Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.

To kick this off this blisteringly hot July morning, Mercedes has released details of what prospective G-Class owners can come to expect from the latest rendition of the G55 AMG Kompressor.

Powered by a 368kW/500 hp 5.5-Liter V8, the new G55 features an increase in output of 18 kW and 24 horsepower. The increased power comes from an enhanced and retuned control unit, the result of which is a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 seconds (previous model: 5.6 seconds), while top speed is limited to 130 mph.

But engine enhancements aren't the only change the new G55 has received; customers will also benefit from a number of new standard appointments as well. New 18" AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with 285/55 R 18 wide-base tires give the G-Class a sporty-yet-rugged appearance; oval fog lamps with a cornering light function provide added visibility while traversing dark passages; ISOFIX child seat attachments in the second seat row help keep your child planted firmly in place no matter how treacherous the terrain; and more scratch resistant, nano-technology based paint finishes of calcite white, periclase green metallic and teallite blue metallic ensure the G55's appearance matches a wide variety of customer tastes and styles.

Available only as a five-door station wagon with a long wheelbase, the sales price in Germany of the G55 AMG Kompressor is set at EUR 113,332 (including 16% VAT), with orders being taken immediately and deliveries commencing in September of this year.

For more info, keep reading to view a number of photos showcasing the new G55 AMG Kompressor followed by the full press release. Enjoy.










OFFICIAL 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.

Copyright © 2006, DaimlerChrysler AG