Mercedes-Benz Presents Vision R63 AMG Concept in Frankfurt
Worlds Fastest Six-Seat Crossover Concept Gets Nod for Production
Mercedes-Benzs efforts at this years Frankfurt show can be described nothing less than heroic. For the 61st event, the Stuttgart-based automaker will be showing a large number of new cars, crossovers and SUVs, including some of the fastest all-weather, all-terrain vehicles any road has ever seen. Included on the bill is the new R-Class crossover vehicle with available 5.0-liter V8 power, plus the all-new S-Class with a biturbo V12. Mercedes AMG tuning division will also be showing its new 6.3-liter V8 motor and the first vehicle to receive it, the ML sport utility. But yet theres more on the displays, with this years stunning Vision R63 AMG concept.
As you already know, any Mercedes-Benz touting the word "Vision" in its name is a thinly veiled version of a production vehicle soon to come. All but the late 90s Vision SLA and the two latest diesel-powered roadsters have had major impact on current production models. The Vision R63 AMG continues this pattern, giving us a crystal-clear image of what to expect in the months to come. The R63 shows Benzs interest in producing a powerhouse performance crossover, but it also marks the first showing of the long-wheelbase model of the R-Class.
Under the Rs steeply raked hood lies a monster of a powerplant. Out goes the now familiar 5.5-liter, supercharged V8, stock machinery for the R55 AMG, replaced by a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 designed and engineered solely by AMG. Output is pegged at a massive 510-horsepower backed up by a monstrous 465 lb-ft of torque. This could very well be the fastest way to transport six people to 100 km/h, taking an estimated five seconds to reach that speed. Top speed, even in concept form is electronically limited to 155 mph.
As with the identically powered ML63 AMG, thrust is routed through all four wheels via an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system and traction control. The permanently engaged system has a torque distribution of 40:60, front to rear, allowing the car to maintain sporty handling characteristics. This is different from the regular R-Class, which incorporates a less sporting 50:50 split. Between the differentials and the engine is Mercedes AMG Speedshift automatic gearbox, which features a manual mode that can be operated via steering wheel paddles or through the shifter gate.
As you might imagine, AMGs engineers must have faced some kind of dilemma in transforming the R-Class into a performance machine. While performance sedans, coupes and roadsters are common ground to AMG, a crossover is new turf altogether. To solve issues of stability and handling which appear on performance-tuned models, an adapted version of the Airmatic air suspension system was installed, furthered by M-Bs Adaptive Damping System to provide varying amounts of firmness. This will ensure that when passengers arent being pinned to their seat from extreme g-forces, theyll be riding in the utmost comfort. Upgraded stopping power is also added to the bill, allowing the heavy R to better cope during enthusiastic driving.
From the outside, youd be hard-pressed to find any evidence that the Vision R63 is anything other than a regular R-Class with standard AMG treatment. A full valance kit with quad exhaust tips makes for a sportier look all around, while bright blue bi-xenon headlamps give contrast to the titanium-gray theme of the body, matte trim and 265/40 R 21 inch AMG alloy wheels.
Also, without having a regular R-Class side-by-side to compare it with, the stretch is nearly unnoticeable but present nonetheless - the extension brings the crossovers total length up to 203 inches - just 0.2 inches shorter than the S-Class and a full 9.3 inches longer than the regular wheelbase R-Class.
The interior of the Vision R63 follows the same formula as all Benzes that flaunt AMG badges. With an ultimate priority of comfort for all passengers, the R63 boasts supple two-tone nappa leather lining special AMG sports seats in the first two rows. Those riding in the second and third row are treated with four individual 7-inch TFT LCD displays, which are integrated into the headrests of the seats in front. Multi-zone Thermotronic climate control ensures that all occupants are comfortably warmed or cooled. To match sporty AMG upgrades, like the unique gauge treatment and sport steering wheel, are matte titanium trim surfaces accented by black piano lacquer on the center console.
Where most manufactures would oft reply to the question, "Will it be built?" with some sort of round about answer, the Vision R63 is a definite yes. Expect the production version of the Vision R63 to arrive at one of the upcoming major American auto shows, rather than a European show. The reason behind this prediction lies in the fact that the long-wheelbase version of the R-Class wont be sold in Europe, and the fact that it is produced in Mercs Alabama plant. Pricing will undoubtedly be expensive, probing deep into six-figures.