Security was tight and the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. couldn't get close, but they did manage to get photos of the upcoming ’13 Mercedes GL 63AMG without a spec of camouflage.

The most powerful model of the range is recognizable by the big wheels and AMG-rims, as well as the large front air-intakes.

Code-named "X166," the GL will be built on a stretched version of the next-generation M-class platform. It will feature LED daytime running lights on the bumper and new tail lamps around back.

The AMG will likely come with a 570-hp twin-turbo V8, paired to the brand's 7G-Tronic (7-speed) transmission.

Watch for the GL63 AMG to be shown off in production form at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, with a market release one month later.

Photo Credit: Vadim Arshansky and Eugene Sergienko/Brenda Priddy & Co.

The SEMA Hall of Fame Luncheon, held each year at the SEMA Show, brings together existing Hall of Fame members and honors the Hall's newest inductees. Submit your nomination for the 2012 class: SEMA Hall of Fame Nominations.

The deadline to submit nominations for the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame is March 16, 2012. Submit your SEMA Hall of Fame Nominations online.

Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association. It is designed to honor outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or the association's growth.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.semahof.com or contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or 909-978-6689.

Last year's SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—Art Chrisman, Gray Baskerville, Chris Economaki and John Towle—are all featured in the August issue of SEMA News, and their stories reveal how doing what they love resulted in major contributions that have left indelible positive marks on the specialty-equipment industry.

The SEMA Hall of Fame Luncheon, held each year at the SEMA Show, brings together existing Hall of Fame members and honors the Hall's newest inductees. Submit your nomination for the 2012 class: SEMA Hall of Fame Nominations.

The deadline to submit nominations for the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame is March 16, 2012. Submit your SEMA Hall of Fame Nominations online.

Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association. It is designed to honor outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or the association's growth.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.semahof.com or contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or 909-978-6689.

Last year's SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—Art Chrisman, Gray Baskerville, Chris Economaki and John Towle—are all featured in the August issue of SEMA News, and their stories reveal how doing what they love resulted in major contributions that have left indelible positive marks on the specialty-equipment industry.

A SEMA-supported bill to provide owners of antique and classic motor vehicles with a cap on property taxes paid on these vehicles was passed by the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Having already passed in the West Virginia House of Representatives, the bill will now be considered by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill would value antique and classic motor vehicles for property taxes at $1,000. At the most costly rate in West Virginia (approximately 3%), the actual property tax paid by antique or classic motor vehicle owners at the $1,000 value would only be about $30 per year. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A SEMA-supported bill to provide owners of antique and classic motor vehicles with a cap on property taxes paid on these vehicles was passed by the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Having already passed in the West Virginia House of Representatives, the bill will now be considered by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill would value antique and classic motor vehicles for property taxes at $1,000. At the most costly rate in West Virginia (approximately 3%), the actual property tax paid by antique or classic motor vehicle owners at the $1,000 value would only be about $30 per year. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Legislation has been introduced in the Wisconsin Assembly to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with a clear title, required safety equipment and in good working order. Under the bill, these registrations would be available to owners regardless of the vehicle’s color, former owner, or previous uses. Identical legislation has already been introduced in the Senate. The bills ensure that all vehicles, including ones that predate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or are specifically exempted from them, are not denied registration or forced into a highly restrictive registration class, for non-compliance with FMVSS. This includes pre-’68 vehicles, imports, kit cars, government surplus vehicles, etc.  

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Legislation has been introduced in the Wisconsin Assembly to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with a clear title, required safety equipment and in good working order. Under the bill, these registrations would be available to owners regardless of the vehicle’s color, former owner, or previous uses. Identical legislation has already been introduced in the Senate. The bills ensure that all vehicles, including ones that predate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or are specifically exempted from them, are not denied registration or forced into a highly restrictive registration class, for non-compliance with FMVSS. This includes pre-’68 vehicles, imports, kit cars, government surplus vehicles, etc.  

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Resolutions have been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate seeking recognition by the state for July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Earlier this year, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SAN is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. SAN is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at colbym@sema.org. 

Resolutions have been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate seeking recognition by the state for July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Earlier this year, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SAN is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. SAN is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at colbym@sema.org. 

Resolutions have been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate seeking recognition by the state for July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Earlier this year, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SAN is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. SAN is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at colbym@sema.org.