Mercedes-Benz has given its new R-Class van (sorry, Grand Tourer) a dose of AMG shock therapy, creating the Vision R 63 showcar that the company will show in Frankfurt next week. Derived from a long-wheelbase R-Class, the Vision model is powered by Merc's new, AMG-built, naturally aspirated 6.3 liter powerplant. (More accurately, it measures 6.2 liters, but is being marketed with an extra 0.1 liter to remind buyers of the company's massive 6.3-liter V8 of yesteryear). The Vision's 510 hp and 465 ft-lbs. of torque can reportedly propel the 17-feet-long van to 62mph in around five seconds (though top speed is capped at a gentlemanly 155mph). Click through for more, or go to German Car Fans for the full press release.
As for gear swapping, it gets AMG's SpeedShift five-speed automatic with Touch Shift, plus steering-wheel-mounted paddles, as well as permanent all-wheel drive with 40:60 front/rear torque distribution. To keep all four tires on the tarmac during suburban chicanery, the Vision gets air suspension with Merc's Adaptive Damping System. Inside, toys abound, with four 7-inch flat-screen monitors, so second and third rows' worth of Fauntleroys can screen the latest SpongeBob in sufficient delicacy, as mom breaks the sound barrier en route to Country Day.
Related:
Mercedes to Unveil AMG M63 in Frankfurt [internal]