non body-on-frame G from 2016 onwards?
Two internet articles claim that from 2016 onwards, the Mercedes G will abolish the body on frame construction. As a result the car would become 375kg lighter and more of a Range Rover competitor. If true (which I doubt as it would require a major redesign) I would have to do some soul-searching: Will the G loose its charm or will it be the ultimate version?
I say it is just talk, they want to finish production of the current format by 2015. The post 2015 model will, if at all conceived, will have to be integral chassis as you have mentioned; due to EC. regulations maintaining that, the ladder frame version has no crumple zones.
Lead time for pre-production vehicles is usually three to five years. If a 2016 version is to make production, we would have heard the drum beating well before now.
Wonder if that means the G will also lose its locking diffs like the modern RR's? - Maybe it will have three locking ETS traction control?
375KG lighter? Ad wonders to my current fuel bill LOL
Spider1V
It's all true. Pictures of the new lightweight G have been leaked from Graz.
:)
better looking than some of the tuners offerings, but a Suzuki Jimny underneath
better looking than some of the tuners offerings, but a Suzuki Jimny underneath
lol, spoil sport. Was getting ready to take orders from all the hairdressers on the forum. :)
"In 2012 the production contract between Mercedes-Benz and Magna Steyr was extended for another seven years – until 2019"
Full press release here:
http://www.magnasteyr.com/media/press-releases-news/news-page/2013/09/27...
Eddie.
I found this article:
http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/grosse-modellpflege-fuer-die-g-klasse-w46...
Google Translate:
According to a recent Auto Bild article, the G-Class W463 from 2016 (model year 2017) is to get a big facelift, while the W461 series remains almost unchanged.
Enclosed are the most important data for W463 Facelift:
Increase in width by 10 cm.
Significant weight reduction by 375 kg; new frame structure made of aluminum.
Multi-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones.
Engines: Diesel as R6 with 313 hp, gasoline than R6 with 367 hp and 4.0 liter V8 with 462 hp and an AMG variant as V8 with 571 horsepower, the V12 is omitted.
9-speed automatic.
Electric power steering.
Edged silhouette with almost vertical windows and steep tailgate is maintained.
Adaptive LED matrix light.
Portable air ducting blinds.
Numerous assistance systems and head-up display available.
The gemopfte G-Class to be built until at least 2027.
Unquote.
I am still sceptical.
So it looks as if they're putting reasonable power in.
So with 6 Merc 4x4 SUV models, you'd hope they'll get one right. :)
The general consensus on Facebook and Viermalvier.de is that the AutoBild claims about a a new G-Class for 2016/17 are rubbish except for the talk of new straight six diesels.
I quote a well respected German automotive journalist and G-Wagen expert:
"there is a lot off bullshit in Auto Bild"
Claims about a new B-Class based "GLB" and an ML Coupe seem plausible enough.
Eddie.
Seem unlikely. Those changes = new model, not a facelift.
% sales for 2007
It would appear these rumours do have some truth to them.
There are now two reliable sources (Auto Bild, jesmb.de) that mention major changes for the 2017 G. Whilst still vague, it appears that the updated G will be 10cm wider to allow for a modern front axle with electric power assisted steering. The body will be made of alloy instead of steel. The sources do not mention whether the body on frame construction will be retained.
An interesting development, it remains to be seen whether the extra 10cm width will dilute the design.