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Mercedes completes production of G63 AMG 6x6

Considering its 19-foot length, it sure was short-lived. A flash in the pan, really, in so far as a 4-ton beast could possibly be. But the Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 is reportedly wrapping up its short production run this month. Based on a military variant of the legendary Gelandewagen but built for civilian consumption, the G63 AMG was – and will likely forever remain – the ultimate version of Benz's ultimate off-roader. It features six driven wheels on three axles with five differentials, all powered by AMG's stalwart 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. Mercedes rolled out the 6x6 on all its half-dozen driven wheels barely over a year ago, and despite its half-million-dollar sticker price, demand soared. But after selling about 100 of them, the German automaker is putting it to pasture, ensuring its rarity in the annals of off-roader history. In its place, Benz will now begin production of the (relatively and slightly) less bonkers G500 4x42, which employs a tamer 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 driving a more conventional four wheels, and ditches the pickup short-bed for an enclosed wagon body-style, but keeps its eccentric big brother's jacked-up ride height. Those looking for the last word in power, though, will be more interested in the twelve-cylinder G65 that will now be coming to US dealers with a $200k+ sticker price. Related Video:

Mercedes-AMG Sprinter63 S is a perfect April Fools' prank

The pranksters at Mercedes-Benz USA need to check their calendars because April Fools' Day isn't until tomorrow. Still, the folks over there deserve points for taking something that should be absolutely absurd and making it look great. Meet the Mercedes-AMG Sprinter63 S. This utilitarian van can seriously haul the mail thanks to the performance division's latest 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 boasting 503 horsepower under the hood. With a retuned suspension and rear diffuser, it should hold the road with aplomb while delivering packages at very high speeds. We really have to give Mercedes credit on the renderings too because they almost look realistic. However, the company misses the chance to really take things over the top by not basing the AMG Sprinter on the latest 4X4 model. When driving a performance van with over 500-horsepower putting your foot down should mean billows of tire smoke from the front and rear axles. Related Video: Introducing the all-new Mercedes-AMG Sprinter63 S. A combination of legendary performance and driving dynamics from Mercedes-AMG with the utility and capacity of a Sprinter Van. Ready to attack corners with its AMG custom-engineered sport suspension, the Sprinter63 S is powered by a 503hp handcrafted 4.0-liter biturbo V-8-which means it's also ready to haul a lot more than just cargo. It's exactly what you'd expect of our high performance division, if they were given the keys to a Sprinter van.

European automakers gear up for Brazilian production

Brazil is the place to be, apparently. Toyota has been investing in the South American country, as has BMW, which announced a $261 million investment in October 2012, on the heels of an Audi factory announcement in San José Chiapa. The high-end immigration is only set to continue, as Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar-Land Rover have both announced plans to set up manufacturing operations there.
Mercedes is the big news here, as its new facility will see the German manufacturer invest 170-million euros for production of its next-generation C-Class and upcoming GLA-Class. "Brazil is an important future market. With our local production we accept the challenge and take on the competition," noted Andreas Renschler, Management Board member for Production and Procurement at Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Production is expected to begin by 2016.
Jaguar-Land Rover, meanwhile, isn't so concrete in its plans. The news of its investment in South America comes from a job posting for a plant quality manager in Brazil that was picked up by the UK's AutoCar. "Portuguese language skills will be definite advantage" for interested candidates, according to the job listing. The want ad follows on the heels of remarks by Jaguar Land Rover's Dr. Ralph Speth, who said there are "very intensive discussions" with Brazil's government. Unlike Mercedes, there's no mention of which vehicles will be produced in South America, although AutoCar thinks the Freelander, sold in the US as the LR2, is a leading contender.