Big bang Benz on Nurburgring

Although the car is unlikely to be seen here before 2010, Carparazzi's trigger-happy team of snappers has captured this latest selection of pics showing the next-generation E-Class Mercedes-Benz, here in E63 AMG form.

We've run spy pics of the next E-Class in the past, but this is the first time we've been granted a view of the AMG version that will use a version of the normally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 that currently develops 378kW and 630Nm.

The Carparazzi shots capture the AMG E-Class testing at the Nurburgring in Germany, the car's identity revealed by the telltale quad exhaust and hunkered-down stance.

The next generation W212 E-Class will ape a lot of the styling introduced on the current W221 S-Class that came here in May 2005, with exaggerated wheel arch flares and rising character line extending from near the top of the front wheel arch through the door handles to a point just below the C-pillars.

Benz is expected to introduce many new E-Class features including lane-departure warnings, eye-movement monitor, traffic-sign identification, road-condition sensors, and stability control that accounts for crosswinds, camber changes, and tyre wear.

The engine lineup is expected to basically follow that of the current range, with petrol and diesel 3.0-litre V6s, a 3.5-litre petrol V6, and 5.5 and 6.2-litre V8s. The current E200K with its 135kW supercharged 1.8-litre engine could appear in the lineup as well.

-- with Carparazzi

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