AMG-Wagen gets a power boost

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also known as the Gelandewagen or G-Wagen, is a blocky, rough-and-tumble throwback that was supposed to disappear with the introduction of the stylish new GL-Class full-size SUV. A groundswell of support from aficionados (and new military contracts requiring its continued production) caused Mercedes to scuttle the cancellation plans and as a result, the 27-year-old "G" design is still with us today.

Best known for its considerable off-road prowess, the G-Wagen has also been available in hot-rodded AMG trim for some time. Today, Mercedes announced that the G-Class AMG is getting some added punch underhood. First things first: it isn't receiving the new 6.2L V8. Instead, the 5.5L Kompressor's ECU has been reprogrammed to produce 500 horsepower, up from 476. That increase shaves a tenth of a second off the truck's 0-60 time (now 5.5 sec), but doesn't change top speed, which remains electronically limited at 130 mph.

(Additional info, photos after the jump)

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

In addition to the added juice, the G55 receives new scratch-resistant finishes, painted 18" alloys, bi-xenon headlamps and new oval foglights with a cornering light function. It costs €113,332, and will be available in September. If you want one in a configuration other than the LWB 5-door wagon, you're outta luck.

With its two-and-a-half ton weight, armored-car aerodynamics, fuel-chugging supercharged V8, and heart-stopping price, the G55 AMG is a rolling monument to conspicuous consumption. You don't buy it because you need it. You buy it because you can. And as ridiculous as it is, somewhere deep inside you, a little voice is saying, "I want it."

We know. We hear it too.



PRESS RELEASE:
G 55 AMG Kompressor now with 368 kW/500 hp: Power increase for the AMG classic

Affalterbach, Jul 31, 2006
What is perhaps the strongest character in the Mercedes-AMG model range has been given a shot in the arm. Increased to 368 kW/500 hp, the output of the G 55 AMG now exceeds that of the predecessor model by 18 kW/24 hp. At the same time this classic cross-country vehicle has been treated to enhanced standard equipment which includes new AMG light-alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps with a cornering light function and new paint finishes with greater scratch resistance, based on nano-technology.

The increase in output from 350 kW/476 hp to 368 kW/500 hp is due to an enhanced and retuned engine control unit. The supercharged 5.5-litre AMG engine generates its maximum torque of 700 newton metres between 2750 and 4000 rpm. These exceptional figures are a guarantee of effortless performance: the G 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds (preceding model: 5.6 s), the maximum speed remains 210 km/h (electronically limited). The AMG sports exhaust system with its two oval twin tailpipes emerging at an angle in front of the rear wheels, as well as the characteristic AMG V8 sound, provide an ample visual and acoustic indication of the engine power to be expected of the G 55 AMG Kompressor.

Both on and off-road, the G 55 AMG gives its occupants a feeling of serenity, exclusivity and dynamic potential. As always, the classic among Mercedes-Benz off-roaders provides a convincing synthesis of highly efficient drive and dynamic handling control systems. In addition to permanent all-wheel drive with a low-range gearbox, the standard appointments include the electronic traction system for all-wheel drive 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and differential locks which can be engaged at the touch of a button. Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, has been producing the G-Class on behalf of Mercedes-Benz since 1979, with more than 186,000 examples built to date. And there is no end to this success story in sight.

Enhanced standard appointments with AMG light-alloy wheels in titanium grey

Visually, the new model year G 55 AMG is distinguishable from its predecessor by 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with 285/55 R 18 wide-base tyres. The extensive standard appointments have been further enhanced, now including bi-xenon headlamps, oval foglamps with a cornering light function and ISOFIX child seat attachments in the second seat row. The more scratch resistant, nano-technology based paint finishes of calcite white, periclase green metallic and teallite blue metallic are also new. The top-of-the-line model in the G-Class is available only as a five-door Station Wagon with a long wheelbase, and may be ordered in Mercedes-Benz sales outlets with immediate effect. The selling price is 113,332 EUR (incl. 16% VAT), and customer deliveries will commence in September 2006.

In addition to the classic G 55 AMG Kompressor, the Mercedes-AMG model lineup features two other powerful and versatile all-rounders: the new ML 63 AMG and R 63 AMG, both equipped with the 378 kW/510 hp, naturally aspirated 6.3-litre AMG V8-engine.