A G55 AMG. Image: Mercedes-Benz
If you had to get from Point A to Point B on paved roads, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG would be a good choice to do so in the most expeditious manner. What if you had to do so on fire roads, or snow-packed mountain passes, or across desolate stretches of sandy desert? If that’s a likely scenario for you, and if you’ve got a bank account that starts with a number followed by a whole bunch of zeroes, there’s good news on the horizon: AMG may be building a 612 horsepower version of Mercedes’ legendary Gelaendewagen SUV.
The G-Wagen, as it’s more commonly referred to, started life as a military and commercial vehicle. The European public soon embraced it, and the G-Wagen has earned a reputation as a go-anywhere, do-anything luxury vehicle. AMG has worked their magic on previous G-Wagens, such as the 500 GE 6.0 AMG (good for 331 horsepower) and the G 55 AMG (good for 382 horsepower). There was even the uber-exclusive G 63 AMG, good for 444 horsepower, but only 12 were ever built.
The fastest G-Wagen on the road today is the G 55 Kompressor AMG, whose blown V-8 cranks out 507 horsepower. Just in case that’s not schnell enough for you, AMG is said to be working on a 6.0 liter, twin-turbo V12 G-Wagen, good for the aforementioned 612 horsepower and a mind boggling 737 pound feet of torque. There’s no word yet on whether such a beast will be built, or in what quantities, or at what cost. If you’ve got the need for such a truck, you probably have the money, so start expressing your enthusiasm for the G65 with Mercedes as soon as you can.
Source: Auto Guide
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
