Tags: AMG Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG Grand Edition autoshow Los Angeles Auto Show 2006 tuning
Special Edition for G500 and Supercharged G55 AMG ModelsThe industry’s most rugged and iconic sport utility vehicle for more than 25 years, the venerable Mercedes-Benz G-Class, is making an appearance at the Greater L.A. Auto Show, January 6 – 13, 2006.
A limited-production “Grand Edition” celebrates its unique standing in the automotive world with a diverse palette of paint colors and a choice of two interior leather colors on the G500 with burl walnut and three interior premium leather choices on the G55 AMG with natural maple wood.
Standard on both the G500 and G55 AMG models, the “Grand Edition” includes a sequentially numbered silver badge that’s affixed to the center console, and aficionados will appreciate a copy of the production “sign-off” sheet (with the same sequential number) that comes in every Grand Edition vehicle. Velour floor mats with a Grand Edition logo complete the package along with a Grand Edition medallion that is mounted on the front fenders.
Two V8-Powered G-Class Models
While the 5.0-liter V8 in the G500 produces 292 hp and 336 lb-ft. of torque, the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG is powered by a supercharged V8 that increases horsepower and torque by more than 50 percent. Based on the G500 engine, displacement of the AMG-built 5.5-liter supercharged V8 is increased via a longer-stroke crankshaft – 3.62 inches vs. 3.31 for the standard 5.0-liter. Connecting rods and forged pistons are selected for each engine in weight-matched sets. With the addition of a belt-driven Lysholm or screw-type supercharger, plus a water-cooled intercooler for intake air, the G55 AMG engine produces 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of peak torque for 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds.
To balance the increased performance, larger, vented and perforated 13-inch front brakes provide increased stopping power for the G55 AMG. Externally the G55 AMG is set apart from the G500 by exclusive chrome trim, “V8 Kompressor” badging and 9.5 x 18-inch AMG slotted monoblock wheels with 285/55 performance tires. The G500 rolls on 7.5 x 18 alloy wheels with 265/60 tires.
Military Roots
Developed for military duty and originally called the Geländewagen in Europe (for “terrain vehicle”), the G-Class is a no-compromise off-roader with a cliff-climbing, stump-pulling personality. Handcrafted at a special manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, the G-Class can climb grades up to 36 degrees (80% slopes), and it’s even stable on lateral inclines up to 24 degrees (54% slopes), making the G-Class a top performer in its segment.
Based on Mercedes-Benz’ own stringent guidelines, the G-Class features a tough body-on-frame design with a torsionally rigid chassis that also meets all U.S. government crash test standards. Evidence of its military roots, the brawny G-Class suspension makes use of super-strong rigid axles at the front and rear as well as longitudinal and transverse links with coil springs and gas shocks at all four corners.
Standard ABS anti-lock brakes help to provide directional control during emergency braking, while Mercedes-Benz Brake Assist ensures full-power braking in emergency stops. In addition, Electronic Brake Force Distribution provides enhanced straight-line stopping, while retaining good braking in curves.
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive with Three Differential Locks
G-Class models channel their power through an electronic five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift control and a full-time four-wheel-drive system, which includes a two-speed transfer case with electronically controlled high and low ranges. Its fully synchronized low range can even be engaged on the fly at speeds up to about 15 miles per hour.
The G-Class distributes torque through front, center and rear differentials, all of which can be locked for off-road use while the vehicle is in motion through buttons located on the dashboard. To reduce wheelspin in extremely low-traction situations, the center and rear differential locks can be engaged anytime that the G-Class is off-pavement. In the most slippery off-road situations – in deep mud, for example – the front differential can also be engaged for maximum traction.
Civilized Civilian Refinement
With a simple, classic design – plus many technological innovations for safety and convenience from Mercedes cars – the G-Class balances its proven off-road credentials with a liberal dose of sumptuous on-road comfort and a well insulated interior. Standard equipment for the G500 includes a full leather interior with burl walnut trim and a heated wood-leather steering wheel. The G500 also comes with power windows, 10-way electrically adjustable front seats with three memory positions, front and rear heated seats, cruise control, central door locks, and automatic climate control. The G55 AMG features an exclusive designo charcoal Nappa leather interior, AMG gauges and natural maple wood trim.
The G-Class also boasts a Harman/Kardon premium sound system, driver-side multi-contour seat, and a rear park assistant that alerts the driver to the proximity of objects located behind the vehicle. Additionally, the G-Class models are equipped with a standard GPS navigation system featuring a large, integrated display on the center console. The display also controls the harman/kardon premium sound system and SIRIUS satellite radio (including a six-disc CD changer), as well as an optional hands-free digital phone integrated into the center console. For more convenience the G-Class features a speech recognition system that allows both the phone and the audio system to be controlled by simple voice commands.
All G-Class vehicles come with two-stage front air bags for the driver and front passenger and window curtain air bags that provide greater safety for front and outboard rear passengers in the event of a side impact or rollover. Three-point seat belts for all five occupants in place while the outboard seating positions are fitted with electronic belt tensioners that take slack out of the seat belts in the early stages of a collision. As deceleration forces build during an impact, the seat belts also feature belt force limiters that relax the belts slightly to help minimize belt-related injuries.
The Tele Aid Connected Car
The G-Class comes standard with the Mercedes Tele Aid telematics system, which offers an array of security features, and personalized convenience services. If an air bag or a seatbelt tensioning device deploys in a collision, the system automatically attempts to establish contact with a central response center where specialists relay pertinent information to emergency responders. If an occupant is unable to respond, the specialist summons local police, fire or emergency services and guides them to the vehicle’s location.
To help emergency responders locate the vehicle quickly, the system transmits information such as the location of the vehicle (through GPS satellite tracking), model and color. This feature can also be manually triggered by pressing the on-board “SOS” button in the overhead console. The biggest potential benefit of Tele Aid could well be eliminating the need to dial a phone number, use a cellular access code, juggle a handset or locate street names during an emergency. Tele Aid response specialists can also notify the owner’s emergency contacts, an often invaluable service when a driver is unable to respond or is rushed to an emergency room.
Remote electronic diagnostics, emergency door unlock and alarm notification via home telephone. Another benefit of Tele Aid is vehicle theft recovery, which can help authorities locate the car once the owner reports it stolen.
Tele Aid includes two other features for non-emergency use. One button marked with the symbol of a wrench puts the client in contact with Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance. Another button marked with the letter “i” offers users the option to ask questions about their car by talking with either their dealer or with the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center.
