Friday, June 1, 2012

Automotive Addicts

Automotive Addicts

Chris Harris On The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Uber-SUV: Video

Posted: 31 May 2012 12:30 PM PDT


If the G63 AMG were an animal, according to the principles of Darwinian evolution, it simply wouldn't exist. After all, who really needs a 5,610-pound, body-on-ladder-frame SUV that can sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, on its way to a governed top speed of 131 mph? Aside from third-world dictators, drug lords and Beverly Hills soccer moms, the market for such a beast is, at best, limited.

As Chris Harris points out, the G63 AMG doesn't handle particularly well and it delivers a punishing ride over all but smooth surfaces. What, then, is the appeal, and why did Mercedes project enough sales to warrant development? As far as we can tell, it comes down to bragging rights. Porsche's most powerful Cayenne Turbo, equipped with the Power Kit, produces 540 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. BMW's X5 M gets 555 horsepower, but makes due with a paltry 501 pound-feet of torque.

The G63 AMG, meanwhile, gets 544 horsepower and an impressive 560 pound-feet of torque from its 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V-8 engine. That's plenty to outrun rebel forces, rival drug gangs or simply make it to your therapy session in time, on any road surface, in (almost) any weather. That is, of course, if the road you're on doesn't have too many curves.

Aston Martin DBS Project AM 310 Is Shear Bliss on 4 Wheels

Posted: 31 May 2012 09:29 AM PDT


You may have already seen images from the recent Italian Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Premier highlighting the BMW Zagato Coupe and other one-off coachbuilder concepts. During the event, many of the representatives from various manufactures, Aston Martin in particular, gave spectators an earful of shear bliss by starting and revving the engine. The videos below are of the Aston Martin DBS Project AM 310, or what is speculated to be the next DBS from the British manufacturer.

There is no doubt that this 'Project AM 310' looks stunning, but it also has the intoxicating exhaust sounds to match. The sound comes from a 6.0-liter V12 engine with 575 horsepower. Aston Martin claims that most components, about 75%, are entirely new and specific to the AM 310. We can't wait to see if anything comes of this remarkable creation.

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Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out 2013 GL63 AMG 7-Passenger Rocket Ship

Posted: 31 May 2012 07:02 AM PDT


Mercedes has officially revealed their newest SUV rocket-ship, the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG, which happens to have seating for 7-passengers. The latest Benz to come out of the coveted AMG skunkworks division is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine producing 550 horsepower and 560 ft-lbs. of torque. Power is directed to all four wheels through a full-time all-wheel-drive system and an AMG Speedshift 7-speed automatic transmission.

I can't speak for every automotive enthusiast out there, but it gives me pleasure when I can tote my friends or family in a fast SUV. It is for those times that the mother-in-law starts to nag or the kids repeatedly ask the question "are we there yet". I can simply return to my personal sanctum by firmly depressing the gas pedal instantly turning the family hauler into a road-going rollercoaster. The Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG happens to be the only full-size crossover SUV, seating 7-passengers, to offer such excitement for more than 5 people at a time.

The new 2013 Benz GL63 AMG will launch to 60mph in 4.9 seconds and top out at an electronically limited 155 mph. The GL63 AMG receives Ride Control suspension, the same Airmatic air suspension found on the other Benz vehicles, along with a more aggressive front fascia than that of the normal GL-Class, 21-inch wheels and V8 BITURBO badges on the side fenders.

Pricing for the GL63 AMG has not been released by Mercedes-Benz yet. As a comparison, the new ML63 AMG stickers for $95,865, meaning we should expect to see a solid 6-figure entry fee for the 2013 Benz GL63 AMG when it goes on sale in early 2013.

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Scion Whets Your Appetite For The FR-S: Video

Posted: 31 May 2012 06:30 AM PDT


If you've been counting down the days to the release of the 2013 Scion FR-S, you can switch over to counting down the hours now. The most eagerly-anticipated sports coupe in years will be hitting the streets in less than 24 hours.

We've heard of dealers with cars already in the showroom, sadly with "additional dealer markups" approaching the $7,000 mark. That puts the Scion FR-S in an entirely different class of car, and for nearly $35,000 there are a lot of other cars we'd choose over the FR-S.

Bad publicity from dealer price gouging aside, Scion wants you to remember that the automotive press, at least those lucky enough to drive it, have heaped praise on the car. We haven't had our turn behind the wheel just yet, but reliable sources tell us the car is the real deal.

To promote the car one last time before launch, Scion has released the above video, chock full of lurid power slides on damp mountain roads, obviously at the hands of trained professionals. Do we even need to remind you that trying this at home, in your own Scion FR-S, is not a good idea?
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