full gallery and the press release below for all the nitty gritty. While you're down there, you can also check out the video on the machine one more time.

Continue reading Mercedes releases 6x6 G63 AMG specs and pics [w/video]

Mercedes releases 6x6 G63 AMG specs and pics [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury, Off-Road

We are fully confident in saying that this will be the most amazing thing you see all day. First of all, it's a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen - in AMG spec, no less. And it's being shown off in high-definition video glory, blasting through the desert, jumping over sand dunes, and generally being awesome. But here's the kicker: It has six wheels. Three axles. And they're all driven. Holy $%!#.

Under the hood is AMG's usual 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, and total output is rated at 536 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. That's impressive and all, but do keep in mind that the G63 6x6 weighs in at 8,322 pounds or, you know, the weight of two E-Class sedans. Combine that with its 18 inches of ground clearance, 37-inch tires and five locking differentials and you've got a vehicle capable of, well, everything you've ever imagined or will ever imagine for the rest of your life.

But the goodness doesn't stop once you open the doors. Oh, no. This thing is fit for a king - or a sheik, more appropriately - with ultimately luxurious seating for four. The rear bench seat has been removed in favor of two bucket seats with a fixed console in the middle, and the rear seats have been moved back beyond the usual B pillar to allow for more legroom.

According to Autoweek, the G63 AMG 6x6 will actually be for sale. Speaking to the magazine, the the head of G-Class development, Axel Harries, says that the off-road monster will likely be the second-most expensive Mercedes-Benz model, behind the $457,000 SLS Electric Drive. Right now, the automaker is looking to build maybe 20 or 30 units annually.

If the apocalypse is indeed coming, we'll take one of these to ride out the storm. Scroll down to watch a video of the G63 AMG 6x6 blowing your mind.

Continue reading How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle

How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes goes boating again with G63 AMG-inspired Cigarette

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury, Off-Road

Cigarette Racing has another Mercedes-Benz AMG-themed boat headed out to sea. After The SLS AMG-inspired 46-foot Rough Rider in 2010 and the C63 AMG Black Series-inspired 50-foot Marauder in 2012, this year's Miami Boat Show will introduce the 42-foot Huntress, theme provided by the G63 AMG.

The latest Cigarette homage is less overly racy than the ones before, befitting a watercraft modeled off a performance SUV, but don't let the looks fool: there are five Mercury Racing Verado 350SCi outboard engines, each one of them packing a supercharged inline six-cylinder with, natch, 350 horsepower. Those 1,750 horses will be good for 78 miles per hour when you've got some saltwater underneath you.

If you're in South Florida this week, Booth B-23 at the Miami Convention Center could be your best place to see it. Otherwise, like the 536-hp G63 AMG, it could be hard to catch. There's a press release with more information below.

Continue reading Mercedes goes boating again with G63 AMG-inspired Cigarette

Mercedes goes boating again with G63 AMG-inspired Cigarette originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Watch the Mercedes-Benz G-Class make its own parking spot

Chris Tutor — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, UK, Humor, Luxury

When you're the boss, parking is never a problem on the jobsite. Not even if someone has taken your reserved spot. Not even if they've taken your spot with, um, the office.

Because the boss drives a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and uses at least part of his V8's 560 pound-feet of torque to subtly - OK, not so subtly - create a space where the office formerly sat.

Oh, that's power. Not just the Geländewagen's 544 horsepower, but also the boss's power to jeopardize the health and well-being of his underlings, the condition of his $129,000 rolling anachronism, and do it without fear of consequence. Oh, and since the G63 isn't available in the States, he's probably doing it with a pretentiously amazing German accent.

Either that or there is MUCH more money to be made as a construction worker than we ever imagined.

Video proof below.

Continue reading Watch the Mercedes-Benz G-Class make its own parking spot

Watch the Mercedes-Benz G-Class make its own parking spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG [w/video]

Matt Davis — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury, Off-Road

The Marauder Of The Countryside Is Angry

There are some drive tests where we would love to have automated voice and sound transcription technology to be able to capture for you the thrills in real time. Don't let this plain ol' four-wheeled box fool you; the new Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is so full of character it's fit to burst.

You would not be chastised for staring at the exterior of the G63 and noticing nothing different from the 2012 Geländewagen. The changes outside are just a few and deliberately so; redesigning this icon is just as sensitive an issue as redesigning a Porsche 911 for those rabidly enamored of the old school image. To be brief - there are now turn indicators in the side-view mirrors, LED running lights, and on this new AMG model, the bumper and twin-blade grille are different from those on lesser trims.

Seriously, that's it. And though not a true new-generation truck, this is what passes for a significant refresh of the 463-generation of G-Class that launched way back in 1990, the same year Nelson Mandela was freed from prison, Germany was reunified and The Simpsons first hit the air.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG [w/video]

2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG mines excitement

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Three screen tests for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG have been completed, and we think it's gonna be a star. As with the G55, we expect the vehicle's reputation to far outshine its sales, but with an exponentially improved interior, 544 horsepower, 560 pound-feet and better gas mileage than its less powerful predecessor, we're talking about a whole lot of shining regardless.

With a base price well into six figures, the videos are the probably the only time you will ever see a G63 anywhere near dirt or kicking up flinty black rocks. If you start saving right now, you might be able to afford to buy one of its wheels when it arrives on our shores in August, or you can check it out for free in the videos after the jump.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG mines excitement

2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG mines excitement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes reveals G63 and G65 AMG ahead of Beijing

Zach Bowman — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, China, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Beijing Motor Show, Off-Road

Mercedes-Benz has been kind enough to give us all a glimpse of the company's 2013 G63 AMG ahead of the super SUV's debut at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. A 5.5-liter AMG-built twin-turbo V8 engine lurks behind the updated face, complete with a heady 544 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. The direct-injection engine is also laden with fuel-saving gear, including a start/stop system and an intelligent alternator that only charges the vehicle's electrical system when needed.

