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2013 Merc E63 AMG Estate to get Twin-Turbo V8? 
While Mercedes has yet to unveil its newest E-Class Sport Wagon, rumors are already swirling about what will power its replacement. When the E63 AMG Estate goes under the knife for a midlife refresh in 2013 it will be bestowed with an even meaner and more powerful V8. Mercedes is currently developing a new series of direct injection turbo-charged power plants to help meet the EU’s emissions and efficiency requirements. This engine will displace fewer liters than the current 6.2L and offer gobs of torque thanks to the use of at least one turbocharger. At the end of the day, look for the 2013 E-Class AMG to pack a 500hp 4.6L twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers better fuel economy, fewer CO2 emissions, and very accessible tuning. Furthermore, look for the C-Class AMG Estate to loose its current V8 in favor of a forced-induction six cylinder at about the same time.
June 10th (Source: MotorAuthority)
B7 RS4 Avant in Movie “Go Fast” 
In the recent 2008 French Foreign film “Go Fast,” the venerable B7 Audi RS4 Avant plays a major role. The movie’s plot involves an undercover police officer trying to stop a gang of high-speed drug runners who are transporting hash from Spain to France. While the movie is mediocre overall, it has an all-star lineup of cars. The RS4 Avant gets a lot of screen time and is driven often by the main character, but other impressive appearances include an E60 BMW M5, E46 M3 Coupe, Maserati Quattroporte, 911 (997) Carrera, and Porsche Cayenne S. While certainly not worth paying $10 to see in a theater, Go Fast is nevertheless a worthwhile watch if you’re as obsessed as we are with the RS4 Avant.
June 9th
Production E-Class Shooting Brake?
In recent years auto manufacters have been on a quest to create new vehicle segments (crossovers, BMW X6, BMW 5er GT, Merc CLS, ect.) and increase sales. Mercedes is no exception, and to this end, may be planning an E-Class shooting brake. This rumor has been circulating for quite some time, especially after Mercedes unveiled their “Concept Fascination” at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. This new E-Class body style would blend an estate body with a coupes shape and offer sporty looks with excellent practicality. Compared to a traditional wagon, the Merc would probably only seat four, but offer improved handling and aerodynamics. Most importantly, the 3-door shooting brake would give Mercedes an upper hand in sales over Audi, Jaguar, and Lexus. One could even see the shooting brake as a competitor to BMW’s new 5-series GT, which has four doors, but a coupe like roof line and seating only for four. If the E-Class shooting brake makes it into production, expect to see the same mechanials for the E-Class coupe (which actually rides on a C-Class chassis) and similar engine options. An E550 shooting brake would certainly be produced, while a 500hp 6.2L V8 varient would be less likely.
Full Profile and Photos
June 9th (Source: Autoblog)
Merc E-Class Estates Spied Testing in Namibia
Like every major automaker, Mercedes ensures its production vehicles withstand extremes temperatures. The 2010 Mercedes E-Class is no exception, and to that end, the German automaker has been putting the car through its paces in the harsh desert climate of Namibia. Autoblog reader “Tom” happened to catch a pair of the upcoming wagons testing on gravel roads and snapped a few photos. Especially interesting is one of the examples- a “murdered” black on black E550 with seriously tinted windows. Sporting duel exhausts, the wagons 5.5L V8 produces about 390 horsepower and will likely accelerate the 7-speed automatic E550 Estate to 60 mph in about 5 seconds. The E-class Estate will face stiff competition when its unveiled, ascustomers interested in powerful and spacious sport wagons will have to choose between the E-class, BMW’s upcoming twin-turbo’d V8 550iT, and Audi’s supercharged A6 3.0T Avant. Stay tuned for more information on Mercedes E550 Estate when its unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
June 8th (Source: AutoBlog)
Here at the Sport Wagon Enthusiast we are all about utility, efficiency, and performance. VW’s new Mk. VI Golf GTD offers all this and more for a reasonable price. Marketed as a high performance diesel hatchback, and Golf GTD is essentially the GTI of diesels. Sporting VW’s proven 2.0L turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, the GTD produces 168bhp and an impressive 258lb-ft of torque. Offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG transmission, the front-wheel drive Golf GTD sprints to 62 in 8.1 seconds and will continue to 138mph. These performance figures aren’t anything special until you consider that the GTD will return a combined (city and highway) 44.4 mpg (5.3L/100 km) on the European cycle. With a 14.5 gallon fuel tank, this means the GTD can travel over 620 miles on a single tank. No word yet on whether or not the GTD will be available in North America, but with fuel prices rising once more, it would certainly seem like a prudent decision for VW.
