The current ML 63 AMG is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering -in U.S. spec- 503HP at 6,800 rpm and a peak torque of 465 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm. Even thought the 63 badge will remain, as with other new AMG models, the flagship version of the next ML will ditch the 6.2-liter lump for the firm’s newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 boasting direct-injection technology.
The massaging includes a sports camshaft, reworked cylinder heads, a new manifold and down pipe, high flow catalytic converters and a reconfigured ECU that help nudge output from 457HP and 600Nm to 601HP and 720Nm (531 lb-ft) of peak torque. Wimmer RS also removes the electronic speed limiter allowing the modified C63 AMG to reach a maximum velocity of 329 km/h (204.6 mph). The engine conversion by Wimmer RS costs €19,900 or about US$26,700.
While we can only speculate on the unnamed concept model, it is very likely that the AMG production car is the SLS AMG Roadster as it was recently teased in the German firm’s SuperBowl commercial.
As for the North American motorshow debuts, these are new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350, C-Class Coupe, and C-Class (the latter was shown at a special media event on the sidelines of the Detroit Show in January).
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As with the sedan model, the V8 powerplant in the 2012 C63 AMG Coupe will be offered in two states of tune. The basic version churns out 457HP and peak torque of 600Nm in EU-spec, and 451HP and 443 lb-ft in US-trim, for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds [0-60mph in 4.4 sec] and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h [155mph].
Customers can opt for the AMG Development Package that pushes output to 487HP in the EU model and 481HP in the U.S.-spec variant, for a 0 to 100 km/h to 4.4 seconds [0-60mph in 4.3 sec] and a limited maximum speed of 174 mph [280km/h].
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Carlsson showed up at the Geneva Salon with a new version of its C25 supercar dubbed Royale. Based on the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, the heavily customized coupe with the fixed rooftop will be built in a limited run of 25 units. Company officials said six vehicles have already been sold and will be delivered to the customers in 2011. According to Carlsson, each C25 Royale takes six months from order to delivery.
Compared to the Mercedes SL65 AMG coupe-cabriolet, the C25 Royale is 180 kilograms lighter, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, which is found on the hood and the fixed roof. This contributes to a lower center of gravity, in addition to the revision of the weight distribution, both aimed at offering improved handling.
Other weight-saving measures include the fitting of a full ceramic brake system, which is 50 percent lighter than on the SL 65 AMG. The German sports car also features a C-Tronic Suspension system developed by Carlsson, which detects road conditions and driving style and acts accordingly. For instance, on bad roads, the car is raised to offer better ride comfort.
At the heart of the C25 Royale is the biturbo V12-engine, tuned to deliver753 horsepower and 1,320 Nm of torque (973 lb-ft), which is electronically limited to 1,150 Nm (848 lb-ft). These impressive figures allow the C25 Royale to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,7 seconds and reach a top speed of 352 km/h (219 mph).
The custom exterior styling is matched to a bespoke interior with Carlsson offering buyers a variety of choices in features and materials.
The actual C63 AMG Coupe could be revealed as early as this year's edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Given that the two-door model is based on the current C-Class series, it's almost certain that the two-door variant will keep the 2012 C63 AMG Sedan's 6.2-liter V8, which produces 457HP and 600Nm / 442 lb-ft of torque in standard trim and 487HP with the optional AMG Performance package.
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The pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is the object of MR Car Design's latest tuning program. The exterior kit for the hardtop roadster model includes a lightweight carbon fiber hood from Kicherer, smoked up turn signals all around and the rear diffuser from the newer 2009MY SL 65 AMG. A set of shiny 20-inch alloy wheels from Carlsson and custom-made Black Series gauge dials inside complete the styling package.
To improve performance, the Germany-based tuning firm optimized the bi-turbocharged V12 engine's ECU and added a custom sports exhaust system, which help lift output by 80HP for a total of 692-horses. The removal of the electronic speed limiter and the addition of an electronic module that lower the roadster model's ride height by 30 mm round off the changes.
If you happen to be in New York City for the next week or so and consider yourself a trendy person, keep an eye out for a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG clad in a Fashion Force uniform resembling a police car. To explain, as part of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week festivities, the German sports saloon will be patrolling the streets of Manhattan to spot "style setters".
Those that fit the description will be pulled over and rewarded with a ride to their next destination and have their picture taken, while several will receive invitations to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runway shows as well as to the official fashion force culmination event, hosted by Brad Goreski in the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge.
"The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force car is a statement about New York being one of the greatest fashion capitals of the world and the confident approach to individualistic style that people strive to explore throughout this amazing city," said stylist Brad Goreski.
We'd like to assume that picking up trend setters from the streets is not what the AMG division's engineers had in mind when crafting the 2012 CLS 63 AMG, but then again, we doubt that Merc's clientele are your typical speed freaks.
"Mercedes-Benz has a natural affinity with the world of fashion with cars that appeal to those with a strong sense of style," said Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience for Mercedes-Benz USA. "The 2012 CLS 63 AMG four-door coupe is the perfect vehicle for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force initiative with its fascinating design and significant curb appeal."
The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011 will take place in New York, NY at Lincoln Center from February 10-17.
