At the International Auto Show this year, Mercedes is unveiling two never before seen models - the ML 63 AMG and the Vision R 63 AMG.  We've brought you both the stories before, so we won't bore you with specifics, but today Mercedes has released more photos of the two models.  As always, the AMG versions of both vehicles look great, even the world's fastest minivan.  The pictures are located below, and the press release follows.

Mercedes-Benz Vision R 63 AMG, exterior, studio shot



Mercedes-Benz Vision R 63 AMG, interior



Mercedes-Benz Vision R 63 AMG, interior



Mercedes-Benz Vision R 63 AMG, exterior, studio shot, detail



Mercedes-Benz Vision R 63 AMG, exterior, studio shot, detail



Mercedes-Benz M-Class, ML 63 AMG, exterior, studio shot



Mercedes-Benz M-Class, ML 63 AMG, interior



Mercedes-Benz M-Class, ML 63 AMG, interior



Mercedes-Benz M-Class, ML 63 AMG, exterior



Mercedes-Benz M-Class, ML 63 AMG, exterior



Mercedes-Benz M-Class, ML 63 AMG, exterior


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


ML 63 AMG, "Vision R 63 AMG" And AMG 6.3-Litre V8 engine: Three Powerful World Premieres By AMG



Stuttgart/Frankfurt, Sep 12, 2005

Mercedes-AMG is presenting three exciting high-performance products at the 61st Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA): the ML 63 AMG, the "Vision R 63 AMG" and the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine. With these three world premieres, the DaimlerChrysler Group's high-performance division is demonstrating both its special status and its expertise in the development of exceptional vehicles and high-performance engines.

The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG is the new benchmark among sporty off-roaders. Powered by the 375 kW/510 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, the new top-of-the-line M-Class model heads the competitive line-up and delivers the performance levels of a sports car: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds, with a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). This new off-roader developed by Mercedes-AMG represents sportiness and dynamism at the highest level, while its exclusive appointments meet the expectations of even the most demanding customers.

The "Vision R 63 AMG" is a particularly dynamic, near-series interpretation of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class, the Grand Sports Tourer. Powered by the all-new, completely independently developed AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with an output of 375 kW/510 hp and a maximum torque of 630 newton metres, the "Vision R 63 AMG" represents an unprecedented combination of unique, sporty driving pleasure, outstanding spaciousness and top-class comfort for up to six occupants.

Alongside the series-production version of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class, whose short wheelbase variant is celebrating its world premiere at the show, the "Vision R 63 AMG" with a long wheelbase, an avantgarde design and an extravagantly styled interior, will appear in the role of a sporty and dynamic trendsetter. This Mercedes-AMG interpretation of the Grand Sports Tourer confirms its exceptional position in the automotive market right from the very first glance. Externally, numerous details distinguish the muscular showcar from the series-production R-Class. The bodywork of the "Vision R 63 AMG" is resplendent in "dark titanium grey", whilst the external trim is in matt titanium grey. Newly designed front and rear aprons in the typical AMG look, bi-xenon headlamps with titanium-coated reflectors and the two twin chromed tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system convey unmistakable dynamism. Massive, matt titanium-painted 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 265/40 R 21 wide-base tyres all-round lend a striking effect to the side view of the almost 5.20-metre long Grand Sports Tourer. Behind the spokes of the AMG light-alloy wheels it is possible to discern the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system, which ensures extremely short braking distances.

Sports-car performance from the "Vision R 63 AMG"

The new AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine provides the performance characteristics of a thoroughbred sports car. With an output of 375 kW/510 hp and 630 newton metres of torque, the newly-developed, large-displacement naturally aspirated AMG eight-cylinder engine makes for a supremely assured and dynamic driving experience. The "Vision R 63 AMG" accelerates to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power is transferred by an AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles and a DIRECT SELECT shift lever. A combination of permanent all-wheel drive with a torque distribution of 40:60 between the front and rear axles, an AMG sports suspension based on the AIRMATIC air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System ensures the greatest possible handling safety and - at the touch of a button - allows a dynamic or more sporty style of driving.

The interior of the "Vision R 63 AMG" is impressively spacious, with a stylish colour scheme and luxurious appointments. Two-tone nappa leather, AMG sports seats in the first two seat rows, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles and the AMG instrument cluster convey sporty flair. Matching the exterior of the AMG showcar, most of the decorative trim in the interior features a matt titanium grey finish – complemented by trim in black piano lacquer on the front centre console. Thanks to a DVD player, passengers in the second and third rows are able to enjoy their own programme of entertainment in the "Vision R 63 AMG". Four 7-inch TFT flat-screen monitors are integrated into the head restraints of the front seats. For optimum convenience and a relaxed journey there are two folding tables for the individual centre seats, as well as the multi-zone THERMOTRONIC climate control system which ensures a pleasant interior climate for all six occupants.

ML 63 AMG: New benchmark among sporty off-roaders

Equipped with the 375 kW/510 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, the new top-of-the-range M-Class model occupies the peak position in its segment and sets a new standard among sporty off-roaders. The powerful heart of a high-performance athlete beats beneath the bonnet of the ML 63 AMG: a completely new unit, developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generates an output of 375 kW/510 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 630 newton metres at 5200 rpm. This makes the new AMG powerpack the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in terms of specific output and specific torque.

