Mercedes Fires Up Thumping V8 Minivan
Motoring Channel Staff - 8/9/2005
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Mercedes Vision R 63 AMG
You'll never be late for school when you can
burn from 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds flat
Mum's Supersonic
Taxi
Mercedes-AMG isn't leaving anything to chance
with its newly developed V8 engine, shoe-horning
it into anything that fits - even its R-Class
6-seater people mover range.
If the 4-cylinder engines that lob with vehicles
like the Mitsubishi Grandis and Honda Odyssey
aren't quite cutting the mustard, the new Vision
R 63 AMG could be a viable alternative.
Powered by the not-so-fuel-efficient 6.2-litre
V8 AMG mill, the "near-series interpretation"
of the the R-Class will certainly keep the kids
quiet as it approaches Mach 2 on the the way to
the shops, and no less than 4 DVD screens should
help keep the peace if high G-forces can't.
Mercedes believes there is a market for a 600+
Newton metre luxury people mover - and who knows?
- it may even become a big money spinner for Mercedes
following in the luxury SUV growth trends.
- Feann Torr, Editor
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At the 61st Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Mercedes-AMG is presenting
the Vision R 63 AMG, a high performance near-series interpretation
of the new Mercedes R-Class.
Powered by the all-new, independently developed AMG 6.2-litre
V8 engine with an output of 375kW and a maximum torque of
630 Newton metres, the Vision R 63 AMG is expected to be the
world's fastest minivan, which Mercedes says represents an
unprecedented combination of unique, sporty driving, outstanding
spaciousness and top-class comfort for up to six occupants.
Alongside the series-production version of the new Mercedes-Benz
R-Class, whose short wheelbase variant is celebrating its
world premiere at the show, the Vision R 63 AMG with a long
wheelbase, an avant-garde design and an extravagantly styled
interior, will appear in the role of a sporty and dynamic
trend-setter.
This Mercedes-AMG interpretation of the Grand Sports Tourer
confirms its exceptional position in the automotive market
right from the very first glance.
Externally, numerous details distinguish the muscular showcar
from the series-production R-Class. The bodywork of the Vision
R 63 AMG is resplendent in dark titanium grey, whilst the
trim is in matt titanium grey.
Newly designed front and rear aprons in the typical AMG look,
bi-xenon headlamps with titanium-coated reflectors and the
pair of twin chromed tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system
convey unmistakable dynamism.
Matt titanium-painted 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a
5-spoke design with ultra-wide 265/40 R21 wide-base tyres
all-round lend a striking effect to the side view of the almost
5.2 metre long Grand Sports Tourer.
Behind the spokes of the AMG light-alloy wheels it is possible
to discern the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance
braking system, which ensures extremely short braking distances.
The new AMG 6.2-litre V8 engine provides the performance
characteristics of a thoroughbred sports car in what is essentially
a people mover.
Mercedes explains that with an output of 375kW and 630Nm
of torque, the large-displacement naturally aspirated AMG
8-cylinder engine makes for a supremely assured and dynamic
driving experience.
The Vision R 63 AMG concept accelerates to 100km/h in approximately
5.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250km/h (electronically
limited). Power is transferred by an AMG SpeedShift automatic
transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles and a Direct
Select shift lever.
A combination of permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) with a torque
distribution of 40:60 between the front and rear axles, an
AMG sports suspension based on the AirMatic air suspension
with Adaptive Damping System ensures the greatest possible
handling safety and - at the touch of a button - allows a
dynamic or more sporty style of driving.
The interior of the Vision R 63 AMG is impressively spacious,
with a stylish colour scheme and luxurious appointments. Two-tone
nappa leather, AMG sports seats in the first two seat rows,
the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles
and the AMG instrument cluster convey sporty flair.
Matching the exterior of the AMG showcar, most of the decorative
trim in the interior features a matt titanium grey finish
- complemented by trim in black piano lacquer on the front
centre console.
Thanks to a DVD player, passengers in the second and third
rows are able to enjoy their own programme of entertainment
in the go-fast Mercedes people mover. Four 7-inch TFT flat-screen
monitors are integrated into the head restraints of the front
seats. For optimum convenience and a relaxed journey there
are two folding tables for the individual centre seats, as
well as the multi-zone ThermoTronic climate control system
which ensures a pleasant interior climate for all six occupants.
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