As you already know, today kicks off the opening of the New York International Auto Show, and with it the introduction of the the updated Mercedes E-Class.  To launch the new model, Mercedes has published a plethora of press releases dealing with pretty much every aspect of the vehicle.

But before we get into the E-Class' technical details, I thought instead we'd start with the news power-hungry E-Class owners everywhere have been waiting to hear - the details of the new Mercedes E 63 AMG.

Powered by a 6.3 Liter V8 that produces 378 kW/514 hp and a maximum torque of 630 Nm, the Mercedes E 63 AMG is the most powerful E-Class ever produced by Mercedes.  Available as either a saloon or estate model, the E 63 benefits from a wealth of new model updates, including PRE-SAFE, the Intelligent Lighting System and adaptive brake lights. Of course, if you're opting for the E 63, as opposed to say the E 320, chances are it's not because of the brake lights.  You want performance, and the E 63 has plenty.

To match the E 63's monstrous V8, Mercedes has paired the engine with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission.  Equipped with three individual shift programs, the system allows drivers to choose between more comfort-oriented or sporty gear changes, either in automatic mode or manually, using AMG aluminum shift paddles behind the steering wheel.  To help improve the E's handling, an adjustable AMG AIRMATIC DC sport suspension has been added, and to ensure stopping in a timely fashion, Mercedes threw in an AMG high performance braking system for good measure.  The result is a factory four-door luxury sedan that can accelerate from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds (or 4.7 seconds for the estate model). 

Beautiful.

Of course, no AMG model is complete without a bit of custom styling, and the E 63 AMG is no exception. For the exterior, Mercedes opted to include a new front apron, side skirts, rear apron, sport exhaust, and last but certainly not least, 18" AMG light-alloy wheels, 'cause you gotta stay fly.  Inside, a few highlights include AMG sport seats with alcantara inserts, an AMG sport steering wheel, and an AMG instrument cluster.

Got all that?   If not, don't worry.  Keep scrolling, look at the pictures, and get a refresher course in the full press release below.









OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


E 63 AMG: The most powerful E-Class of all time

• Zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds with a 378 kW/514 hp eight-cylinder engine
  
  
• Sports seats with a nappa leather/alcantara combination

Stuttgart, Apr 12, 2006
Mercedes-AMG presented the E 63 AMG for the first time at the New York International Auto Show. Powered by the new, naturally aspirated AMG V8-engine, which develops a maximum output of 378 kW/514 hp and a maximum torque of 630 newton metres from a displacement of 6.3 litres, the E 63 AMG is the most powerful E-Class of all time. Available as a Saloon or Estate, this top-of-the-line E-Class model occupies the leading position in its segment, where no other vehicle has more output, torque and displacement.

The E 63 AMG also benefits from all the model enhancements which make the new-generation E-Class stand out, for example the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, the new Intelligent Light System or the new adaptive brake lights. Developed completely independently by AMG, this 6-3-litre V8-engine is the world’s only power unit to combine the high-revving concept with a large displacement – the result is around 20 percent more torque than from comparable engines in this output class. In line with Mercedes-AMG tradition, the new powerpack is hand-built in the AMG engine workshops on the "one man, one engine" principle. Thus equipped, the E 63 AMG Saloon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (Estate: 4.6 s). The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC, sports suspension and braking system

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed automatic transmission is the perfect partner to the naturally aspirated AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine: equipped with three individual shift programmes, it enables the driver to choose between more comfort-oriented or extra-sporty gear changes – either in automatic mode or manually, using the new AMG aluminium shift paddles on the steering wheel. Outstanding handling safety is guaranteed by the AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated, perforated disc brakes all-round. The particularly highly stressed front brakes feature innovative composite technology.

The AMG sports suspension based on the semi-active air suspension system AIRMATIC DC includes the Adaptive Damping System ADS II and allows the driver to choose between more comfortable or very sporty handling characteristics. The shock absorbers and springs instantly adapt to the current driving situation, but can also be manually modified in three stages at the touch of a button. The 8.5 and 9.0-inch wide, titanium grey, high-sheen 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a new five-spoke design are fitted with wide-base tyres in size 245/40 and 265/35.

The new AMG wheels are not the only distinguishing feature of the E 63 AMG. A lasting impression is also created by the new, heavily contoured AMG front apron, large air dams and round foglamps with chrome surrounds. Heat from the integral, additional engine oil cooler integrated into the front bumper is able to dissipate via air vents in the sides. This top-of-the-line E-Class model is also immediately identifiable by the "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wings. Dynamic side skirts, tinted rear light clusters in a new design and a redesigned AMG rear apron for the Saloon impressively round off the visual impact. The new AMG breakaway edge (Saloon only) reduces lift at the rear axle by up to 30 percent. Both visually and acoustically, the AMG sports exhaust system with its two twin chrome tailpipes underlines the dynamic character of the E 63 AMG.

AMG sports seats with alcantara inserts and a new AMG sports steering wheel

These striking and exclusive features are continued in the interior: a sporty touch is provided by the AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery and alcantara inserts in the shoulder area, as well as the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with a perforated leather lining and AMG aluminium shift paddles. Perfect workmanship and a carefully coordinated colour scheme ensure an atmosphere of the highest quality.

The driver is kept well informed by the new AMG instrument cluster with attractive dial instruments, a speedometer graduated to 320 km/h and red needles. The integral AMG main menu display shows the currently selected gear including an upshift prompt, as well as either the engine oil temperature or the battery voltage and the RACETIMER. This new function enables the driver to measure lap times on an enclosed track. The RACETIMER records the time for the fastest lap, the average and maximum speeds and the lap distance.

Outstanding safety with standard PRE-SAFE®

Like all the variants of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the new E 63 AMG benefits from the extensive model enhancements which guarantee optimal handling safety. For example the standard inclusion of PRE-SAFE®, the preventive, award-winning safety system offered exclusively by Mercedes-Benz. PRE-SAFE® already recognises critical situations as they develop: if braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or the vehicle threatens to develop a skid, the system tensions the front seat belts as a precaution, adjusts the position, height and cushion/backrest angle of the front passenger seat, and closes the side windows and sliding sunroof to leave only a small gap.

As a new optional extra the E 63 AMG can be equipped with the Intelligent Light System. This innovative, adaptive lighting system is based on bi-xenon headlamps, and adjusts to suit the relevant driving and weather situation for a significant improvement in safety. New lighting functions such as country and motorway light modes increase the driver’s range of visibility by up to 50 metres. The Intelligent Light System also includes the Active Light System and cornering light function, as well as new, enhanced foglamps which illuminate the road edges and therefore provide even better orientation when visibility is poor. Other safety features now featured as standard in all second-generation E-Class models also include adaptive rear lights and a tyre pressure loss warning system.

Copyright © 2006, DaimlerChrysler AG