Brabus summons 400 ponies for GLA B45

Photo sourced : TTAC

Thapelo Tshule

It has been months since the Debut of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and one is already excited about the launch of the GLA B45, especially after the announcement by German tuner Brabus who have confirmed that they will be introducing a more powerful version of the crossover.

The German performance tuning division was able to squeeze 294kw out of the 2.0-litre four cylinder engines with the help of the B45 tuning kit, which requires the installation of the BRABUS PowerXtra module. This increased the power from the 265kw that powers the GLA 45 AMG, making the B45`s  power upgrade good enough for a breath-taking 270 km/h top speed and essential to propel the car from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds, which is regarded as big daddy ML63 AMG territory.  This should be interesting as we might see ‘’fat blokes’’ in tailored suits having their egos bruised by ‘’mohawked’’ young boys with nippy GLA Brabus tuned crossovers.

According to Brabus who also have a surprise in store for diesel enthusiasts, in the form of a Brabus Eco PowerXtra D3 tuning package, which will be available for eco-mentalists who prefer the GLA 220 CDI model. Brabus say they will be able to squeeze 30 more kilowatts from the four-cylinder pot to form a total of 155kw and 308nm of torque output. These figures are sufficient enough for the cross-over to go from 0-100km/h in just 8 seconds.

The GLA will be offered in different versions, from wheels to high performance tyres from notable tyre manufacturers. Brabus offers the GLA in Standard, Style, and Urban specifications. Each of them will feature trim options that are going to set them apart from the other, a raised or lowered suspension setup will also be on offer for the crossover. A variety of leather appointments are available, ranging from Mastik to Alcantara, in addition to interior trims, stainless steel and aluminium are available.

Brabus does not share a similar amount of fame as AMG amonst South Africans, hence AMG variants are already expensive after ticking all the right boxes. Pricing for the South African market has not been confirmed but I would not get my hopes high if I were you as they surely won’t come cheap! 

Six Cylinder line-up for spinning session

Pretoria based Spinner " Leb King" and stuntmen entertained the crowd during the first Sunday Spin
 Chill Session hosted by the Sosh SpinKingz on Sunday 25th of May.

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Six spinning crews have been confirmed by the Soshanguve SpinKingz(SSK), who will combine in entertaining spinning enthusiast and petrol heads during the second Sunday Spin Chill Session that will be hosted at the Sosh Spin Palace(SSP) in Block F of the Township on Sunday 15 June.

Spinners and fans are looking forward to more action packed event after SSK having hosted their first Sunday event as part of a kicking off the series of chill sessions on the 25^th of May. The main aim of the event was for spinners to network with their fans as well as fans to network with spinners.

During the first chill session hosted by SSK, the Magiya Brothers from the South Western Townships (Soweto) of Johannesburg were invited as their guest spinners. The Magiya Brothers spent a Sunday afternoon and evening participating in a rubber burning battle.

SSK`s next chill session will have a six cylinder line up including spinning crews, Limpopo based  Team Y&Sons, Mpumalanga based Team Skorokoro and IZR Crew, SSK as the hosts and Box Boys Spinners from the North West Province who might bring Marikana to Soshaguve.

According to SSK, Sundays will never be the same again as the crew has lined up more crews after having officially kicked off the series of Sunday spinning events.

VW`s R400 guns for A45 AMG

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Like a kindergarten bully unleashed on the playground, the A45 AMG boasted enough energy to outrun its hot hatch rivals and pose questions to teachers(Motoring Journo`s) as to, what has the mother of this bully packaged in the lunch box(engine).

What seemed to be a German battle between the 265kW A45 AMG, 235kW BMW 135i and the 221kW Audi S3 has seen a new contender which will seemingly top the motoring hot hatch, German Bundesliga. The 221kW produced by the G7 R has been amplified to 295kW and the R400 name has been added, which according to VolksWagen comes from its power output figures.  Just five short of 400hp, 395 hp is equivalent to 400 metric horsepower and the Golf R395 would just sound like the perfect price but in SA we could consider the R300 (300kW).

Various manufacturers have shown that the capability of a 2.0 litter engine can been stretched to their limits and the impressive figures we have recently seen from Mercedes Benze`s A45 AMG are certainly not the last.

Developers at Volkswagen’s engineering and customisation R division, have developed a mean concept in Golf`s seventh generation R400, using the same turbocharger as the Golf 7R. Same turbo, different figures as the R400 achieves a 0-100kmh sprint in 3.9 seconds and packs 73kW and 70Nm more than the 7R.

The electronically limited 280km/h top speed 2.0litre engine could be matted with a six-speed manual or DSG box. VW`s latest Haldex multi-plate clutch 4Motion four-wheel drive system has also been taken from the new Golf R. Drive sent to the front and rear axles is constantly changed by the electro-mechanical 4Motion four-wheel drive system, the system may also send up to 100 per cent drive to either axle depending on the levels of traction. The operation is a combination of Volkswagen’s EDS and XDS+ electronic differential locks which form part of the R400’s multi-function ESP system. A sport function will allow a less forceful intervention of the electronics. 

Although much has not been said about the latest buttons one may push inside the cabin, the interior looks fitting with the quality sports interior VW offers. On the exterior side of things, the R400 comes with a bulky looking body kit. Featuring three wings, one at the lower ends of the front and rear bumper and a carbon fibre rear diffuser. Noticeably, the R400 sits on a lowered suspension, looks wider and looking at the 19 inch wheels one does feel confident enough that it stands on enough wheels to put all that power down on the road. 

Less hype revolves around the A45 AMG, with google searches speculating that it will soon have to move over to the left lane as the R400 occupies the Right lane. 

Merc`s Class setting C

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

June marks the month that the Mercedes Benze C Class grows, not in terms of sales or regular body dimension growth but within the Merc family, the new C Class will official move from being the smallest sedan in the line-up with the CLA`s addition to the brand.

Despite driving the entry sedan range of the brand, consumers want to be seen in a lengthy Merc. As the C Class grows, an intelligent lightweight kerbing of 100kg is one of the selling points of the 2014 Class. Speaking of selling points, air suspension. The ability of independently changing your ride height, is quite cool even in its unsophisticated manner. Soon we will see Merc enthusiast with slammed C classes at show and shines, but we fancy not seeing one off-roading! with a heightened ride height.

On the calendar, South Africa`s launch has been marked for June with a range of four turbocharged engines.  Pricing has been tagged at an entry level of R415 900 for the C180 1.6-litre. It will fairly push 115kW and 250Nm of torque and according to Merc figures; per 100km it will quench 5.0 litres per 100km. The C180`s 115kW is essential for a 0-100km/h sprint of 8.2 seconds. In the C200, 135kW and 300Nm will set you back R436 600, it will achieve a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.  As far as the Diesel derivative is concerned, you will be charged R459 000 for a C220 BlueTEC ,it`s 125kW and 400Nm will go from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds while sipping a healthy  4.0 litres /100km.

A cheque of half a million (R502 600) will have you comfortably placed in a C250, getting you from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds. It`s power comes in at 155kW and a torque reading of 350Nm, it has a fuel consumption reading similar to the C200 (5.3 litres per 100km).  All models are driven through the rear wheels through either a new six-speed manual or 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox.

Since we are talking new stuff, the drive comes with a new four-link front axle and five-link rear end suspension system. The suspension can be tweaked through three systems with variable damping settings ranging from a comfy ride to a sportier ride. Optionally, air suspension or an “Airmatic system” features continuously variable damping at the front and rear end. Unlike the three modes on the standard suspension, four modes from `Comfort` right up to `Sport+` are available. 

Besides the long list of optional extra`s for your ideal Merc, safety should not be an option and with Attention Assist being standard plus Collision Prevention Assist Plus, safety is still ensured by the German brand. An automatic brake will engage at up to speeds of 200km/h, should you be in a situation where an object appears in front of your vehicle while driving. With regards to the optional extra`s list, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist and a 360-degree parking camera are listed.

Inside the cabin, gadgets and class are a feature as the dashboard is surrounded by five round air vents and a free-standing central display which is available in either 18cm or 21cm display for online equipped models. In an aim to make the car even livelier, front bass technology has been installed to mimic the acoustic sound quality of a concert hall.

The new generation Merc`s that rome around the streets have a lively face which forms part of the gene`s that have been passed down to the 7^th generation C Class. A 'sporty' face with a centrally-positioned Mercedes star strikes you when looking at the new C Class. Exclusive line models come with a traditional Merc grille with the star positioned on the bonnet. Besides the C being longer than its predecessor, the arched design at the rear end makes the boot which has increased to 480 litres look shorter.

When it comes to class, Merc will never be late and the new generation C Class continues to be class leading.

Photos, Mercedesbenze USA. 

Street 2 Strip Drag Racing Revs Up

Press realease by Gauteng Motor Show

On Sunday 27th July 2014, the Gauteng Motor Show proudly brings you the ‘Street 2 Strip Drag Off’ at The Rock Raceway circuit in Brakpan. Car and bike clubs, this one is for you! Bring your own car and have some fun. All retro styles vs. ‘daily drives’ are welcome!

“Keen on taking your own car down a drag strip” says Rock Raceway’s Abie Sada. “Ready to test everything you love about your car? Think you can take on a ‘daily drive’ and win?” he continues. “Then come and join in the fun and ‘get dicing!’ With no timing equipment involved, competitors can look to enjoy good old-fashioned heads-up racing whilst DJ Rock keeps the music pumping and upbeat.”

All the action takes place in a safe environment, with officials and medical staff close at hand.  However, if you’re not inclined to take part, then simply join the crowd and cheer on the competitiors as they race the 1/8 mile drag strip!

Plenty of food and refreshments will be on sale at this annual ‘moto-tainment’ show, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty. More importantly, you can also bring along the whole family and all enjoy a day of fun-filled, adrenaline-fuelled entertainment.

For more information:

Website: www.gautengmotorshow.co.za 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegautengmotorshow  

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/GMotorShow

Battle of the Nations

Four Southern African countries will battle it out, in what`s set to be the biggest spinning event that will take place this year. Mahem Raceway in Pretoria West will host the upcoming Battle of the Nations, Spinning and Drifting on the 1^st of March 2014.

The best of South African spinning crews and spinners will be joined by spinners from Botswana, Swaziland and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. The event will not only be seen as a continental spinning competition but also as an event that will bring spinners from different countries to Gauteng.

Spinners crossing provincial boarders include coastal spinners, Slip and Slide Maniacs from the mother city, Samkeliso Sam-Sam Thubane from Mpumalanga, Team Y&Sons from Polokwane and Gauteng female spinner Sarah Adjiet.

 The South African dominated line up of spinners is set to keep spectators entertained in between, as different spinning techniques will be showcased from four African perspectives. Only the best stunts and thrilling performances will see a nation being crowned the king of the battle.

Gates will open at 12pm till later on the following morning, see details on the image above for more info about the event.



SA`s young spinner set for Soshanguve Spin City

Samkeliso Excellent Thubane performing at the Soshanguve Spinning Palace

 

By Soshanguve Spin City

One of the country’s youngest drift and spinning driver, Samkeliso Excellent Thubane (15) who is known by Spinning and drifting fanatics as Sam-Sam will grace the Soshanguve Spin City`s upcoming event this  Saturday. 

Sam-Sam, who hails from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, will be amongst  37 spinners that will be competing to win the hearts of the many spinning and drifting fans. Spinners will go head to head to be crowned the  2013 king of the ring, at the annual “let’s do it again spinning event”.

