QUOTE
Mercedes' biggest off-roader, the G-Class, will finally get a replacement. The current G has been on the market an incredible 25 years. Again and again, it's been updated by adding electronic luxury like power windows, power steering, air conditioning, and even airbags. Inside, the plain ute was updated with wood finishes and leather seats. The most expensive is the current AMG version, which sells surprisingly well these days, in particular in theUnited States.
Now, however, DaimlerChrysler has finally planned to end the current G's career. A replacement will be released at the next Detroit Motor Show in January 2005.
The German automaker will launch at the same time in Detroit two more 4x4 models, the new M-Class and the new R-Class. The latter is a crossover addition to the new M-Class family, aimed at rivals like the Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg, and BMW X5.
The new G will go on sale in mid-2006, after the M- and R-Class vehicles: the M-Class and the short-wheelbase R-Class will appear in showrooms in early summer 2005, and the long-wheelbase R-Class will follow in autumn 2005, well ahead of the second generation G.
In order not to disappoint fans of the sturdy 4x4, DaimlerChrysler has developed a special top-of-the-line 4x4 package for the new G model. To meet the expectations of those potential buyers, it will definitely offer a lot more comfort and all the latest high-tech equipment. Power will come from two strong diesels, a 231-hp V-6 and a 300-hp V-8. Two new gas V-8 engines, a 4.6-liter engine with 326 hp and a 408-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 will be available. An AMG version may deliver 460 hp.
The photos are showing latest prototypes during current hot-weather testing in the desert of Death Valley. The computer-detailed image suggests how the new model might look like upon its release.
Now, however, DaimlerChrysler has finally planned to end the current G's career. A replacement will be released at the next Detroit Motor Show in January 2005.
The German automaker will launch at the same time in Detroit two more 4x4 models, the new M-Class and the new R-Class. The latter is a crossover addition to the new M-Class family, aimed at rivals like the Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg, and BMW X5.
The new G will go on sale in mid-2006, after the M- and R-Class vehicles: the M-Class and the short-wheelbase R-Class will appear in showrooms in early summer 2005, and the long-wheelbase R-Class will follow in autumn 2005, well ahead of the second generation G.
In order not to disappoint fans of the sturdy 4x4, DaimlerChrysler has developed a special top-of-the-line 4x4 package for the new G model. To meet the expectations of those potential buyers, it will definitely offer a lot more comfort and all the latest high-tech equipment. Power will come from two strong diesels, a 231-hp V-6 and a 300-hp V-8. Two new gas V-8 engines, a 4.6-liter engine with 326 hp and a 408-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 will be available. An AMG version may deliver 460 hp.
The photos are showing latest prototypes during current hot-weather testing in the desert of Death Valley. The computer-detailed image suggests how the new model might look like upon its release.
