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2007 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG
Powered by the first-ever engine developed entirely by AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, the ML63 AMG will join the other new-generation M-Class sport-utility models that began arriving at Mercedes-Benz dealerships last year. Following its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Show last fall, the ML63 AMG will go on sale in the U.S. this summer. With the launch of the ML63 AMG and R63 AMG models, all-wheel-drive returns to the AMG lineup. While primary markets for AMG models are Southern California and Florida, a strong contingent of AMG owners in the northern U.S. will appreciate their rare combination of power and traction. The athletic design of the new high-performance ML63 AMG is apparent even from the outside – bolder AMG front and rear aprons, an AMG front grille, flared fenders, and stainless-steel running boards. In addition, the new ML63 AMG comes with tinted taillights and two sets of chromed twin exhaust pipes. Inside, the ML63 AMG is fitted with AMG sport seats (covered in Nappa leather with Alcantara inserts in the shoulder bolsters), a leather AMG sport steering wheel and a special AMG-designed instrument cluster that includes a lap timer. AMG door sills and stainless-steel pedals with rubber studs complete the picture. The First Powerplant Developed Entirely by AMG However, the heart of the new ML63 is the first engine developed entirely by AMG – a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produces 503 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque for zero to 60 mph test track times of less than five seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. One of the most powerful production V8s ever, the new engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the new 6.3-liter features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold. The engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines, and the 109-mm cylinder spacing is unique to the new 6.3-liter powerplant. AMG racing genes are obvious in the design of the closed-deck aluminum engine block, which includes cast-in steel reinforcements and an especially rigid “bedplate” design instead of individual main bearing caps. A first for a production engine, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders. A Bosch ME 9.7 microprocessor manages the entire show – fuel injection, ignition, valve timing, the variable intake manifold and even an electronically controlled thermostat. Despite its high power, the new AMG V8 meets all current exhaust emission standards. Variable valve timing plays a major role by creating internal exhaust gas recirculation at part throttle – with both the intake and exhaust valves open briefly at part throttle, some exhaust gas flows back into the intake to help reduce exhaust emissions. Whatever’s left is handled by four catalytic converters, four oxygen sensors, secondary air injection and double-wall exhaust piping. A High-Performance Seven-Speed Transmission The ML63 AMG comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission that’s controlled by a Direct Select electronic lever on the steering column and by Formula-1-style buttons on the AMG sport steering wheel. Three shift modes – “S” for sport, “C” for comfort and “M” for manual – can be selected via a switch on the center console. A Sport-Utility Chassis Worthy of a Sports Car Like all current M-Class SUVs, the new ML63 AMG boasts a strong unibody platform and an effective full-time four-wheel-drive system beneath its sleek exterior. Its four-wheel traction control system incorporates functions such as a downhill driving aid and Hill-Start Assist. Optimized for high performance, the ML63 AMG’s power is distributed 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the rear. A double-wishbone front suspension and four-link rear suspension deliver impressive on-road driving performance and comfort. An option on other M-Class models, height-adjustable AIRMATIC air suspension with special AMG shocks is standard on the ML63 AMG, along with a specially configured version of the ADS adaptive damping system. High-performance vented and perforated disc brakes on all four wheels work with highly polished 20-inch AMG alloy wheels fitted with 295 / 40 ZR 20 tires. Updated 09:03 PM - December 03, 2008
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