We're guessing the tech may help move the boxy Geländewagen's fuel economy from supremely abysmal to merely exceptionally atrocious. Mercedes-Benz hasn't released any solid estimates beyond saying the numbers have improved by around 13 percent on the EU cycle. Keep in mind, that's with 44 more horsepower than the outgoing G55 AMG. A seven-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties.

If the G63 AMG doesn't provide enough power for you, there's always brawny G65 AMG. With its twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine, the monster delivers 612 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. For perspective, that's more thrust than vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with a Duramax turbodiesel, the Ferrari 458 Italia or the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4. This dog will surely hunt.

European G-Class buyers can look forward to shelling out €137,504 (circa $180k USD) for the G63 AMG, including Value Added Tax. The G65 AMG, meanwhile, starts at a breathtaking €264,180 (roughly $347k). Mercedes-Benz suggests we should see the G63 AMG in the States beginning in August, but it's remaining mum on the G65's prospects, and it has not disclosed U.S. pricing. Learn more in the official release after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes reveals G63 and G65 AMG ahead of Beijing

Mercedes reveals G63 and G65 AMG ahead of Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes introduces 2013 G-Class, including 612-HP G65 AMG

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:42:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Hot on the bumpers of the New York Auto Show, the oddball Mercedes-Benz G-Class officially shows its ever-so-slightly redesigned face to the world. As we've discussed previously, it looks a whole lot like last year's model, but distinguishing tweaks outside include the dashes of LEDs underneath the headlights and new side mirrors.

The momentous advances have come inside and under the hood. The 612-horsepower, 738-pound-foot twin-turbo V12 G65 AMG is now a reality along with a 544-hp, twin-turbo V8 G63, both of them sitting above a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 in the carryover G550 (the G500 in Europe) and a diesel V6 in the Bluetec G350. Don't get your hopes up for that G65, though - Mercedes-Benz has confirmed to Autoblog that the V12 monster will not be coming to the United States.

Inside, the dash and console get a thorough resculpture, with bezeled dials in the cluster and discrete control pods replacing the flat planes in the previous model. Additional comfort and luxury options can be checked if one wishes for radar-based cruise control, Blind Spot Assist and Parktronic. The ESP programming has even been reworked to play nicely with trailers.

The 2013 G-Class will be available at European dealerships in June with U.S. sales to follow in August. Prices for our market haven't been released just yet, but we do know that the European version will start at €85,311 for the G350, which we also won't get (along with the cabriolet models). The current G550 starts at $107,000, so you should plan on adding a few grand to that to get in the 2013-model-year's big, square door.

Scroll down to read all about the new G-wagen models and have a gander at the new celebrity hotness in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Mercedes introduces 2013 G-Class, including 612-HP G65 AMG

Mercedes introduces 2013 G-Class, including 612-HP G65 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz G-Class to get twin-turbo V12 AMG version?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury, Off-Road

If you think the Porsche 911 is the champ at incremental revisions through successive generations, then you should have a look at the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, whose features change on a scale of geologic, not automotive time. We've had a peek at the 2013 G-Class and its new LEDs and mirrors, and at a camouflaged AMG version on test. That AMG, however, will be getting more than new trimmings when it arrives later this year: the twin turbo, 6.0-liter V12 from the SL65 AMG will be tucked under its bonnet. It's the first time the G-Class has gone with a dozen cylinders.

Since the G55 never got the 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated AMG engine, and so never switched to the G63 name, this could mean that it will stick with the same model name now that it's getting the twin turbo, 5.5-liter V8 with 536 horsepower. However, Autocar indicates the name will be changed to G63.

That would leave a little less branding daylight between it and the G65, but the power should convince: the bigger boy will have 621 horsepower and 737 pound-feet to work with, mojo enough to move it as fast a Bentley Mulsanne from a stoplight to 60 mph. Both it and the G55 will also get the 7G-Tronic transmission, while the G63 will add stop/start and brake energy recapture.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class to get twin-turbo V12 AMG version? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes G-Wagen reportedly to receive more updates for 2011

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Military, Luxury, Off-Road

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class - also known as the Geländewagen or G-Wagen for short - has had an interesting history, particularly in the U.S. market. The go-anywhere para-military SUV has been in production for over 30 years, but was only available in North America for much of its history as a gray-market import. Public demand eventually prompted Mercedes to officially offer the G-Wagen on American shores, where it proved a popular niche vehicle. In fact, its popularity prompted Mercedes to produce the GL-Class, which was originally envisioned as a replacement for the aging Geländewagen. The G was slated to cease production in 2006, but true to its rugged style and nary-unstopable capabilities, it's still here.

Over the past few years the G-Class has undergone a series of (largely cosmetic) updates, and reports now indicate that Mercedes has another one in store for the big dinosaur. While the boxy exterior is expected to carry over as the G's calling card, a few minor tweaks are in those cards, likely centered around the lights, bumpers and such. The cabin is slated for a thorough update, while updates under the hood will see the entire range Euro 5 emissions certified... no mean feat for such a behemoth.

At the top of the range, the old supercharged 5.4-liter V8 will continue to carry the G55 moniker - the last AMG model to do so - until the new direct-injection, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 comes along, oddly bearing the G63 AMG nameplate. Expect the new-but-still-recognizable G to bow at the Paris Motor Show this fall, with market roll-out to begin commensurately.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz G-Class EDITION30

[Source: autoevolution]

Mercedes G-Wagen reportedly to receive more updates for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments