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Originally posted by FutureBagdA4
it's funny that even with 470hp still 0-60 in the mid 7's. . not saying that's not fast for what it is

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DIANA T. KURYLKO | Automotive News
Posted Date: 11/22/05

Mercedes-Benz has decided to keep the 26-year-old G-Class SUV in production after 2006 because of solid demand for the massive vehicle.

The 5,545-pound G-Class, formerly named the Gelaendewagen, is based on a military vehicle. It was launched in 1979, and was scheduled to disappear in the 2007 model year, when a new full-sized SUV is launched.

"We found there is still demand for it," a Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman said last week.

U.S. sales totaled 1,491 units in 2004 and are running at a slightly slower pace this year. Sales through October totaled 1,088, down 8.4 percent from the year-ago period.

The 2005 G500 is $81,675 including shipping, while the AMG G55 version, powered by a 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V-8, is priced at $105,275 including shipping.

Mercedes has not introduced a 2006 G-Class.

The spokesman said Mercedes has not decided on future engine configurations for the G-Class or if both the G55 and G500 versions are needed.

"We are investigating the possibility of a diesel powerplant in it," the spokesman said.

The decision to keep producing the G-Class means the full-sized SUV scheduled for the 2007 model year likely will be called the GL. It will be produced in Vance, Ala., alongside the M-Class SUV.

The G-Class will continue to be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The plant has turned out more than 185,000 units since production began.

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Mercedes has announced the 2007 Mercedes G 55 AMG, an updated version of its high-performance off-roader, now with 500 horsepower for the new model year. The supercharged 5.5-litre AMG engine generates its maximum torque of 700 newton metres between 2750 and 4000 rpm. These exceptional figures allow the truck to accelerate to 62 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Visually, the new model year G 55 AMG is distinguishable from its predecessor by 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with 285/55 R 18 wide-base tyres. Standard appointments now include bi-xenon headlamps, oval foglamps with a cornering light function and ISOFIX child seat attachments in the second seat row. The more scratch resistant, nano-technology based paint finishes of calcite white, periclase green metallic and teallite blue metallic are also new. Gallery after the jump…

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Following its most recent makeover, the G 55 AMG from Mercedes-AMG is now even more attractive. Boasting an upgraded performance of 373 kW/507 hp, this offroad classic has also been given a fresh look, incorporating a reworked radiator grille and new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, the exclusive interior features the latest generation of telematics equipment and optional climatised seats in combination with designo leather upholstery for enhanced passenger comfort.

The inclusion of some of the latest technology has made this classic from the AMG stable fit for the future. Thanks to the integration of a new engine control unit, the performance of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine has been nudged up from 368 kW/500 hp to 373 kW/507 hp, with maximum torque remaining at 700 Nm. Likewise unchanged is the vehicle’s effortless performance, with the G 55 AMG accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and peaking at a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited).

The upgraded G 55 AMG also features improvements in the areas of safety and comfort. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), for example, now boasts a new and more powerful control unit, incorporating a transverse acceleration control to allow more precise recognition of dynamic driving situations and thus provide even better vehicle stability. In addition, the new G 55 AMG now comes with a hill-start assist. A sensor recognises whenever the off-roader comes to a halt on an ascending gradient. The system instantly memorises the braking pressure applied and maintains this for a short instant, giving drivers sufficient time to move from the brake to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling backward. The big advantage of this technology is that in most cases it eliminates the need to use the parking brake.

Discreet but effective design modifications

The new G 55 AMG boasts discreet but effective design modifications,including a new radiator grille with three distinctive horizontal bars that are painted the same colour as the rest of the body and - exclusive to the AMG top-of-the-range model - also feature chrome inserts. Moving around the vehicle, the highlight of the side view are the new polished 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey. They are 9.5 inches wide and equipped with 275/55 R 19 tyres that impressively bulk out the wheel arches.

Still a standard feature of the AMG body-styling package are the bumpers painted in body colour and the characteristic AMG wide fenders. Other features include a brushed-aluminium trim set boasting a distinctive AMG logo and the twin oval chrome tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, emerging from beneath the stainless-steel running boards on either side of the vehicle - an unmistakable sign of the power of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine.

New COMAND APS and designo leather upholstery fitted as standard

The G 55 AMG also underscores its exclusive character with designo leather upholstery, which is standard and now features a new silver-coloured designo emblem on the front backrests. The seats are colour-coordinated with the designo decorative wood trim as well as the wood/leather steering wheel and the redesigned wood/leather selector lever bearing a G 55 logo. Also new is the interior roof lining made of anthracite Alcantara. Helping to enhance passenger comfort, particularly in the summer months, are the new climatised seats, which are available for the first time with this model.

Drivers of the new G 55 AMG will also benefit from the latest generation of telematics equipment developed by Mercedes. The standard equipment COMAND APS system boasts a high-definition 6.5-inch colour display, rapid HDD navigation with aerial view, LINGUATRONIC for controlling audio, navigation and phone systems, a 4 GB memory for music files, and a slot for SD memory cards. Also available as an option is a DVDchanger and a universal interface for plugging in USB sticks, iPods, or other external audio devices.

The G 55 AMG is only available as a long-wheelbase station wagon with five doors. The vehicle will be available from September 2008 at a price of 121,618 euros (incl. 19 percent sales tax).

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