2012 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG Revealed
With all of the talk lately about the newest BMW M5 F10 model coming out late this year there has been little attention given to the fact that Mercedes Benz is also launching a new E63 AMG model into production. Like the F10 model, the E63 will squeeze out all 518 horses through a downsized, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8. That’s a significant step downward (in terms of engine size) from the 6.2-liter V8 that used to produce 518 horsepower and 465 ft-lb of torque, which is certainly an improvement in power efficiency considering an increase in torque for the new 5.5 liter V8 while no loss in horsepower.
It appears that with the latest CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards that most performance auto makers are stepping away from naturally aspirated 8, 10 and 12 cylinder engines and most manufactures that are sticking with 8 cylinder engines are now looking to turbochargers for added performance. The new BMW M5 F10 features a much smaller 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 that pumps out 560 horsepower and 502 ft-lb of torque, getting the sleek sedan from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The E63 AMG will also reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds which is all fun and dandy until you whip out the AMG’s Performance Pack.
You see, unlike the new M5, AMG is offering a “Performance Pack” that will boost (no pun intended) output to 550 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque; a significant torque advantage over the new M5, especially considering that the Performance Pack will push the E63 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, about half a second faster than the M5.
Of course, you can still expect to have a luxurious interior, with 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound, 14-way power adjustable seats, or a HD 7-inch screen but what’s the point if you buy an AMG? The only thing you’ll probably notice is the seat squeezing your butt cheeks as you propel past the F10 M5 on the highway waving friendly gestures to indicate that there is absolutely no rivalry between the two performance manufacturers.
But will you be able to afford the fly-by? The new M5 will have an estimated MSRP of $93,000, while the E63 is estimated to go for approximately $87,000 which seems reasonably close but there is no point in getting the E63 AMG unless you upgrade the power with the Performance Pack which will cost you a Kia Rio on top of the MSRP, or an additional $12,900.
The E63 is no doubt going to be a fantastic sports sedan that will certainly please the car enthusiast that wants to be both practical and fast at the same time. The styling improvements and engine enhancements will certainly make the E63 one of the best looking and fastest sedans on the market in 2012 but BMW is also a force to be reckoned with. I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty of competitive rivalries continue to grow on as the two German manufacturers continue to make some of the best cars in the world.
Brabus Widestar Based On The Mercedes ML 63
Mercedes Benz– manufacturer of ML series and producer of quality ML parts like Mercedes ML320 parts– is one of the favorites of the tuning giant Brabus. Just recently the company engaged in a venture that involves the Mercedes ML 63. This special project has made its debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
The Brabus Widestar does not only present a new and exciting wide track version of the SUV but also presented the new Monoblock E 23-inch forged wheels and Brabus B63 S performance tuning for the ML 63 with 550 hp/404.8 kW.
The Widestar concept which is available for all current M-Class models combines dynamic looks and maximum functionality. The graceful flowing lines of the fender flares front and back increases the vehicle’s width by approximately 4 centimeters. The extra centimeters enhance the car’s looks while the wide track improves handling. The multi piece Brabus Monoblock E wheels with size 11 Jx23 were custom fitted for the wide track version of the M-Class. Their forge wheel center ensures an optimal combination of light weight design and maximum strength. The new light alloy wheels are mounted with high performance tires that measure 315/25 R 23.
Brabus has also equipped its Windestar Concept with a control module for the standard Airmatic air suspension that lowers the vehicle’s height by approximately 30 millimeters which further enhance its sporty road handling characteristics.
The Brabus Widestar body conversion kit is consists of add-on parts for the doors, and rocker panels that results to a more homogenous transition between the fender flares. There are also a complete front and rear fascias replacements for the production counterparts’ front and back. The front spoiler bumper with its three striking air inlets and four integrated auxiliary headlights lends the M-Class more power while minimizing lift on the front axle.
In addition, the combination of the rear spoiler, the rear fascia with integrated diffuser, and four chrome tailpipes of the Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust system create a remarkable aerodynamic balance. And this very same aerodynamic property of the Brabus Widestar makes it the perfect platform for a tuned version of the ML 63.
The tuned ML 63 was developed by the Brabus motor engineers in the form of a B63 S performance kit. The production V8 engine produces 510 hp/375 kW and fitted with sport air filters together with high-performance metal catalysts and newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection. The combination of all these components gives off an increase in power output by 40 hp/31 kW to 550 hp/404.8 kW. The peak torque also increases from 630 Nm to 650 Nm.
Other benefits derived from the Widestar concept includes the ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a matter of 4.9 seconds. Similarly the engine tuning as well as the installation of the Brabus V/max unit increases top speed from 250 km/h to 275 km/h.
Safety features were made even better by the Brabus Widestar concept like for instance using high-performance brake system which features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers with vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter discs on the front axle. Plus add to it the 355x28mm brake discs and 6 piston calipers in the rear enables this Widestar brake system to deliver an impressive stopping power that is comparable to purebred sports cars.
Interior designing is another specialty of the Brabus and for the M-Class they have created an exclusive interior options consisting of stainless steel door sills with illuminated Brabus logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and a leather covered door trim pieces to upgrade the factory leather. The Brabus exclusive leather interiors were made from carefully crafted combinations of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara.
The production front seats were also equipped with special rear consoles that reach all the way to the headrests in which a seven-inch 16:9 LCD screens with integrated DVD player. There is also an electric folding table made from precious wood added to complete the interior.
The History of Mercedes Benz
Mercedes is known throughout the world as a symbol of wealth and class. Mercedes Benz cars are well known for its quality and durability. Did you know that all Mercedes cars are personally signed off to maintain its quality by top engineers in the automotive industry? The history of Mercedes Benz goes back almost 150 years ago back to when Gottlieb Daimler got together with Karl Benz to form this brand that we all know today.
More than a hundred years ago, the birth of two men set the history of Mercedes Benz. Gottlieb Daimler was born in Germany. A decade later, Karl Benz was born also in Germany. Interesting enough, there were 60 miles apart but they both shared a common interest. At a very young age, both were already exposed to machines but both had different approaches to building cars which no one believed at that time they will merge.
In the year 1886, Karl Benz made his first motorized tricycle which was soon followed by a four-wheeler in 1893. Daimler on the other hand built a horseless carriage in 1886 and two years later struck a deal with William Steinway to produce his horseless carriages in the United States. Steinway produced Mercedes cars and trucks for 3 years. This was a stepping stone for the history of Mercedes Benz.
The war in Germany, played a very important role to the birth of this prestigious car. With a downfall in economy, there were little or no fuel for cars and a high tax of 15% made automobile production disastrous and because of this, Benz sought for a strong partner considering DMG but was rejected initially. Then, the economy became worse and there were very few cars in the United States with only a third of cars produced by each Benz, Ford and DMG. Due to necessity, Benz and DMG signed an agreement of mutual interest while maintaining the individual identities.
The greatest achievement in the history of Mercedes is when both DMG and Benz merged. There was an insignia made for the merger of both companies. The insignia was a three pointed star with a laurel around it with the words Mercedes on the top and Benz at the bottom. The merge was very successful and production their cars rose to about 7000 automobiles in 1927. In 1930, the largest and most prestigious car was launched and Mercedes Benz remained one of the leading brand in automotive industry till today.