Autoblog AMG

Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Green, Technology, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the rumors that have been floating around in recent days - it will build an electrically powered version of its upcoming SLS gullwing coupe. The EV version of the SLS will drive all four wheels by means of an individual motor for each corner. It will not however use wheel hub motors, since those add too much unsprung mass. The motors will be mounted just inboard of the suspension components.

Energy will be stored in a 48 kWh liquid cooled lithium ion battery pack running down the central tunnel. The combined output of the electric drive system is 392 kW (526 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft), which compares to 420 kW (563 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb-ft) for the 6.3-liter V8 in the conventional SLS. Mercedes claims it will accelerate to 62 mph in four seconds. No range is being quoted at this time, but given that the battery capacity is lower than the Tesla Roadster and the car is larger, it will likely be well under 200 miles. No timeline for the electric version is being quoted, although earlier rumors placed it at 2015.

One of the reasons that Daimler said it was investing $50 million in Tesla Motors was the upstart's ability to move quickly and develop systems faster than could be done at Daimler. Given that, we may well see the electric SLS sooner rather than later. Check out our high-res gallery of (internal combustion) Mercedes SLS prototypes below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing

Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hot-laps the 'Ring

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Click above to view the video after the jump

You know the stats. You've seen the leaks. Now, it's time for some video. The crew at MotorTrend were invited to the preview drive of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Germany, and the buff book's Editor-At-Large, Arthur St. Antoine, enjoyed some passenger seat time with Bernd Schneider as the five-time DTM champion put Mercedes' new gullwing supercoupe through its paces. Make the jump to check out the full 13-mile hot-lap around the Nordschleife. Top tip Dan!

Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hot-laps the 'Ring

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hot-laps the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG Roadster?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren spun off more variants than you could shake a carbon-ceramic stick at, and and although its successor hasn't even reached the market, spy shots are already suggesting that the upcoming SLS could follow down the same path.

What we have here are the first shots of what is being billed once again as the Mercedes-Benz SLC. The name was previously entertained as the tentative nameplate for Merc's upcoming gullwing supercar until it was replaced by the SLS nameplate. But if these shots from Auto Express are any indication, a roadster version is likely in the works as well.

Rather than a folding hard-top like the SL, the droptop SLS looks like it will follow the path of the SLR McLaren (not to mention the original 300SL) with a canvas roof, and presumably it will offer full automatic operation and a glass rear window. Aside from the roof, the mechanics are anticipated to carry over unchanged from the specs that just hit the web earlier today, while minimal weight gain should mean that performance will closely mirror that of its fixed-roof counterpart.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG Roadster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered or Spied? Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG pops up on mag cover

John Neff — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

We can't tell you for sure whether or not this image of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG on the cover of Autobild is the real deal or a well done rendering based on some spy shots, but it does appear to have that quality of an actual photograph rather than a Photochop special.

The SLS AMG will mark the first appearance of a production car fitted with gull-wing doors since, well... we suppose the DMC-12 DeLorean, though we're certain that Mercedes hopes its car conjure an image of the original 300SL on which this supercar's styling is based. The cues are all there, including a grille that looks like a guppy with its mouth wide open, fender vents aft of the front wheels and, of course, those doors.

Power will surely be provided by the biggest AMG-sourced V8 that will fit under the long hood, though we have heard rumors of an all-electric version arriving in 2015. We'll see about that, but in the meantime you can compare the shot above to spy shots of the car that were officially released by Mercedes back in April.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Rendered or Spied? Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG pops up on mag cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America: Mercedes AMG Driving Academy, complete with SLS

Noah Joseph — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Cash doesn't equal talent. That's the unfortunate reality, wherein those who have the money to spend on a powerful European performance automobile, for example, don't necessarily possess the skills to drive them like they're meant to be driven. Call it one of the great injustices of auto-dom. Fortunately there are those out there dedicated to righting that wrong. Some of them work at the AMG Driving Academy, but sadly for American enthusiasts, the experience has only been available on the other end of a trans-Atlantic flight... until now. Mercedes' in-house tuning division has announced that its driving school will be - like a Neil Diamond song or an Eddie Murphy movie - coming to America.