The event is scheduled to take shape on 30 November at the Soshanguve Spinning Palace in Soshanguve Block F`s Industrial Site this Saturday. Event organiser, Jerry Masilo of Fassie Security and Projects said that this year’s event is promising to be bigger, due to the number of spinners that have committed themselves to perform at the event.

“We are pleased by the response and growth the “let’s do it again spinning event” is receiving from motorsport fans across the country. This year`s competition will prove to be tough and exciting, all thanks to the mark that spinners made last year. We have managed to secure some of Mzansi top motor drift and spinning daredevils such as Mackonrod, Isla Bonita, Magiya Brothers, Leb 1 lebking , Sunesh, Eric Maswaya, Jika Uthi, Team Russia, and Team RN1 just to name a few,”  said Masilo.

Masilo added that although Sam-Sam is the event favourite by far, as indicated by comments made by spinning fans. He will need more than his long sheet of winning records to win this year’s event. “We have motor drifters and spinners with impressive records, which makes me fear crowing the winner, as it will be a mammoth task. Some of the participants have been competing in prominent spinning events countrywide and abroad”, added Masilo.

 

 *Press release by Soshanguve Spin City

The Volvo Concept Coupe

@Fan_STHE_tic

The Volvo Concept Coupe is the first design from Volvo`s  newly appointed Vice Presidents of design Thomas Ingenlath, who has seemed to have used his finest sketch pen in coming up with the stylish concept. The car looks gorgeous and it manages to do so without the design looking like the Swedish manufacturer pulled out all the stops. 

Even in concept form, it looks like a definite vehicle to be produced.  The concept coupe is set to be Volvo’s next P1800, from the iconic P1800 coupe which Volvo built in the sixties.  The modern P1800 styling will be enhanced by 21-inch wheels, a floating front grille and T-Shaped LED daytime running lights. 

 Its design shows off the company’s new Scaleable Product Architecture (SPA) structural design, which is set to be a generational similarity along other following models.   The SPA genes will show off the company’s new design, along the P1800 the 2014 XC90 will be the first car to take on Volvo’s new design.  The car`s interior is simply Chic!, featuring a BIG not to be missed touch screen monitor is BIG love it, the metal detail is really chic.

The concept has a long hood and short rear end, making it look like a Gran-Tourer.  Under the long hood lies a 2-litre petrol engine that produces 300 kW and 600 Nm of torque.  This is achieved all thanks to the power combination of a turbo and a supercharger. The petrol engine drives the front axle while it will be assisted by an electric motor to propel the rear axle.

Volvo being swedishly modest imagines it as a plug-in hybrid and from the looks of things it is quite obvious that Volvo did a good job in designing Grand –Tourer type of vehicles. This should leave them with no option but to live up to the words of Ingenlath ...these is “no futuristic dream car” and just build the car and stop imagining!

BMW i8 concept

 

Photo source: Auto Tribute

    

@Fan_Sthe_Tic 
      

First introduced to at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show as the “BMW Concept Vision Dynamic”, the concept car stole the hearts of many motoring journalists. When BMW announced that the car was going to be mass produced they changed its name to the much simpler BMW i8.

The BMW i8 is mid-engine sports car just like the E26 BMW M1 that BMW made in the 80’s. But there is nothing old about this beauty. For instance the engine in the middle is more complex than that of the M1, it is a plug-in hybrid. On full on electric, the car has a range of about 32 Kilometres; not that much if you think about it, but let’s face it nobody is going to go all electric in a sports car right.

Back to the “complex” bits of the car, the i8 has two motors an electric motor that sits on the front axle of the car and a 1.5 litre turbo 3 cylinder petrol engine on the rear axle.  Most people will not be using the front engine that much, but there is a very special use for it- Drags.  It is an electric motor, which has instantaneous torque and moves off the line faster than its petrol counterparts.  Each power source drives an axle that it’s placed on, making it a 4WD.

