New Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Takes Off-Road Power Even Further

TIVERTON, R.I. (05/01/2012)(readMedia)-- In a market where crossovers now seem to be leaning more toward cost savings than capability, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the few remaining SUV pure breeds. Debuting at the first-ever AMG-only Mercedes-Benz dealership in Beijing last month, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG showed that the automaker and its high-performance arm are staying the course of more power, with perhaps a few off-road short cuts along the way.

When the G63 AMG arrives at U.S. dealerships in August, it will house a 5.5-liter V8 bi-turbo engine, the first spray-controlled gasoline direct-injection unit to be featured in a G-Class model. Rated at 544 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque, the G63 AMG will top the outgoing G55 AMG KOMPRESSOR by 44 horsepower and 44 pound-feet of torque. That added power will make for a 5.3-second 0 - 60 mph sprint and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.

"SUVs have changed a lot in the past decade, but the G63 AMG fully represents why they were invented in the first place: to offer the most power and capability possible," said Will Dame, general manager of Tiverton, Rhode Island Mercedes-Benz dealership Viti, Inc. "That said, even with this SUV's incredible amounts of power, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have still improved fuel economy by using technology like direct injection, a stop/start function and alternator management."

For luxury SUV buyers that want something more fuel efficient and understated than the G-Class, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class will welcome a diesel model early next year. The restyled 2013 GLK-Class lineup will include the new GLK250 BlueTec 4MATIC, which is expected to become the most powerful four-cylinder diesel utility vehicle in the world. Featuring a 2.1-liter turbodiesel engine with 190 horsepower and an impressive 369 pound-feet of torque, the 2013 GLK250 BlueTec will combine performance with the higher fuel efficiency that comes with clean-diesel fuel and fewer cylinders.

The gas-powered 3.5-liter V6 in the current GLK350 will also get reworked for the 2013 model year. Adding in direct injection, the refined powerplant will provide the 2013 GLK350 with 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, increases of 34 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque compared to the outgoing model. The spray-guided direct injection and a new ECO stop/start system are expected to bring improvements in fuel economy as well when the 2013 GLK350 goes on sale this summer.

While GLK-Class buyers can't yet get an AMG-boosted engine like in the G-Class, they can convey a more performance-oriented attitude with the AMG Styling Package. The option includes 20-inch alloy wheels, AMG-styled front and rear skirts, LED daytime running lamps and practical yet alluring aluminum roof rails.

"The AMG Styling Package for the GLK-Class gives the vehicle a more aggressive look without making it brash," added Dame. "Whether you're looking for an off-road powerhouse like the G-Class or something that can tackle daily commutes and summer excursions like the GLK-Class, AMG takes each Mercedes-Benz it touches to a new level of performance and style."

About Viti, Inc.:

Winner of a 2011 Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Dealer Recognition Award, Viti, Inc. has served Rhode Island Mercedes-Benz owners for more than 36 years, specializing in new and used Mercedes- Benz sales, service and parts. Whether you're looking for a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class or a pre-owned GLK-Class SUV, Viti's friendly and knowledgeable sales staff will ensure that you get the right vehicle without the hassle. Plus, with 150 loaner cars and 50 drivers at their disposal, Viti offers all of their customers free pick-up, delivery and loaners during servicing. Check out their full inventory online at www.viti.com, visit them in person at 975 Fish Road in Tiverton, or contact them by phone at 888-289-8484. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VitiMercedesBenz.