VATH Gets Busy on the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG: 680 HP Monster Emerges

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has always held a special place our hearts. Be it the rugged styling coupled with advanced German engineering, or the age-old box shape, this military-class SUV somehow never seems to become dated regardless of its stubborn resistance to change. So anytime someone tinkers with das Geländewagen, we can't help but take notice. This time around VAETH AUTOMOBILTECHNIK has applied their tuning chops to up the performance ante and throw in some aesthetic mods to boot.

The stock 5.5-liter supercharged V8 comes with 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which already puts the G-Class from AMG at the upper echelon of the sport SUV class in terms of power. Through some crafty engine tuning including a reworked intake manifold, outlet systems and fuel cooling, Vath manages to crank 680 hp from the same powerplant and offer up 620 tq. The speedometer runs through 330 km/h (206 mph) but top speed is reached somewhere around 165 mph. With this much power on tap, VATH relies on a sport brake system with 390 mm discs brakes. The upgraded shock absorbers drop the ride height 35 mm which accentuates the 22 x 10 inch light alloy wheels.

The VATH G55 AMG definitely makes a bold statement with its panda bear paint scheme and aggressive styling. On the exterior, Vath incorporates a new hood and front bumper with massive air intakes, LED daytime running lights and Xenon fog lamps, a roof spoiler, and a revised exhaust system with pipes set underneath the rocker panels. Inside, the G-Wagen gets swathed in leather while the steering wheel is clad in Alcantara. A new set of instrument gauges is also installed for added effect. There is no word yet on pricing and full performance specs are unavailable but we'll keep you posted...