THE G-WAGENS OF THE 2013 FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW Chapter 2: Hamann Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG Spyridon
The name makes you think of some novel gadget invented by Q branch, but in actuality, it's Hamann's rather gaudy take on the Gelandewagen. Actually, in comparison to the example introduced at the Geneva motor show, this black-on-black example is somewhat tasteful, having ditched the gaudy gold accents.
Although the Spyridon can be based on either a eight-cylinder G63 AMG or the twelve-cylinder G65 AMG, this particular truck is built from the latter. Normally, the AMG-built twin-turbocharged 6.0 liter V-8 throws down 612 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, but Hamann massaged the monster motor to bring output to 702 hp and 811 lb-ft. As rugged as the G may be, we're not sure it -- or any passenger vehicle -- could handle much more power.
Exterior modifications include the requisite giant rims with low-profile tires, and a body kit -- namely flares, bumpers, and rocker sills -- that helps envelop the enlarged rolling stock. The rocker sills neatly incorporate side-exit exhausts, which are capped with rectangular tips. The hood, boasting a center air intake, is fabricated from carbon fiber, and a spoiler out back provides questionable aerodynamic gains -- this thing is shaped like a box, remember? Also note the lack of the age-old fender-top turn signals; Hamann's incorporated the function into the LED strips placed below the headlamps, and installed NACA ducts on top of the fenders. Because NACA ducts, that's why.