Covering the northeast, southeast and west coast, the AMG Driving Academy will be setting up shop - for a limited time, mind you - at Lime Rock, Palm Beach and Laguna Seca with a whole fleet of muscular Germans in three different programs. Among those vehicles in the school's paddock are the C63, SLK55, SL63, CLK 63 Black Series and the new E63 AMG. There are one- and two-day packages available at different levels, all of which you can read about in the press release after the jump, where you'll also find the hidden highlight: the SLS program at Laguna Seca, in which participants will be among the first to drive the new AMG SLS gullwing supercar ahead of its market debut.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Coming to America: Mercedes AMG Driving Academy, complete with SLS

Coming to America: Mercedes AMG Driving Academy, complete with SLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Once More, With Feeling: Mercedes reveals details on updated S63, S65 AMG bahnstormers

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

What, again? We know, we know...it seems like Mercedes has been unveiling its flagship sedan for eons already. The updated S-Class first appeared back in April, then the pair of AMG versions leaked out on the web before they were given their official debut at the Shanghai Motor Show. But for some reason unbeknownst to us, Benz is only now revealing the full details behind the facelifted S63 and S65 AMG muscle-sedans.

First, the essentials: the S63 is motivated by an AMG-tuned 6.2-liter V8 producing a whopping 525 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, and in case that ain't enough, the Mercedes tuning department also offers the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 pumping out a mind-boggling 612 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.

To keep all that power in check, the big AMG sedans feature adaptive braking, torque vectoring, active steering and braking, as well as a crosswind stabilizing system. Carrying the same visual updates as the rest of the refreshed S-Class range, the AMG models are further distinguished by LED lights, a full aero kit with integrated diffuser, and 19- or 20-inch titanium-finish alloys.

With sales beginning Stateside in September, U.S. pricing has yet to be revealed, however European pricing places a short-wheelbase S63 at €115,700 ($160k) with a €6k premium for the long-wheelbase version and the full-fat S65 AMG bi-turbo commanding a hearty €185,900 ($257k). Full details are available in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res image galleries below.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Once More, With Feeling: Mercedes reveals details on updated S63, S65 AMG bahnstormers

Once More, With Feeling: Mercedes reveals details on updated S63, S65 AMG bahnstormers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS taking shape

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The gestation of the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS has spanned almost two years, and what started with a Viper-bodied mule, a few drawings and a full-scale interior mock-up has evolved into this, the latest super coupe prototype caught outside AMG Headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany.

Although there's still plenty of camo obscuring the finer points of the SLS' design, the shape is obviously evolving into something similar to the highly-stylized sketches revealed in New York. The elongated hood stands in stark contrast to the tiny trunk, while the short overhangs lend a bit more balance to the disproportionate profile. A few of the smaller details can be seen peering through the camo, including the front LED running lamps, trapezoidal dual exhausts and vents aft of the front wheels and on the hood towards the windshield. The massive piece of vinyl covering the center part of the grille will undoubtedly house a sizable three-pointed star, while out back, the sculpted fenders appear to have lost some of their edge (compared to this rendering), and instead rely on a set of bulbous tail-lamps and a small spoiler to shape the boot.

The SLS is expected to debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, complete with a 6.2-liter V8 putting out 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, with a curb weight of 3,571 pounds and a price tag north of $200k.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS taking shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz unveils S63 and S65 AMG at Shanghai show

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:39:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Shanghai Motor Show

2010 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG - Click above for high-res gallery

After accidentally leaking a preview on its home-market configuration website last week, Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled its revised flagship luxo-muscle sedans, the S63 AMG and S65 AMG, at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show today. Both are treated to the same updates given to the entire S-Class range, but these two big beasts pack one seriously mean punch.

Engines carry over largely unchanged from the outgoing models, which is good news because they're some of the most powerful units on the market. The S63 packs AMG's 6.2-liter V8 offering up 525 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line, have-to-have-the-best S65 AMG (above) features an enormous 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 pumping out 612 horsepower and a gravity-altering 738 lb-ft of torque. That's a lot of power, but at nearly $200k, the $130k S63 seems like a relative bargain, especially when you consider that the bi-turbo V12 model only gains 0.2 seconds off the V8's 0-60 time.

Although the engines are ostensibly the same, they've been tweaked to improve fuel consumption and carbon emissions by about 3%. They're also both mated to a new Torque Vectoring system that brakes the inside rear wheel in a corner to assist handling, plus a crosswind compensation system. Visually the AMG sedans get a new chromed-up angular grille, LED daytime running lights in the air intakes, full LED tail-lights incorporating 52 LEDs apiece, and a redesigned rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, plus all the requisite special badging and wheels. The interior has also been upgraded with bells and whistles, all of which you can read in the press release after the jump and view in the galleries below.

