LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW: AMG Shows Up With TWO New 500 + HP Screamers

One is for the family, while the other is just for kicks.

Mercedes-Benz rolled up to the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show with a slew of all-new AMG products. If I were to say which were the most interesting, I'd have to wager the ML63 and C63 AMG Black.

This is the first time the world's getting a glimpse at the extremely powerful, all-new ML63 AMG sport-utility vehicle. Meant to go head-to-head with the likes of the BMW X5M, the ML will feature a bi-turbo V8 that produces over 500 horsepower. If that's enough you're more than welcome to retrofit it with an AMG Performance Package that should bring power up to the 550 -- maybe more -- mark. I am pretty sure it will make for some stupid fast trips to the grocery store.

Secondly, making its North American debut is the lust worthy C63 AMG Coupe Black Series. This limited production coupe receives numerous upgrades over the standard AMG Coupe, namely the power bump, suspension upgrades and a wider front/rear track. Essentially, it is a DTM race car for the street.


Mercedes-Benz's press release follows:

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG sport utility vehicle is making its world premiere at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public November 18-27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Three more high-performance Mercedes-Benz cars are making their North American debut at the L.A. Show – a long-awaited roadster version of the formidable SLS AMG gullwing coupe, the race-track-designed C63 AMG Coupe Black Series and the 415-hp SLK55 AMG featuring AMG Cylinder Management. Also during the Show, the L.A.-based Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is gearing up for its freshman class of teenage drivers at its first training center in the U.S....

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ML63 AMG Sport Utility Combines Biturbo V8 with 4MATIC

On sale in the U.S. in February, the 2012 ML63 AMG (518hp, 516 lb-ft) adds V8 performance to the new-generation M-Class line launched earlier this year, combining formidable AMG power with the all-wheel-drive traction of the renowned Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system. In addition, an optional AMG Performance Package is being offered for the first time on the M-Class.

Standard equipment on the new ML63 AMG includes a designo leather interior with a black headliner and Parktronic as well as the feature-packed Premium 1 and 2 option packages. The new ML63 AMG is available with an optional AMG Performance Package that consists of 32 more horsepower, 44 more lb-ft of torque, a higher speed limiter of 174 mph, an AMG Performance steering wheel, carbon fiber engine cover and red brake calipers.

All ML63 AMG sport utilities are fitted with special AMG body work that includes deeper under-bumper aprons at the front and rear, more sculpted rocker panels under the doors and quad exhaust pipes. Inside, AMG sports seats are complemented by a leather-covered AMG steering wheel with sporty flattened bottom.

Joining the popular ML350 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.) and the thrifty ML350 BlueTEC diesel (240 horsepower, 455 lb.-ft. of torque), the ML63 AMG is powered by a direct-injection, biturbo V8 that produces 518 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Another V8-powered M-Class model, the ML550 (402 hp, 443 lb.-ft.), will also be available in early 2012.

Among the exciting new cars making their North American debut at the L.A. Show, a Black Series version of the C63 AMG Coupe features a number of impressive refinements designed to make it the most powerful C-Class of all time. Thanks in large part to forged pistons, a modified engine control unit and lighter crankshaft and connected rods, its V8 now produces 510 horsepower, up from 451. Zero-to-60 mph acceleration takes 4.2 seconds. Larger engine air ducts in the deep AMG front apron are complemented by two air outlets in the aluminum front hood.

The Black Series suspension and brakes go well beyond the AMG components in the normal 2012 C63 AMG Coupe. For example, front wheel track has been increased, and the rear fenders are nearly two inches wider on each side to accommodate wider track as well as larger, staggered-width wheels and tires.

At the rear, a body-color rear lip spoiler sits at the edge of the trunk lid, and below the bumper is a new rear apron that incorporates an eye-catching rear air diffuser with a black grille at the top and two sets of twin exhaust pipes at the bottom. A subtle “Black Series” logo on the trunk lid identifies the limited-production coupe....