SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 600 GUARD (W 222) spotted in Scandinavia + latest shots

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We are around two months ahead of the release of the first official pictures and details surrounding the brand new S-Class, Merc's most anxiously awaited new model. In the last year, test prototypes used for the on-road development phase have gradually lost their exterior cladding, revealing more and more interesting details hidden in the outer design of the new luxury flagship from Stuttgart.

The new S-Class will be the first car in its market segment capable of driving itself without the intervention of the driver. Using radar technology, the premium saloon will be able to scan the road paving in front of the car and manage the suspension and dampers to improve dynamics and stability through the MAGIC RIDE CONTROL and MAGIC BODY CONTROL systems. Another highlighting feature of the W 222 generation is the Intelligent Drive concept that gathers an entire array of safety-dedicated features: PRE-SAFE, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, Real Life Safety wrong-way detection system, the 3D Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera and many more state-of-the-art solutions that have been already previewed on the new E-Class 2013. Last, but not least, the S-Class is the first car ever to function without any single light bulb, as those are fully replaced with LEDs.

The new S-Class will become an even more upscale luxury limousine, as it is also intended to replace the already ditched Maybach brand. At the start of sales, programed after summer 2013, a choice of two different wheelbase lengths will be available: the standard and the LWB variant. Apart from those, beginning 2014 and 2015 respectively, two new variants will also be added in the portfolio: the S-Class XL (an elongated LWB variant) specially developed for the Chinese market and the S-Class Pullman with up to 6.5 meters in overall length.

The engine lineup will consist of numerous diesel, gasoline and hybrid powerplants, going from straight-four up to V12. Several clean and efficient BlueTEC versions replacing the current CDI units will also be released, as are the new HYBRID, BlueTEC HYBRID and PLUG-IN HYBRID, with specifications yet to be confirmed. The range-topping AMG models will also be part of the family, with the new S 63 AMG intended to receive 4MATIC and more power (557 hp or 585 hp) and the new V12-powered S 65 AMG remaining fully committed to rear-wheel-drive and boasting up to 680 hp. Mercedes-Benz have reportedly fully developed in-house a brand new automatic, 9-speed gearbox entitled called 9G-TRONIC that is also expected to premiere on the new S-Class.

Spy photographers from all over the world have spotted various camouflaged S-Class test vehicles. Lately, the guys with cameras that were dispatched in Northern Europe snagged some early test prototypes of the upcoming S-Class GUARD high-security representative model, slated to enter production next year. The modified, slightly wider body with visibly added metal panels, the different filler area and the front wing-placed spots for inserting flags depict the model. This special variant, built only upon specific request and intended for diplomatic use, will feature an extended wheelbase, an extensively armoured body and several, bespoke protection measures to make it withstand some of the most demanding threats - weapon attack, fire attack, chemical attack. The S-Class GUARD will also be fitted with the latest generation of communication devices and most of the technological features of the standard S-Class. However, the extra protection package adds important kilograms to the kerb weight. To counterbalance that effect, the GUARD variant is offered only in conjuction with the future S 600 model powered by a new V12 biturbocharged engine cranking out around 550 hp.

Image Credits: MotorWard / Autoblog.it / Gmotors.co.uk / CAR / DriveArabia

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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SPY: A 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 600 V12 prototype spotted in Sindelfingen

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The colleagues from Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog were able to sneak some fresh spy shots of the forthcoming S-Class in Sindelfingen, the main site where the luxury flagship will be assembled beginning with 2013. Although we have uncovered most of the secrets behind the W 222 and we can sketch the exterior design quite accurately, this new set of street captures brings some new details.

If you look closely at the photo we have posted above, you will be able to spot a hint that tells you this is actually the very first S 600 test prototypes spotted so far. If you haven't already noticed, the light-blue coloured S-Class features a half-split exhaust pipe, a featured which is reserved for the V12-powered models solely. In fact, this design signals a quad exhaust configuration, all so necessary to handle the high output and the consequent emissions. When it is unveiled in 2014, the future S 600 V12 will be powered by an all new 12-cylinder engine, engineered by Mercedes-AMG and rated at around 550-560 hp.