The electric motor produces an awesome 98kW, and that 3 cylinder from the Mini cooper produces 170kW, producing a combined 268kW and thanks to the clever use of materials by the Germans making the car weigh 1490 kg.

Using both engines the electric and petrol engine that is linked to a six speed automatic transmission. The car will pull to the 100 km/h mark in 4.5 seconds, just by switching from normal transmission. S mode activates the sports powertrain, activating sports dampeners and sporty response from the steering. Hybrids are mostly quiet, but not this car. The three cylinders are electronically modified to make the exhaust produce a little bit of bass.

With the car still being a concept there’s not much to be said about the interior but yet again this is a BMW.

Merc`s A45 springs up against hot hatches

The A45 AMG is powered by the worlds most powerful 2.0litre engine which produces 265kW

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

The production of Mercedes Benze`s 2014 A45 AMG has seen it contending with only the best hot hatches in the segment, with a new engine that has started the four-cylinder era at AMG. It  has not  only proved to be a remarkable performer, but also a class leading engine, being the world’s most powerful 2.0 litre engine to date.  AMG`s first production of an AMG powered four-cylinder pot seems to be cooking some of the most impressive performance figures.

Dubbed the “King Slayer” , “RS3 Killer”  and a “Kindergarten bully” to name a few, makes one think that it could live up to its dubbings, but thus far the A45 has proved to be a King Slayer by not only keeping up with its rivals but giving them a good match up when coming to performance figures. AMG built the 2.0 litre engine that has been fitted in the A45 at their Affalterbach Head Quarters in Germany, which is responsible for its A-Class leading outputs.

The twin scrolled turbocharged A45 AMG produces 265kW at 6500rpm with a healthy dose of 450Nm of torque which is on foot from 2250-5000 rpm, this together with a 1.8bar boost pressure claims the title of the most powerful production four-cylinder engine in the world.  Outputs from the engine fitted in the A45 are greater than its closest 2.0 litter rival in Audi`s S3 and even takes it a level up in producing more than BMW`s straight six turbocharged 135i.

On paper figures seem to be clearer, with the Merc topping the bunch followed by the similar torqued M 135i, pushing 235kW and the S3`s 221kW. Viewing the sprint to 100km\h, should be a viewing pleasure from the Merc`s point of view. The S3 sprints from 0-100 km\h in 5.2sec which will see the BMW viewing it on its side mirror at 4.9sec and the A45 having the best of both in viewing the 135i on the side mirror and keeping some focus on the Audi via its rear view mirror at an estimated 4.6 seconds flat.

It will take seven gears to reach the 250km\h limited top speed via AMG`s 7 speed DTC transmission, which is matted to an all-wheel drive system. Achieving fuel efficiency at fast speeds is a capability that can be expected from the A45, which sips 6.9 litters per 100km\h while only emitting 161g over the distance. The MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear suspension fitted on the AMG can be tuned and driven in Sports or Comfort, holds all the handling dynamics together which are a strong point when coming to its performance.

The body Kit of the A45 AMG has been seen in two different styles, the normal AMG treatment that differentiates standard to AMG, which mostly comprises of 18” Alloy wheels, quad tail pipes, carbon fibre mirrors, AMG Styling kit, a twin blade grille and Turbo AMG badges on the fenders of the A 45. A second styled version if not a racier looking A45 AMG, is fitted with an optional “Edition 1” package. The package is made up of stripes, different side mirrors, a rear aerofoil, an AMG Night package, aerodynamic package and red brake calipers which cannot be missed from the different styled 19” alloys.

Inside the cabin a sporty feel fills the interior with a mixture of leather, alacantra and carbon fibre trimmings. The use of red in the interior subtly grabs ones attention into sports mode, from seatbelts, vent highlights, stitching around the speed clenching AMG styled leather seats, steering wheel and around the door panels and edges of the dashboard.

The A45 AMG is the perfect hot hatch that does not have a perfect price tag, but considering its AMG performance and quality, driving the hot hatch should make one not worry about having spent half a million without a doubt. The A45 AMG will launch in South Africa during September.