Gallery: 2009 Shanghai Auto Show: M-Benz S65 AMG

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz, Autoblog Chinese]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz unveils S63 and S65 AMG at Shanghai show

Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz unveils S63 and S65 AMG at Shanghai show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz adds AMG Sports pack for 2010 S and CL Class models

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Mercedes-Benz S-Class with AMG Sports package - Click above for high-res gallery

For those of you that can manage the payments on a lower-end Mercedes-Benz S-Class or CL-Class, but can't quite stretch enough to swing an S63 or S65, AMG now has you covered. Just as BMW offers M-Sport packages on some of its models, you can now add an AMG Sports pack to any S sedan, as well as the CL-500 coupe.

New front and rear fascias and rocker panel extensions give some of the more aggressive look of a true AMG model, and the S-Class' front air intakes feature LED running lights similar to what will be on the full blown S63/S65. Within the wheel wells are standard 19-inch alloy wheels or optional 20-inch units that again replicate the look of the more expensive versions.

There are functional changes as part of the package too. The AMG Sports pack includes bigger brakes with cross-drilled rotors. Inside, more wood trim including a combination wood/leather steering wheel are part of the effect. According to Mercedes, the package will be made available on all European short- or long-wheelbase sedans as well as the coupes starting in June, although there's no word yet on whether North Americans can expect the same availability. Click on the jump to read the official press release.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class with AMG Sports package

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz adds AMG Sports pack for 2010 S and CL Class models

Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz adds AMG Sports pack for 2010 S and CL Class models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS - new sketches, interior revealed

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS - Click above for high-res gallery

When Mercedes-Benz and McLaren announced in the late 90s that they would collaborate on a new supercar, enthusiasts were hopeful that it would be a true successor to the legendary F1. While the roadgoing McLaren had plenty of technology, it was not dominated by it. Instead it was designed more like a race car with minimal weight and a package optimized for performance in mind. The result was a car designed for the road that scored an outright win at Le Mans in near stock form.

When the SLR appeared, it was clearly far more Mercedes Benz than McLaren. The performance was undoubtedly impressive and it sold in far higher numbers than the F1, but it just wasn't the same. The SLR is going away this year and for a follow up Mercedes has partnered with in-house performance specialists AMG. Like the SLR, the new SLS is pure Mercedes, but harkens back to the original 1955 300SL. Details are still limited but we do know that the SLS marks the return of the gull-wing to the three-pointed star. The SLS is still a year away from its market launch, but Mercedes is showing sketches of the exterior and production shots of the interior here at the New York Auto Show.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading New York: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS - new sketches, interior revealed

New York: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS - new sketches, interior revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BAPE designer Nigo orders custom Mercedes 300SL Gullwing from AMG

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Click above for a gallery

Of all the fashion/automotive collaborations we've seen, few are as bonkers as those of A Bathing Ape fashion house designer Nigo. The Japanese icon has given the BAPE treatment to some of the most expensive automobiles on the market, including camo'd Rolls-Royce Phantoms and pink Bugatti Veyrons. But now, after laying hands on Volkswagen's Bugatti and BMW's Rolls-Royce, Nigo has forked over his stylish cash to Mercedes-Benz tuning division AMG for a modern riff on a classic 300SL Gullwing.

So far, only this dedication plaque has surfaced, but that tells us all we need to know. The vehicle in question appears to have started its life as a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, but undergone an engine swap this year to place a modern 6.0-liter V8 under the hood. No word on what styling tweaks may have been carried out, but we wouldn't be surprised if the vintage Benz proved hard to find in a tinted jungle.

UPDATED with images and gallery.

Gallery: Nigo 300SL

[Source: Bespoke Ventures]

BAPE designer Nigo orders custom Mercedes 300SL Gullwing from AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Embargo Leakage: 2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG, return of the Hammer!

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's time for another auto show, so that means embargoes are breaking again. This time out, its the new E63 AMG from Mercedes Benz that will get its debut at the New York Auto Show next week. We're big fans of AMG's homegrown 6.2-liter V8 around the Autoblog campfire - particularly in C63 guise. The engine is now being dropped into the newest E-Class that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, along with all the other typical AMG goodness. The more spacious engine compartment of the mid-size E63 allows the big engine enough room to produce 518 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, the same as in the big boy S63.

Unlike its AMG sedan siblings, however, the 186 mph E63 is equipped with the seven-speed dual clutch Speedshift gearbox that debuted in the SL63 roadster. That development allows it to consume 12% less premium petrol than the previous iteration which had a mere 507 hp to play with. Standard 18-inch or optional 19-inch alloys with matching rubber help transfer the drive and braking torque to the pavement - and in typical AMG fashion, there promises tl be plenty of the latter to counter-balance the former. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Continue reading Embargo Leakage: 2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG, return of the Hammer!