Full Profile
June 7th (Source: VAG)
AC Schnitzer BMW M5 Touring
Renowned German tuner AC Schnitzer has done it again: they’ve made one of BMW’s finest even better. Starting with the V10-poweredM5 Touring the German firm has increased power, sharpened the handling, and added tasteful exterior styling to create the ACS5. To produce more power out of the stock 507hp 5.0L mill, AC Schnitzer adds a custom engine control module, new exhaust manifold, sport catalysts, and a new twin rear silencer. These modifications allow the V10 to produce about 10% more power, a staggering 552bhp. With custom ECU tuning and engine mapping, the ACS5 can reach an aerodynamically limited speed of ~199 mph. Keeping the modified M5 Touring glued to the road is a custom suspension system, which includes new performance springs and an aluminum front strut brace. The tuner notes that the ACS5's suspension has been heavily tested by its racing driver and technical director Manfred Wollgarten around the Nurburgring. To stop the hefty German athlete, AC Schnitzer has replaced the stock front 2-pot calipers with a high performance 8-pot system. Finishing the package off its custom carbon fiber aerodynamics and lightweight 20” racing wheels.
Full Profile
June 6th (Source: AC Schnitzer)
SWGreen: Volvo V70 Plug-In Diesel-Electric Hybrid
Has Volvo been listening to our prayers at night? Or maybe it’s been all the letters we’ve been sending? Either way, Volvo has created a prototype diesel hybrid wagon that aims to revolutionize sport wagons (and a lot of segments for that matter). Starting with their fairly new V70 Estate, Volvo engineers modified the diesel engine to run on renewable synthetic fuels that emit very low quantities of C02. While the diesel mill drives the front wheels, a 11.3 kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack powers the rear axle. The battery is charged in about 5 hours and improves the V70s performance and fuel economy. While this V70 is exactly what we’ve been dreaming of for quite some time, the technology will undoubtedly be further refined, and hopefully will be engineered to produce slightly more performance. Imagine if a BMW 335d Touring made sweet love with a Tesla Roadster. Welcome to our world. But for the time being, we’ll just say “Thanks Volvo,” its about damn time we entered the 21st Century.
Hit the jump for pictures and a video of the V70 Diesel Electric Hybrid Prototype
June 4th (Source: Autoblog)
2010 E-Class Estate Spied
While the newest Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan and coupe have already been released, the German automaker is still refining its midsize estate. Seen above in this AutoExpress spy spot, the sport wagon is thinly camouflaged and on the verge of production. The recently revealed E63 AMG sedan nearly guarantees the estate version will pack the same 518hp 6.2L V8. With 630NM of torque, expect the E63 AMG Estate to sprint to 60 in 4.5 seconds (4.6 to 100 km/h) and reach a governed terminal velocity of 155mph. While not all E-class estates will benefit from this beast of an engine, they will have cutting-edge technology from the S-class and suspension derived from the nimbler C-class. As always, this most recent Mercedes estate promises to be best. The final product is expected to be revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
June 4th (Source: AutoExpress)
Opel OPC Sports Tourer Officially Unveiled
While we have been seeing Opel’s new Insignia OPC Sports Tourer in spy shots for several months now, the Germany company only recently officially unveiled its most potent Sport Wagon ever. Along with its sedan counterpart, the OPC Sports Tourer will come standard with all-wheel drive a 2.8L twin-scroll turbocharged V6 packing 325hp and 295lb-ft of torque. Rivaling the Audi S4 Avant and BMW 335i Touring in the power department, the OPC sends its grunt to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission and is controlled by an electronic limited slip differential. Opel claims its OPC Sports Tourer can hit 62.5 mph in 6.0 seconds flat and will continue onto an electronically limited 155 mph. Differentiating itself from the Sports Tourer, the OPC high-performance variant sports lower suspension, a Brembo cross-drilled big-brake package, aggressive visual enhancements, and Recaro sport seats. Look for the Opel OPC Sports Tourer and its badge engineered cousin, the Vauxhall Insignia VXR to go on sale in the Fall of 2009 in Europe and unfortunately never in the U.S.
Full Profile and Photos
June 2nd (Source: CarScoop)
Vader’s Wagon: VATH V63RS
If Darth Vader ever wanted to carry a full load of groceries AND travel 200 mph down the Autobahn, the VATH V63RS would be the car for him. Starting with Mercedes C63 AMG Sport Wagon, German tuning firm VATH has provided a very healthily boost in horsepower and finished off with some aggressive styling. The factory 457hp 6.2L V8 is tweaked to produce an Audi RS6-beating 585hp and an impressive 690NM or torque. While VATH hasn’t released a 0-60 figure yet, we project it will be significantly below 4 seconds. VATH does report that their V63RS will accelerate to a top speed of 202 mph- making their tuned C63 a member of the exclusive 200+ mph Sport Wagon club. In addition to power upgrades, VATH has upgraded the AMG estate with an advanced limited-slip differential, sport suspension, upgraded brakes, 20 inch wheels, and a staggered 245/30 + 285/25 tire set up. The whole package is topped off with carbon fiber galore, adorning the hood, front apron, and rear diffuser.
June 1st (Source: CarScoop)
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