Now that Mercedes has officially unveiled the high-powered 2012 ML63 AMG, the tuning birds have been circling the SUV to see who can make the first tuning program for it.
Now it appears the winner is Russian tuning firm, TopCar.
Wait, you didn’t just read TopCar, did you? Those boys who are known for Porsche and BMW programs are actually making one for a Mercedes?
Well, it appears that way after they released a few renderings of what their program for the new 2012 ML63 AMG is going to look like. The program, as you can see from these images, shows an extensive aerodynamic wide-body kit that includes a restyled front bumper fascia with LEDs, flared out fenders, side skirts, door skin panels, flared quarter panel wheel arches, and a new rear bumper fascia. All the materials, according to TopCar, are made entirely out of Kevlar and carbon fiber using vacuum molding technology, which only goes to show you that with all the technological elements used on the program, it probably won’t come cheap.
Performance upgrades have not been announced yet, but knowing these guys and their history for some pretty off-the-wall projects, they won’t hesitate to put some extra beef under that hood. After all, the ML63 AMG’s 518-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 engine is certainly ripe for some bad ass modifications.
Just one day after announcing a new tuning package for the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, German tuner Brabus have swicthed their focus to another model in the Mercedes line-up, but this time, it’s an SUV. The new generation ML-Class has been hooked up with the customary exterior and interior updates, as well as a significant power increase.
Brabus has brushed up on the new ML-Class’ already aggressive stance with a few accessories to accentuate it even further. The use of an "On Road" front spoiler with attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia, new sill skirts, a new rear spoiler, and a dual or quad sport exhaust system support their effort in bringing the SUV to the next level. Much like every other tuning package provided for any vehicle, Brabus also threw in a new set of wheels ranging from 18" to 22," depending on the choice of the customer. For the interior, Brabus is offering bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with a backlit Brabus logo, as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins, and a new foot rest. Adding more elegance to the package is the choice of exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color.
Finally, for the engine updates, the tuner has added an ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit that will increase the output from 258 HP to 306 HP and the peak torque from 457lb-ft. to 509 lb-ft. As a result, the 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made 1.4 seconds faster, while top speed will be increased to 142 mph.
The new Mercedes ML-Class by Brabus will be presented November 26th at the 2011 Essen Motor Show.
After debuting the new generation ML-Class, Mercedes has gone on to offer a series of accessories for those who want more than just the standard SUV. The company has delivered a very long list of accessories starting with different sets of wheels and extending to a powerful Becker MAP PILOT navigation system.
Exterior options give customers the the choice between 12 different light-alloy wheels, snow chain systems, valve caps in sterling silver, bonnet fin attachments, and aluminum-finish running boards. The interior offers customization options not unlike any typical tuning firm, such as new floor mats, a wood/leather steering wheel, illuminated door sill panels, coat hangers, and stainless steel sports pedals. For those who love technology, Mercedes is also offering a rear-seat integration kit for the Apple iPad, a Rear Seat Entertainment System, and an InCar Hotspot system.
The add-ons continue on to include accessories for the average sports nut, including a range of carrier systems, ski and snowboard racks, bicycle racks, and roof boxes.
Now that we’ve seen the third generation ML-Class, Mercedes was ready to launch its most powerful version: the ML63 AMG. The sporty SUV was to be revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Show, but with just two days before the official debut, Mercedes decided it was time to unveil the official details on the SUV. Sales of the new ML63 AMG will begin in the first quarter of 2012.
The whole goal behind the new ML63 AMG was to "bring sport back." At least that is what Mercedes is attempting: "In a world flooded with average SUVs, it is time to bring back dynamic handling, pulse quickening power and most importantly, sport."
The current ML63 AMG uses a 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, but the new model will adopt the same treatment as all of the latest AMG models: a 5.5 liter V8 engine with 518 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. With the optional AMG Performance Package, the V8 engine’s power output will be increased to 550 HP and 560 lb-ft of torque.
UPDATE 11/22/2011: Mercedes has unveiled a new video of their latest ML63 AMG SUV in which the company explains, in detail, the technology behind this incredible SUV. Enjoy!
UPDATE 01/30/2012: Mercedes has announced that the new ML63 AMG will go on sale in March with a starting MSRP of $95,865 (includes $875 destination charge). We have also added 60 new high res images. Enjoy!
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It seems that Mercedes is headed towards some dark days now that they are facing a class action suit due to alleged defects in the M156 V8 motor. Reports coming in are stating that there seems to be a premature wear that occurs as a result of the material used in the camshafts. Let’s break it down a bit more.
Mercedes’ V8 AMG engines have cast nodular iron camshafts, but the valve lifters are made of 9310 grade steel. The complaint is that this combination of materials is contributing to premature wear of the M156 motors. This can be due to improper heat treating of the metals or improper offset. Seems like an easy fix, but the problem is that the company has known about this issue since 2007 when a service bulletin was released by Daimler, but the company has failed to take action on the matter.
This 6.2 liter V8 engine is used in models such as the C63 AMG Coupe, the ML63 AMG, and the SLS AMG supercar. In these vehicles, it can develop between 450 to 570 HP.
At this time, there is only one plaintiff who is alleging financial losses of about $25,000. Sometimes tells us this is going to snowball into many, many more people coming forward with the same problem. We’ll keep you posted as more details surface.
