AMG performance studio

[Poverty]

AFFALTERBACH, Germany — Mercedes-Benz's AMG division is turning up the heat on its rivals with the creation of a new performance studio.

"With it, the tuning specialist will bring out an all-new range of low-volume models positioned further up the performance index than its regular production cars.

"We are receiving ever more requests for more dynamic models, special equipment features and specific components," says Volker Mornhinweg, CEO of AMG. "The Performance Studio makes it possible for us to meet these requests while backing it up with our regular servicing structure. We plan to transfer technologies from cars like the FIA safety car and medical car used in F1 from the racetrack into these high-end models."

The AMG Performance Studio is divided into three levels. The top-end Signature Series will include models that are highly exclusive, fit for the racetrack and boasting significant design and technical differentiation from standard models.

An example of this breed is the CLK DTM coupe/cabriolet, the fastest roadgoing car ever produced by AMG. Currently on the drawing board at AMG's Affalterbach workshops, according to Mornhinweg, is a successor to that car. Whether it officially makes it way across the Atlantic is yet to be decided.

Next up is the Black Series. Models in this group will emphasize sporty characteristics and racetrack compatibility more than exclusive looks. The first example is the recently unveiled SLK55 Black Series, a 400-horsepower version of the standard 5.4-liter V8-powered SLK55. In current form, its sport seats made side airbags impossible, so it doesn't meet safety specs for sale in the U.S. However, AMG is already testing a version that does and is intended for U.S. sale starting late next year.

Rounding out the Performance Studio is the Edition lineup. Heavily based on AMG production models, it is set to concentrate heavily on appearance changes both to the exterior and interior, as characterized by the CLS55 AMG IWC Ingénieur, the only one of the new breed of AMGs that has yet been available to customers in North America.

What this means to you: Never lacking in performance, the future range of high-end AMG models look like they're getting even faster...and more expensive."

Nice, I give it 5 years for the other germans to respond if AMG's start kicking ass.

 

[YSSMAN]

Sounds good as the beggest benefits will be to the consumers, but I'd be upset if I just bought an AMG car or truck and I found out that it isn't as exclusive as it once was...

 

[fangorn_forest]

So wait, now they'll have the base M-B cars, base cars with the AMG package, which includes AMG body kits and suspension, then the regular AMG cars, which will become AMG Edition cars, then the Black Series cars, and THEN the top-of-the-line AMG Signature cars? Seems kinda over the top to me, but I am interested in the new race-ready signature cars. I wonder if they'll come with manual transmissions?

 

[STLbarcelona5]

So wait, now they'll have the base M-B cars, base cars with the AMG package, which includes AMG body kits and suspension, then the regular AMG cars, which will become AMG Edition cars, then the Black Series cars, and THEN the top-of-the-line AMG Signature cars? Seems kinda over the top to me, but I am interested in the new race-ready signature cars. I wonder if they'll come with manual transmissions?

Reminds me of Porsche. It'll be like trying to explain to someone that you've just bought a 911. Just say "Well I just got a new Porsche, its a 911, it's actually a 911 S it has 355hp instead of 325. Well it's actually a 911 4S because it's four wheel drive. Actually no, it's a 911 4S Cabrio because it has 355hp, 4 wheel drive, and then you can take the roof off."

 

[harrytuttle]

An example of this breed is the CLK DTM coupe/cabriolet, the fastest roadgoing car ever produced by AMG.

This is the part I'm most interested in. If AMG were left to evolve on their own for the last 20 years, this is where they'd end up, not at the S65. The SLR McLaren would have been the SLR AMG. Heck, AMG would be the serious contender to BMW's M Division, rather than Audi S/RS.

The Black Line and all is great. Any improvement is great. But as a purist I believe that there should a clear divide between a specced up SL550 and a SL55, and it should be more than just the engine and some ancillary options. It should really turn things up from 7 to 11.

Reminds me of Porsche. It'll be like trying to explain to someone that you've just bought a 911. Just say "Well I just got a new Porsche, its a 911, it's actually a 911 S it has 355hp instead of 325. Well it's actually a 911 4S because it's four wheel drive. Actually no, it's a 911 4S Cabrio because it has 355hp, 4 wheel drive, and then you can take the roof off."

This is very different. The 911 variations are like the multiple variations of the E class: 320/430/500 engine, 4Matic or no, wagon/estate or no, etc. This probably would be like the GT3/Turbo/Turbo S/GT2 range, though. Too many options. It's like keeping track of a rugby team in the rain.