G-Wagen

US Marine Corps had ordered Three Stars instead of the famous Humvee, simply due to limited space on their landing craft vessels.

Designed by Styer-Daimler-Puch, the G-Wagen was originally produced for military purposes back in the late 1970s. The first civilian product was introduced in 1979.

There were only two options for the Indonesian market; Short (SWB) and Long Wheel Base (LWB) in one engine type 2,800 cc DOHC 6 cylinder inline. The former in early introduction stage then it was dropped altogether for LWB GE-280. The engine shared from W123 which was in production from 1976 to 1985.

The engine was one of the smoothest revving and could scream all the way to 6,500 rpm. Being a robust engine it was fitted with fuel injection on the the latest model in 1985, but alas it was then dropped as an ordinary inline 6 cylinder made its way by 1986. Benz apparently concluded after a decade long production that DOHC engine was not suitable for an efficient power plant. Double Over Head Camshaft at the time as the gem of highly output Hp per cubic inch volume had too many moving parts.

With the advent of closed loop ECU, the engineer could design higher output per cubic inch volume on non DOHC engine. The replacement for 2,800 cc was an increase by 200 cc, a 3,000 cc 6 cylinders inline engine.

G-Wagen was not equipped with 3,000 cc until late 1980s, the GE-300. As four wheel drive all purpose vehicle, the G-Wagen was a tough competitor to Rangerover. It boasted coil spring suspension on all four corners and despite its 2.5 tonnes gross weight it's quite nimble and agile on a winding road.

The interior of GE-280 was spartan as much as the earlier Rangie, but seating capacity was larger as the back swing door allows for at least four people facing each other in comfort. Even the ride at aft the C-pillar is still comfortable and pleasant. And even compare to the modern Lexus/ land cruiser of 2000 production year, the G-280's ride is still much better.

Every doors needed to be slammed hard to close, as G-Wagen is completely waterproof up to the window-glass line height. Picture on left depicts interior of a 2005 AMG-G55.

The AMG-G55 Kompressor boasted 507 Hp with 0 - 100 km acceleration figure within 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h. That's more than adequate for your daily driving, but those who only own a basic spec instead don't be in despair! Like my GE-280 you could squeeze a bit out of its performance through a mere DIY modification work.

I had a fabulous time driving my own standard G Class Wagen. Though they might not be rare as AMG G55 (not even close to the rare Ford RS500 Cosworth), yet their basic specs car delivers as much. What's more the basic spec shares similar floorpan and chassis. GE280 needs to be rev hard to appreciate its the screaming engine. It is such a music to your ear.