Embargo Leakage: 2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG, return of the Hammer! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sultan of Michigan's car collection is one of nicest we've ever seen

Chris Paukert — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Supercars, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GM, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Saleen, Alfa Romeo, Callaway, AMG, Specialty

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've been through a lot of great car collections and museums over the years, but even we have to admit that we've never seen a private collection like this. Assembled by a shadowy figure known only as "The Sultan of Michigan," this cache has something for car enthusiasts of most every stripe, although the focus is clearly on vintage and present-day muscle and Eighties-and-up supercars. Truck enthusiasts, vintage foreign guys and brass car enthusiasts will largely have to look elsewhere, but it's a magnificent collection, with the most flabbergasting thing being that it appears to be up-to-the-minute current.

The whereabouts and ownership of the collection are two things that the owner prefers to keep private - we actually have confirmation on both, but prefer to respect privacies. What we can confirm is that this treasure trove is, in fact, located in Michigan, which is both heartening (to know that such wealth and mechanical beauty still exists in the state) and somewhat confounding (as the area lacks truly great winding roads on which to exploit much of the machinery). In either case, the collection is generally kept under wraps, although periodically we understand that the owner invites in selected parties to share in the gorgeousness. Some of the folks at MidwestSSC.com are obviously part of the 'inner circle' judging by the video and this photo gallery. Follow the jump to take the tour for yourself. Thanks to Andrew Weber for use of his video, and we appreciate the tips, Justin and Evan!

[Sources: Andrew Weber; MidwestSCC.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sultan of Michigan's car collection is one of nicest we've ever seen

VIDEO: Sultan of Michigan's car collection is one of nicest we've ever seen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz teases the next E63 AMG

Alex Nunez — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows, AMG

The new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG has yet to be introduced (we're guessing it'll make an appearance in New York next month), but the readers of Germany's Sport Auto magazine are going to have a shot at winning the new über-sedan as part of the sweepstakes that accompanies the buff book's annual reader's choice awards. In honor of the occasion, Mercedes has pulled a Lutz and given a quick upskirt peek at the front end. What's it look like? Well, as you can see, it's pretty much what you'd expect from an AMG ride: updated fascia, aero kit, big split-spoke wheels that show off bigger, upgraded brakes, etc. The normally-aspirated 6.2 (+ .1 for old-times' sake) liter V8 belts out 525 horsepower. Bring money. You know you're gonna need it. We'll have more for you on the new AMG E-Class as soon as more deets become available.

[Source: Sport Auto via MotorWard via 4WheelsNews

Mercedes-Benz teases the next E63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E63 prototype caught on the prowl

Chris Paukert — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

AMG head honcho Volker Mornhinweg has already gone on record declaring that the horsepower wars are over, but that moratorium apparently doesn't extend to products already in the Mercedes-Benz pipeline.

Caught here wearing some modest camouflage is the next AMG E-class, dubbed "E63." As its alphanumeric nomenclature suggests, the E63 is expected to continue using the company's 6.3-liter V8 (okay, okay, so it's really a 6.2-liter, but "E62" just sounds so... pedestrian), the same basic engine that does duty in seemingly every other car in Benz's range. Not that we are complaining.

The eight-cylinder powertrain is expected to generate somewhere around 525 horsepower and a similar helping of torque, but AutoWeek says that it doesn't expect the car to use Mercedes' brake-by-wire technology, although ceramic discs may make an appearance.

A launch date for the big Merc is not yet set, but judging by how fresh the new E-class sedan and coupe are, AW figures that September's Frankfurt Motor Show is a safe bet. If that's the case, the new AMG will probably share stand space with the expected E-class convertible and wagon.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E63 prototype caught on the prowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Start-stop, direct-injection coming to AMG models next year

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

Mercedes-Benz' in-house tuning arm, AMG, has announced the horsepower wars are over, and the automaker is gearing up to implement a new range of technologies that will help reduce fuel consumption by 2012.