Extreme weekend at Zwartkops Raceway

Extreme drifting during the Hankook Extreme Festival, held at the Zwartkops Raceway

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Zwartkops Raceway in conjunction with automotive tyre company Hankook, hosted the Hankook Exteme Festival at the Zwartkops on the 9^th & 10^th of August. The two day motoring filled programme set out to entertain motoring fanatics whilst also appealing to women who were out at the track by making them feel special during women’s month.

While men were in the grand stands cheering on and throwing fists in the air during the qualifying races, women had the opportunity to be pampered and treated to a champagne breakfast and neck or foot massage at the ZOC Club house. Races in the programme included the TK Imports Brunch Run and Thunderbikes, Goldwagen SuperHatch, Hankook Formulae Vee, Red Square Kawasaki ZX10R Masters, Imperial Mitsubishi Super Saloons, SA Mechanical Seals Alfa Trofeo, Dotsure.co.za Extreme SuperCars and the Drifting Sideways Challenge.

Various off the track activities kept visitors entertained throughout both days, activities included various exhibitions, a kiddies play area, beer garden, live band performances and a Show and Shine & Sound-off competition that took place during the second day of the Festival. One of the biggest races on the days attracted over 19 exotic cars, in the Dotsure.co.za Extreme Supercars. On Friday Charl Arrangies driving a Motul Dodge Viper ACRX and Deon du Plessis in the KTM X-Bow won the supercar filled race. Arrangies returned to his winning ways in Saturday`s single race. Extreme times of up to 62 seconds were set on Zwartkops 2.4km circuit in the SuperKart races, Veron Pappas completed the circuit in a best time of 1.02 seconds.

 
Off circuit the Show and Shine and Sound-off competition brought a different kind of competitiveness, show casing some of the best custom rides that were entered into the show offs. Fantasy Rides Crew from Pretoria was well represented, showcasing two of their BMW M3 models in the Show and Shine competition. Nabeel Shamshoodeen`s Daytona Violet E36 German Spec M3 of the two, had one of the best pain jobs on the day. Other customs on his ride included customised 18” M3 rims which came out as 17`s from factory, an imported full touch screen Pioneer system and a two sub suede finish box. In the Sound-off category Nitro Crew specialist Leon Gounden, who is known to have the loudest Rookie 1 sound in Johannesburg and Durban looked to add on to his collection of trophies. Gounden`s 138 dbs music box sits on a 40mm drop, 17” LF Works, laminexed lights and his sound set up features 12” Viper Targa`s & a 5000w competition series Amp amongs other sound components.

Motorsports South Africa declared the event to be a success, which was due to a well packaged race programme. Kayalami Raceway will host the spring edition of the Extreme Festival series which will take place on the 14^th of September.

BMW evens out their M coupe range

The BMW M4 which replaces the M3 Coupe, is the first model in the new even M Powered coupe range : Photo BMW Blog

 Sthembiso Lebuso

BMW`s decision to even out their M range baffled me when I saw a headline reading "BMW Kills the M3 Coupe" my heart literally stopped, as the M3 generation has been with us since the legendary E30 M3. 

The last E92 M3 coupe model BMW built is a engineering masterpiece, offering all that one could possibly expect from the Bavarian quality sport rides that offer performance and the best handling in their range.

Luckily for us petrol heads BMW announced the M4. The M4 is all part of BMW's new plan, that will see every M powered coupe wearing an even number on its rear end. In explanation, the latest addition to the M breed the BMW 1 series coupe changes to the 2 series coupe, its sibling the 3 series coupe makes way for the 4 series and there will be the 6 series coupe.

BMW promises that the M4 will carry the same DNA as the M3 ensuring that it will have all the elements that make the M3 a beast. BMW has not given out the exact information about the engine on the M4, but however they have mentioned that it will be a turbocharged engine. BMW enthusiast do not like that M cars are being turbocharged but the folks at BMW have made a valid “power point’ in pointing out the M5 as an example of why they have gone the turbo route.

