Like many other carmakers, Mercedes-Benz had to split its attention between Tokyo and Los Angeles, as both cities hosted important auto shows simultaneously.
The Germans did a pretty good job actually, capturing our imagination with the world debuts of the AMG Vision Gran Turismo study, as well as the racy Concept GLA 45 AMG. Mercedes also premiered new production models like the S 65 AMG and SLS AMG Final Edition at the show, which also hosted the U.S. debut of the GLA crossover.
The Concept GLA 45 AMG is a pre-production study that shows us how the upcoming GLA 45 AMG will look like. No big surprises here, and there are no new things under the hood either. The GLA 45 AMG uses the same powerplant from the A 45 AMG, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four delivering 355hp (360PS) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft), connected to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports dual clutch transmission and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
The AMG Vision Gran Turismo is all fantasy. It is a 1:1 scale model of the model that will be offered as special downloadable content for the Gran Turismo 6 video game. That being said, it does look spectacular.
A more down-to-earth car (if we’re allowed to use that expression for a 583hp car) is the Final Edition version of the SLS AMG supercar. Mercedes-Benz will only built 350 units of these cars that signal the end of the SLS AMG line. Final Edition models bring updated aerodynamics and interior upgrades, including “AMG FINAL EDITION - 1 of 350” badges.
The most powerful production Mercedes-Benz S-Class model ever made premiered in LA too. We’re talking about the S 65 AMG, which packs 621hp (630PS) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque from a 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine. Sporting a similar aero kit to the V8-powered S 63 AMG, the range-topping S-Class will set you back €232,050 in Germany.
Finally, Mercedes’ least spectacular car from the LA booth (but the most important in terms of sales) is the GLA, which had its U.S. debut at the show. The brand’s smallest crossover will arrive in U.S. dealerships in fall 2014.
By Dan Mihalascu
