In September of last year, hundreds of thousands of visitors attended a little get-together known as the International Auto Show.  Although typically thought of as a male-dominated gathering, there was one vehicle at the show that drew both moms and stay at home dads to it like bees to a honeypot.

That vehicle was the Mercedes-Benz Vision R 63 AMG, a four wheel drive minivan packing an astounding 6.3-Liter 510 horsepower V8 and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Unfortunately at the time, the Vision R 63 was exactly that - a vision. Mothers were forced to return home, baking their blueberry muffins and dreaming of blowing the doors off the other mom's Odysseys, while stay at home dads had nothing to look forward to other than their daily rendezvous with the women of The View and fantasizing about not having to drive that damn Dodge Caravan any more.

Today, regardless of which of the afore-mentioned categories you fall into, those dreams have become a reality.  Mercedes has officially announced that the Mercedes R 63 AMG will see series production, starting sometime in the third quarter of this year.

After reading the previous details of the Vision R 63 AMG, the production R 63 AMG remains largely unchanged.  As I've already mentioned, it features the mesmerizing AMG 6.3-Liter V8, an engine that every Mercedes' owner aspires to, paired with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission, a DIRECT SELECT shift lever, and three driving modes.  The result is a 0-60 time of 5.0 seconds for the short wheelbase R-Class, while the longer wheelbase R is a tad bit slower at 5.1 seconds.

As you can see from the photos, the Mercedes R 63 AMG also features the typical AMG styling.  Highlights include both front and rear aprons, side skirts, and to complement the R-Class' new-found sportiness, Mercedes opted to add 20 inch AMG light alloy wheels as well (21 inch are optional).  Inside, the R 63 features AMG sport seats in the front, nappa leather upholstery with Alcantara inserts, and trim in black aluminum.

For more info, you can find a few photos of the R 63 AMG below, and the full press release follows. Enjoy.









OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


The new Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG: A new combination of dynamism, power and comfort

Affalterbach, Feb 09, 2006

Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the brand-new R 63 AMG at the Chicago Auto Show (February 10 to 19, 2006). This particularly dynamic interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is powered by the new AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine. With an output of 375 kW/510 hp, 630 Newton metres of torque and permanent four-wheel drive, the Grand Sports Tourer by AMG offers an unprecedented combination of unrivalled sportiness, spaciousness and top-class comfort for up to six passengers.

With the R 63 AMG, Mercedes-AMG has once again demonstrated its expertise in the design of unique high-performance cars. Following on from the unveiling of the Vision R 63 AMG at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main in September 2005, and the positive response to this show car, the series-produced model is now being launched. The market launch of the R 63 AMG in the USA will commence in the third quarter of 2006.

Like the series-produced version of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class, which is now appearing in the showrooms of company-owned Mercedes-Benz outlets and dealerships, the new R 63 AMG is available with a short or long wheelbase. With its highly sophisticated technology, avantgarde appearance and luxurious interior, the six-seater is the epitome of the sporty and dynamic trendsetter.

AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine guarantees dynamic performance

With an output of 375 kW/510 hp and 630 Newton metres of torque, this large, newly developed, naturally-aspirated AMG eight-cylinder unit ensures effortless, dynamic progress. The R 63 AMG with the short wheelbase accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds (R 63 AMG with long wheelbase: 5.1 seconds) and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with steering wheel gearshift buttons, a DIRECT SELECT shift lever and three driving modes.

A combination of four-wheel drive with a 40:60 percent torque distribution to the front and rear axles, plus an AMG sports suspension with AIRMATIC air suspension, level control and the Adaptive Damping System, ensures outstanding handling safety and a dynamic or comfort-oriented style of driving – at the touch of a button, depending on the driver’s wishes. Extremely short braking distances are guaranteed by the large AMG high-performance braking system.

Exterior and interior with typical AMG exclusivity

Newly designed front and rear aprons in the typical AMG look, the two twin chrome-plated tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system and sporty, dark-tinted rear lights communicate sheer dynamism. The performance potential of the R 63 AMG is clearly indicated by the "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wings. 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design with 265/45 R 20 wide-base tyres give the side view its characteristic, eye-catching look. The R 63 AMG is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to offer 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels as an optional extra.

The interior of the R 63 AMG impresses with spaciousness, exclusive appointments and an extremely high perceived value. A sporty touch is provided by AMG sports seats in the front, nappa leather upholstery with Alcantara inserts for all the seats, decorative trim in black aluminium, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons and the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu and "RACETIMER".


Copyright © 2006, DaimlerChrysler AG