SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Loses the Heavy Cladding

Last time we showed you spy photos of Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming 2012 M-Class and ML63 AMG SUVs [confusingly, Merc uses the 'M-Class' title for the series and the 'ML' prefix for the model designation], both models were covered in heavy plastic cladding.

In these latest scoop pics of the flagship ML63 AMG, the plastic armor is gone and replaced by black tape, providing us with a more revealing look at the car's styling. The new M-Class features a 'boxier' shape and is evidently more heavily sculpted than the current model. It also gets the more angular grille up front, found on all the latest Mercedes cars.

The AMG-prepped model seen here, features some unique styling details such as the specific bumper designs, side skirts, spoilers and larger alloy wheels.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the new M-Class' chassis is shared with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models as one of the last legacies from the former Daimler-Chrysler partnerships.

Being an AMG model, this M-Class will no doubt feature several upgrades to the suspension, steering and braking systems, and most importantly, the German firm's newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine in place of the current SUV's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit.

We still don't know the output numbers on the ML63 AMG, but on other Mercedes models, the bi-turbocharged V8 kicks out 544-horsepower and 800Nm or 590lb ft in standard form, and 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft with an available performance pack upgrade.

Look for the new ML63 AMG to debut at a major international car show in 2011.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Read more »

SCOOP: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster with Retractable Hardtop

Our spy photographers have snagged the next generation of Mercedes-Benz's SL roadster, which is due to arrive in 2012. As you can see in the pictures, Mercedes-Benz obviously will continue with the front-engine, rear-drive format, as well as with a retractable metal hardtop.

The prototype model's heavy disguise and body cladding makes it difficult to distinguish any details, but it's safe to assume that the new SL will carry styling hallmarks from the German firm's "artsy" design language previewed in its most recent concept models such as the CLS Shooting Break and the F800 Style.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the 2012 SL will share many hardware and components including the extremely rigid aluminium spaceframe technology with the SLS Gullwing supercar.

Even though details about the engine range remain scarce, buyers should expect a new 3.5-liter V6 with 306HP and the usual lineup of V8 units including the firm's newly developed 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 for the AMG model, and quite possibly, an upgraded V12.

Read more »

SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with New Bi-Turbo V8

Even though the standard 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is still undergoing development, the company's AMG division has began testing the high-performance version of the series.

Expected to arrive shortly after the standard M-Class model, which itself, will go on sale in late 2011, the ML 63 AMG will feature the brand's newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in place of the outgoing car's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit.

AMG has said the 5,461cc bi-turbo V8, which will be used on a variety of Mercedes-Benz models, packs 544-horsepower and 800Nm or 590lb ft in standard form, while a performance pack upgrade will increase those figures to 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft, respectively.

It remains to be seen what kind of numbers the bi-turbocharged V8 will deliver on the new ML 63 AMG.

Along with the new powerhouse, the AMG version of the new ML will feature an upgraded suspension, bigger and more powerful brakes, beefier tires and alloy wheels as well as a cosmetic package for both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Read more »

New 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Sports Saloon Scooped

Here are the latest spy shots of the upcoming 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS, whose design is clearly previewed by the German firm's Shooting Break Concept that will make its first public debut at this month's 2010 Beijing Auto Show.

What we can expect is this: a possible debut at this September's Paris motorshow, showing off the SLS "soft nose" with its much more appealing headlights. Down the sides there will probably be more crisp, current-E-Class lines through the rear quarters.

Under-hood we'll likely see the Shooting Break concept's 306-horse 3.5 liter V6, putting it square against anything mid-size entry-level luxury starting with 5 or ending with 6 (that's BMW's 5-Series and Audi's A6).

The range will also include a V6 turbo diesel and a V8 petrol, both with direct injection technology, while sources state that Mercedes is planning to introduce a hybrid version as well.

The flagship version of the series will be the CLS 63 AMG model packing the German firm's newly developed direct injection 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8.

In standard form, the V8 biturbo engine churn out 544HP and 800Nm or 590 lb-ft of peak torque. However, in conjunction with the AMG Performance package, these figures are increased to 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft.

By Phil Alex

Read more »