This unique combination of a high-revving engine design and a large displacement offers the best of both worlds: exhilarating liveliness accompanied by powerful torque from low engine speeds. The driver of the ML 63 AMG experiences the decidedly sporty character of the new AMG V8 engine as tremendous agility and dynamic responsiveness in all engine speed ranges.

The leader in displacement and performance

No other off-roader in the direct competitive line-up has a larger displacement and output than the new ML 63 AMG. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine provides the performance levels of a sports car, with acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Compared to the preceding ML 55 AMG with 255 kW/347 hp and 510 newton metres, the new ML 63 AMG generates 46 percent more output and 23 percent more torque.

Power transfer in the top M-Class model is via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with a DIRECT SELECT shift lever mounted on the steering column. Three shift modes specially configured for the sporty performance characteristics of the AMG V8 engine ensure that the power is used to best effect. These shift modes - "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) – are selected using a switch in the centre console and differ in their gearshift characteristics and speed.

As in a Formula One racing car, the seven gears can be changed using the gearshift buttons on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel. The permanent all-wheel drive of the ML 63 AMG is also configured for sporty performance: in the interests of the best possible agility and performance on bends, the generous power of the AMG V8 engine is distributed to the front and rear axles on a 40:60 basis. A specially strengthened drive train ensures an optimal power transfer and characteristic Mercedes reliability.

AMG sports suspension and AMG high-performance braking system

The AMG sports suspension based on AIRMATIC ensures high cornering speeds, precise directional stability and low levels of body roll while providing excellent long-distance comfort. The air suspension features AMG-specific damper struts and a specially configured version of the Adaptive Damping System (ADS). A level control system automatically lowers the suspension at higher speeds.

Road contact is via high-sheen 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design. Featuring 295/45 R 19 wide-base tyres all-round, this wheel/tyre combination is not only impressive for its muscular appearance, but also gives the car the roadholding it needs for sporty performance. High-sheen 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design with 295/40 R 20 wide-base tyres are available as an option. The shortest possible braking distances are ensured by the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system, which features internally ventilated and dimpled brake discs all-round.

Striking appearance with AMG styling and flared wings

Wide, muscular, with a broad stance and poised to surge forward – the visual appearance of the new ML 63 AMG leaves no doubt that this is an exceptional vehicle. The athletic design of this powerful off-roader is characterised by its striking AMG bodystyling with a front and rear apron, an AMG-specific radiator grille, flared wings, stainless steel running boards with rubber studs and tinted rear lights. Both visually and acoustically, the AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes emphasises the power and dynamism of the top-of-the-range M-Class model.

Dynamically designed interior with exclusive standard appointments

Sportiness is the dominant theme in the interior of the ML 63 AMG too. The exclusive interior features include AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery, Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas, a multicontour function and heating, the AMG ergonomic leather sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, AMG door sills and stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs. The AMG instrument cluster is equally dynamic with its specially styled markings, red needles and 320 km/h speedometer scale.

The ML 63 AMG also meets the highest requirements in terms of safety: standard safety features include the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints in the first seat row, adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, front sidebags, windowbags and belt tensioners with belt force limiters for all the seats. Following the world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), the official market launch of the ML 63 AMG will take place during the second quarter of 2006.

AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine: high-revving design and large displacement

Mercedes-AMG has taken a completely new line in drive technology: the new AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is the first in the world to combine a high-revving design with a large displacement. Developed entirely by AMG, this high-performance engine has a displacement of 6.3 litres and generates an output of 375 kW/510 hp at 6800 rpm with a maximum torque of 630 newton metres, which makes the new powerpack by AMG the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in terms of specific output and specific torque. Thanks to its large displacement, the V8 by AMG develops around 20 percent more torque than comparable naturally aspirated engines in this output class.

This unique combination of a high-revving design with a large displacement offers the best of both worlds: exhilarating liveliness and high torque at low engine speeds. For the AMG driver the result is lively, ultra-spontaneous response. The high agility, the exciting, fast-revving characteristics and the high torque are very noticeable in all engine speed ranges. The new AMG V8 already delivers 500 newton metres to the crankshaft at 2000 rpm, and the maximum torque of 630 newton metres is available at 5200 rpm – more than any other naturally aspirated engine in this output and displacement class.

Aluminium V8 engine with motorsport technology

Made completely from high-strength aluminium, this naturally aspirated V8 engine has a wealth of exciting features derived from motorsport, and stands as an impressive reference to the successful motor racing history of AMG. Together with a variable intake manifold featuring two integral throttle flaps, the vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ducts ensures optimum cylinder charging. Bucket tappets in the cylinder heads allow a stiff valve train and therefore high engine speeds. Variable camshaft adjustment, a particularly rigid closed-deck crankcase and cylinder walls with a new, revolutionary LDS coating are further attributes of this ultra-modern Mercedes-AMG V8 engine.

For the crankcase, the engineers and technicians opted for a particularly rigid bedplate design with closed-deck technology. Special, cast-in steel components ensure even more rigidity, a reliable oil supply in all day-to-day operating situations and optimum long-term durability.

The new powerpack is produced at the ultra-modern AMG engine facility, according to the "one man, one engine" philosophy. This means that a single specialist assembles the complete engine by hand. To reflect this, the engine’s AMG badge bears the specialist's signature.