AMG growing into new studio, lineup
Though it began as an independent tuner, AMG has become the ultimate factory performance division for Mercedes-Benz. That independent spirit is still alive at AMG as the division is establishing a new Performance Studio that will be dedicated to serving the needs of those people not satisfied with the AMG-tuned hardware at their local Mercedes dealership.
The AMG Performance Studio will work on three separate series of vehicles, according to Inside Line. The high-end will be occupied by the Signature Series, comprised of models that are extremely exclusive and designed to handle lap after lap on the track. The first Signature Series model will likely be a successor to the CLK DTM coupe/cabriolet pictured above. Then there's the Black Series, which will be "racetrack compatible" and very sporty, though likely more tractable in everyday driving than Signature Series models. Finally there's the Edition lineup that will be based on AMG production models and feature extensive cosmetic changes to both exteriors and interiors.
Inside Line reports these low-volume models will be "further up the performance index" than AMG's current production cars, which is remarkable considering the division's vehicles dwell exclusively at the upper end of the performance index.
[Source: Inside Line via Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
"racetrack compatible" 11:32AM (7/19/2006)
AMG doesn't make a single manual-tranny gearbox car, do they? What do AMGs have to do with a racetrack?
I have to say the AMG name could use quite a bit of performance upping. At one time we laughed at the C34, but this is a lot more serious. Every Mercedes line has at least one AMG in it. That means AMG makes "performance vehicles" such as the G55 and ML55. Additonally, in come cars, there are AMGs that are topped by regular vehicles. Witness the SLK55 below the SLK600. Ths same has been true in the SL and S series at times.
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PJ 12:54PM (7/19/2006)
#1, I was going to say, maybe now they'll have enough room to start building real transmissions...
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C 2:41PM (7/19/2006)
"further up the performance index"
And by performance they mean HP.
Drive whatever you want, but all cars fall into two categories: those with three pedals, and those with two pedals.
Do you think "more fun to drive" was ever a requirement for a new AMG?
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Tim C 5:42AM (7/20/2006)
While they make a G-class, M-class or R-class AMG they won't be taken seriously. They are crying out for a real gearbox and thank god they've decided to drop forced induction. Maybe someone at AMG has taken a good look at BMW's M division. When will the obsession with numbers stop though? Who cares if you've got 600bhp? If the car weighs two tonnes and is as pleasurable to drive as a Lexus you've failed AMG.
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Matt M 6:13PM (7/21/2006)
AMG doesn't make a single manual-tranny gearbox car, do they? What do AMGs have to do with a racetrack?
I have to say the AMG name could use quite a bit of performance upping. At one time we laughed at the C34, but this is a lot more serious. Every Mercedes line has at least one AMG in it. That means AMG makes "performance vehicles" such as the G55 and ML55. Additonally, in come cars, there are AMGs that are topped by regular vehicles. Witness the SLK55 below the SLK600. Ths same has been true in the SL and S series at times.
There is no SLK600. If Mercedes had enough trouble shoehorning the 5.5L V8 into the SLK what makes you think they were able to fit a honking V12 under the hood? Please check your facts before you post.
As for the 55 vs. 600. Every vehicle that Mercedes builds in 600 guise (i.e. non AMG V12 models such as the CL600, SL600 and S600) is available in 55 (soon to be 63) and 65 AMG form as well. The former a blown 5.5L V8 (currently being phased out by the company's in house built 6.2L V8) and the latter a twin turbo 6.0L V12. The reason AMG went and developed it's V12 powered 65 line is for people like you who complain that the V8 is outgunned by the larger V12.
The V8 AMG model was to be the "lighter" (honestly what AMG actually qualifies as light) more aggressive looking bad ass and the 600 the boulevard cruiser. But since people like you complain that the supposedly almighty AMG was down on torque and down four cylinders they went ahead and made an ultimate V12 AMG (the 65 cars). However Mercedes still has to use it's 5 speed auto since the V12 is too torquey for it's 7G-Tronic transmission and even then they have to limit torque in the first three gears. The 65 cars are often regarded as being too powerful and too heavy for their own good.
A good example of what I'm talking about is the Audi S8. It makes 450hp but the W12 model which has been around for a few years also is rated at 450hp (and has a higher peak torque output rating IIRC) but the S8 is lighter, sportier looking and tuned for more spirited driving than the relaxed W12 iteration despite being down on torque and down 2 cylinders compared with the W12.
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Keith 12:24PM (7/22/2006)
I will flat out say that while I drive a stick, and will always want to drive cars with a stick - AMG does auto trannies and they do them well. Doesn't matter if you like it or not, but their new cars are getting rave reviews against manual-transmission competitors, and are doing very well or winning tests. They are selling cars.
Hey, if anything, they are doing something a little different, and I like it.
I would take a E63 AMG in a second...but would still like a 911 or something for the weekends.
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