According to AutoTelegraaf, M-B will introduce start-stop technology on AMG models as early as next year, along with launching a direct-injection system based of the second-generation currently employed on the C350 CGI BlueEfficiency. The automaker has set an internal goal of reducing fuel consumption across its line-up by 30% in the next three years. While diesels and new engine technologies will go a long way to achieving that goal, Mercedes plans to begin reducing the weight of its vehicles through the use of more composite materials and other weight-saving assembly procedures.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

[Source: AutoTelegraaf via Motor Authority]

Start-stop, direct-injection coming to AMG models next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets AMG sports package

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG sports package

For those more interested in the way their car looks or goes around corners than how fast it accelerates, Mercedes-Benz has announced an AMG sports package that will be optional with any powerplant available for the new 2010 E-Class hitting European showrooms in March.

Exact pricing depends on the engine chosen and will start at around 3,000 Euros (around $3900 USD). For that sum, the buyer gets a unique set of aprons along with side skirts and 18-inch AMG alloy wheels. We definitely prefer this sportier look to the more stately standard kit. Inside, a set of microfiber and faux-leather seats for your bum join a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles for your hands and aluminum pedals for your Piloti-clad feet. Performance-oriented bits include a suspension drop of 15 millimeters along with perforated brake discs with silver-painted calipers up front. Sample the high-res gallery below and then check out the full press release after the break.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG sports package

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets AMG sports package

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets AMG sports package originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes to open 175 AMG Performance Centers worldwide

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Click above for a high-res gallery of the AMG Performance Center

In case there was any doubt that demand for big-displacement, high-output machines continues unabated in the face of calls for environmentally-conscious hybrids and a faltering global economy, Mercedes has announced an ambitious expansion of its AMG performance division. Over the course of the next year, AMG will open a whopping 175 new "performance centers" catering to power-mad consumers around the world.

The new outlets will allow an increased level of involvement for AMG customers as Mercedes moves to distinguish the tuning house's offerings as their own brand. Each outlet will be outfitted with matching décor and whatnot, but more importantly, will offer customers a direct line to AMG's performance Mecca in Affalterbach, Germany, and act as a local home base for the AMG Performance Roadshow. The expansion will focus on 15 key markets, including the United States, Japan, China, and of course, its home market of Germany. As if customers needed any more coercion to fall for a fire-breathing Teutonic masterpiece of engineering. Hit the jump for the details.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz AMG Performance Center

Continue reading Mercedes to open 175 AMG Performance Centers worldwide

Mercedes to open 175 AMG Performance Centers worldwide originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMG boss confirms future hybrid and diesel plans

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Click above for more high-res shots of the SL65 AMG Black Series

Saying that "only a fool would ignore" the emissions of a new vehicle and the current global economy, AMG head-man Volker Mornhinweg realizes that it can't keep building gas-guzzling supercars with reckless abandon. Not that the company will lose its performance edge, mind you. In fact, hybrids and diesels could offer a meaningful performance boost if tuned properly. How so? Torque. Diesel engines are known for their massive axle-shreading twist, and electric motors, an essential part of any hybrid powertrain, make maximum power right off idle, allowing for an internal combustion engine that's tuned for stratospheric revs.

In a recent interview with CAR, the notion of fitting a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter oil-burning V6 inside the C class was kicked around. Mornhinweg suggests such a vehicle is a distinct possibility as AMG moves forward. Hybrid technology could be based on the new drivetrain powering the recently-unveiled S400 BlueHYBRID. No matter what the future holds, we can be sure that the AMG crew is obviously not made up of a bunch of fools, and will therefore continue to offer cars with the highest performance pedigree, regardless of what's underhood.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Live Shots

[Source: CAR]

AMG boss confirms future hybrid and diesel plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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B&O put the Bang in Mercedes AMG

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Typically when "music" is mentioned in the same sentence as AMG, it's in relation to the deep burble emanating from the exhaust pipes. But with all that Teutonic, sound-deadened cabin comfort, customers of the Mercedes tuning division have come to expect an equally impressive performance from inside the cabin. To that end, AMG has signed a new deal with the Danish audio gurus at Bang & Olufsen to provide their high-end automotive sound systems for these high-powered Mercedes models.

The deal is the third such agreement brokered by B&O, whose systems already appear in Audis and Aston Martins, spearheading a market proliferation that surely influenced the decision-makers in Affalterbach. Both AMG and Bang & Olufsen were clearly elated by the deal, and you can feel the sheer unbridled joy in the statement from AMG chairman Volker Mornhinweg: "Mercedes-AMG represents high performance and exclusivity. The same is true of Bang & Olufsen's in-car sound systems. Jointly, we are therefore able to meet Mercedes-AMG customers' expectations to sound systems." Contain yourself, Volk. Follow the jump to read the rest of the press release.

[Source: Bang & Olufsen]

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