The next-gen G63 continues to look like something made by tuning companies, which is probably not a bad thing. This heavily camouflaged test prototype was filmed around Stuttgart, and we can hear its V8 engine running, but not very loudly.
Obviously, with a new G63 comes a new engine, and it's quite interesting to look back at what they've offered over the years. There was the G55 AMG with 476 or 500 HP, a V12-powered G63 AMG with a 6.3-liter in 2002, as well as all those twin-turbo 5.5-liter monsters we have today.
This new G63 will use a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, similar to the one that's already in the 4x4 Squared, but with more exotic internals and about 200 more horsepower.
The gearbox is likely to have nine speeds, four more than the G55 had, but we don't believe they're going to install a drift mode a la E63.
Stylistically speaking, the new AMG body kit combines a familiar array of enlarged fender flares, air intakes, and grille. They've been placed on top of an already wider G-Class body, so they stand out a little less than before.
Are we surprised that the corners are a bit rounded off? Well, they did do that with the Ener-G-Force concept of 2012. But the G63 has much more in common with its predecessor than the futuristic terrain vehicle of five years ago.
The rumors are a little crazy when it comes to the weight loss, suggesting as much as 900 lbs will be shed. But it's difficult to imagine Mercedes engineers will remove three motorcycles' worth. Whatever the case, this G63 will post faster acceleration times than the current 5.4 seconds to 62 MPH. The EPA ratings of 11 mpg city and 13 mpg highway are also up for revision.
Despite wearing heavy camouflage, the G63 is already an advanced prototype that's been testing for about a year. As such, it should be one of the big debuts of 2018, and we're all excited to see what it can do.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News