Island launch for 63 and new Benz boss

Mercedes-Benz launched its latest AMG models at Phillip Island yesterday. The German marque also used the occasion to 'unveil' its new Aussie operation CEO and President, Wolfgang Schremp

Herr Schremp welcomed the local motoring media and officially announced the availability of the latest '63' badged AMG models. Though the E 63 AMG was launched with the upgraded E-Class range a few weeks ago, it was the first 'showing' of the new CLK 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG and Benz's uber-SUV, the ML 63 AMG.

All four models, and the soon-to-arrive S 63 AMG, are powered by an all-new, all-AMG 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8. Dubbed the M156, the new engine is exclusive to AMG, with each and every example hand-built by a single technician in the Mercedes-Benz performance arm's factory in Affalterbach near Stuttgart.

The M156 replaces the supercharged and natmo V8s that graced the AMG '55' series cars. That said, the charismatic, if gruff, '55' series engine continues in the SL 55 AMG, though with some changes and extra power and torque for 2006/07.

Power outputs vary across the 63 range from 354kW in the case of the CLK to a whopping 386kW in the limo-like S. The E and CLS get a 378kW version; with the ML's mill just 3kW shy of the same figure. Torque is limited to 630Nm across the 63 range -- giving rise to the engine's nomenclature, says Benz (Not bad rounding-up of capacity as we thought!)

The AWD ML kicks off the 63 range at $159,900 -- a performance SUV 'bargain' compared to the likes of Porsche's Cayenne Turbo, though significantly more 'weighty' in dollars terms than stablemate, Jeep's 300kW-plus Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Next up is the CLK, available in both Coupe and Cabriolet versions priced from $199,100 and $213,100 respectively. Of all the models changed with the introduction of the new engines, the CLK benefits the most. The new car is significantly sharper and sportier than the outgoing CLK 55 and better for it. Hairdressers need no longer apply...

The E and CLS 63 will comprise the bulk of AMG sales Down Under next year, says Mercedes-Benz -- around 200 and 100 units respectively. The CLS tops the currently available 63s priced from $252,300, while, available in both sedan and estate (read: wagon) variants, the E 63 kicks off at $227,600.