Mercedes Unveils R63 and ML63 AMG in Chicago

Both vehicles are powered by the first-ever engine developed entirely by AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz. The new powerplant is 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 in about five seconds. 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. 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. The engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8s, and even its cylinder spacing is unique to the new powerplant. Despite its high power, the new AMG V8 meets all current exhaust emission standards.

A High-Performance Seven-Speed Transmission

The new AMG vehicles come with a seven-speed automatic transmission that’s controlled by a Direct Select electronic lever on the steering column and by Formula-1-style manual-shift buttons on the steering wheel. Three different shift modes – “S” for sport, “C” for comfort and “M” for manual – can be selected via a switch on the center console.

A Chassis Worthy of a Sports Car

An option on non-AMG models, height-adjustable AIRMATIC air suspension with special shocks is standard on the new vehicles, along with a specially configured version of the ADS adaptive damping system and high-performance vented and perforated disc brakes on all four wheels.

Both new AMG models boast a strong unibody platform and an effective full-time four-wheel-drive system beneath its sleek exterior. Four-wheel traction control incorporates a downhill driving aid and Hill-Start Assist, while a double-wishbone front suspension and four-link rear suspension deliver impressive on-road driving performance and comfort.
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Source: Text & photos courtesy MBUSA