Photos of the yet to be released 2012 Mercedes-Benz NL 63 AMG model has pilfered out in the open, thanks to some avid readers of Carscoop. The car was undergoing tests in Germany when some eager car enthusiasts was able to shoot the pictures of the car that is supposed to be the most powerful member yet in the M-Class family line up. It is also going to provide competition to the X5 M from BMW. The X5 M is powered by a twin turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 engine which delivers 555 HP and 680 Nm or 501 lb ft torque.
The ML 63 AMG in its turn is fitted with a naturally aspirated 6.2 liter V8 engine which delivers 503 HP in US specifications at 6,800 rpm and a peak torque of 465 lb ft at 5,200 rpm. The next generation AMF model however would be doing away with the 6.2 liter engine and going for the 5.5 liter twin turbocharged V8 which incorporates the latest direct injection technology.
The exact output of the engine fitted on the ML 63 AMG is not yet known. Being a V8 though it is expected that the range would be close to 525 HP and 516 lb ft or 700 Nm in its base version, and 557 HP and 590 lb-ft or 800Nm if the AMG performance package is installed; which is an option. This is the performance figure that the same engine gives when fitted on the 2012 CLS 63 AMG sports saloon.
Even though the engine would be tweaked for more power yet the fuel consumption factor of the vehicle would not increase and nor would there be any increase in CO2 emission when compared to its predecessor. For transmission the car would have the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission system installed on the car which is the latest creation by the Stuttgart based company. Power would be delivered to all four wheels of the car. Upgrades to the suspension and brake system of the SUV would also be carried out by Mercedes.
The design changes have been effected to with the aero kit and the front bumper which is beefier as well the as bespoke rear bumper and a pair of twin tailpipes is evident from the spy pictures that have been received. There is also the feature of larger alloy wheels on the outside, and AMG specific sport seats, steering wheel and trim inside that can be noticed in the pictures.
It is expected that the ML 63 AMG would be available after the Frankfurt Motor Show scheduled this year when the 2012 ML is unveiled.
Source: carscoop