BMW purists were not happy that the M5 lost its beasty V10 for a smaller V8 but losing two cylinders and slapping on a turbocharger has made an impeccable power impression, proving that size does not necessarily matter.

Though smaller the V8 produces more power and provides needed torque at low revs. I strongly believe that BMW are going to turbo charge their treasured straight six engines. Turbochargers are not the only mechanisms that have work wonders for the M5 and M6, intelligent aerodynamics and the clever use of materials such as carbon-fibre make the cars light which help engine in power delivery.

BMW is focusing on making their cars lightweight and the M4 will shed about 100kg from its predecessor the M3 coupe and with an estimated 336kw, the difference will be shown when you drag race your pals in their M3 coupes.

BMW did not deny the chances of there being a M3 saloon, giving optimism that the M name will not die completely.

Mercedes-Benz reveals brute S63 AMG

Thapelo Tshule

Mercedes Benz has divulged the 2014 S63 AMG 4MATIC, which will be powered by the most commanding V8 engine to come out of the AMG power plant, it promises to be a high-performance luxury sedan that will offer top class driving capabilities in its segment.

Piloting the elegant S 63 is set to expose buyers to top notch driving dynamics, which are constructed for efficiency using the lightweight construction based on the ‘AMG LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE’ philosophy.  Materials used for the 2014 S63 AMG 4MATIC make it 100kg lighter than its predecessor. Weight saving is archived thanks to the use of AMG forged light-wheels, a lightweight lithium-ion battery and a weight saving AMG two-piece brake system. Furthermore, aluminum paneled outer skin and a carbon fibre spare wheel carrier are some of the ways Mercedes managed shed some weight of the luxurious sedan.  

In terms of efficiency, maximum output and fuel consumption figures of the AMG 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine remains impressive making it the most efficient V8 its class. According to Mercedes fuel consumption figures of 10,1 l/100km for the two-wheel-drive versions and 10,3 l/100 km for the 4Matic. The fuel consumption of this new S63 AMG 4MATIC is lower than its predecessor despite the 36kW power increase.

Brute Power comes from the AMG 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, the most powerful member of the M157 engine family.  Power outputs are listed at 430kW and 900Nm of torque is available from 2250-3750 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 IS estimated to take about 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h is electronically limited. A new standard feature that will be available on the 2014 model is the AMG all-wheel-drive 4matic system, which enhances driving dynamics whilst delivering effortless superior performance.

Powerful and sophisticated looks of the S63 AMG 4MATIC makes a visual impression. The high-performance sedan’s design is defined by the impressive blend of sensual Mercedes characteristics. A large, upright three-dimensional radiator grille underlines the special status of the S-class , with a rather exciting front apron with three large air dams. The large AMG  forged alloys are another trademark of the AMG feature. They give us a clear view of the AMG high performance brake system. The ‘V8 BI-TURBO’ badge is sleekly places on the front fenders, identifying the top-of-the-range eight-cylinder model. The new lettering also appears on the boot lid of the S63 AMG. The design is drawn to a conclusion by a black diffuser insert, with a silver trim shadow that’s coupled with quad chrome tailpipes.

Like the exterior design, the treatment in the cabin of the S63 AMG interior appears to be a special place. The newly developed AMG sports seats with electric adjustment, memory function and seat heating offer the driver and passenger more support. Fine AMG designed leather seats, with stitched AMG logos stitched on to the front and back seats, creates a muscular atmosphere on board.

The S63 AMG 4MATIC sets new standards in active and passive safety, as what began with PRE-SAFE ten years ago and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS, is now leading to a new dimension in driving. Comfort and safety have blended into one and Mercedes-Benz calls it ‘INTELLIGENT DRIVE’. The S-class is known to be one of the safest cars in the market but this new system makes the S-class even safer.