Some rumors are pointing out the fact Mercedes-Benz executives could have already given a second thought and are planning to reveal the new S-Class earlier than mentioned before. If we are to believe the official German dealers who state the market launch of the W 222 is scheduled for May next year (with orders being greenlighted from January) for the standard and S 63 AMG variants, then we could have a big surprise at NAIAS Detroit 2013. According to latest reports, the 4MATIC and the HYBRID versions of the new S-Class will be available beginning with the end of next year.

Image/Info Credits: Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog / GermanCarForum

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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REPORT: Mercedes-Benz hands the V12 business over to Mercedes-AMG GmbH

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In a world dominated by an on-going, ever-present economical crisis that began at the end of 2008, the plans of automotive companies are continuously changing. Mercedes-Benz makes no exception, as in the last 3-4 years, there have been enough rumors stating that the German carmaker took the difficult decision of axing any future V12 model from the lineup, with the remaining ones being kept until their lifecycle would run over.

The prospect was visibly cloudy before Mercedes-Benz came up with the brand new S 65 AMG in 2009 and the CL 65 AMG a year later, and now in 2012 with the all new generation of the SL 65 AMG and the unexpected G 65 AMG. Out of the blue, the situation changed radically in favour of retaining the V12 choices in the model portfolio. Moreso, since this year began, there have appeared several, scattered reports on future 12-cylinder engine powered cars that would carry the Star logo. The rumors quickly shaped up nicely into definite possibilities after it was found out Mercedes-Benz would replace the Maybach brand with several upscale variants of the forthcoming S-Class (W 222), including the S 600 Pullman extended wheelbase premium limousine.

Days ago, it was found out that Mercedes-AMG will take over the V12 job from Mercedes-Benz. This is a strategic and fruitful decision, as the Affalterbach company has the necessary expertise in this field and a long experience in casting out one of the most refined 12-cylinder petrol powerplants in the automotive industry, like the current 6.0 litre version in its two basic form: the M275 with 612 hp and the upgraded M279 with revised engine technology and 630 hp.

For the future models displaying "600" badge, AMG will develop a brand new unit, with a smaller output than the M279, but most certainly high-end performance and efficiency superior to the current 5.5-litre V12 with 517 hp. For its own branded "65" variants, the firm will probably use a massively tweaked and thoroughly updated M279 engine, which should enable them to reach a top value of 650 hp and more than 1,000 Nm of maximum torque. The new Mercedes-Benz models equipped with V12 power from Mercedes-AMG will be officially released starting with 2014. A long waiting, we'd be tempted to say, but it will certainly be for good. Stay tuned to Mercedes-Benz-Blog to find out the latest on this issue!

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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DIAPORAMA: Meet the mindblowing, high-performance Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG with V12 power

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Celebration of a new generation of the G-Class could never have been so special. The Gelandewagen was specifically upgraded to the next level. While retaining the essential boxy styling, the Mercedes-Benz designers have refreshed the looks of the G-Class with subtle, yet distinctive features, such as the LED daytime lights, the new exterior mirrors, the extended range of wheel designs and the substantially revised interior.

The Gelandewagen is now fully up-to-date thanks to the complete portfolio of assistance systems and communication technologies as well as the rich range of customization options and the efficient engine lineup. But it was not the standard G-Class, nor the new G 63 AMG that would fire the stage of the automotive industry. Instead, the Germans shocked the public with the ultimate G 65 AMG V12 SUV. With 612 naughty ponnies pumping out of the classic 6.0-litre twinturbocharged 12-cylinder powerplant, the outrageous 4x4 vehicle developed in the Affalterbach labs is more of a technical masterpiece for passionate collectors rather than a first-choice vehicle for most of the potent Mercedes-Benz clients. The purchasing price is insane, exceeding €260,000 in Germany, but so is the technology underpinning the G 65 AMG.

You cannot request efficiency when talking about a V12-powered vehicle, because the attribute that best describes it is radical dynamism at its utmost. And this is what the new G 65 AMG is all about, apart from being a powerful demonstration of AMG's infinite resources and dedication.

Image Credits: Daimler AG

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