AMG Details Future Plans, New Studio

[bum-man]

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."

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=116152

 

[LaArtist]

Killer info..love this..
now we shall see what AMG are really capable of when it comes to track performance.... freakin love it

 

[Merc1]

Sounds like we'll be getting some of the safety car CLK stuff in the next production CLK. I can only hope.

M

 

[Vivaki]

Love the fact that MB are making these special hardcore AMG's but I hope that AMG dont come out with a special edition every 2 months or something. So someone goes out and buys a black edition thinking they've got the best SLK/roadster on the road and then MB a month later comes out with the diamond edition!!

 

[Merc1]

Nah I doubt they'll do that. I'd like to see a Black Edition SL55 and CLK63.

M

 

[Centurion]

They better try to keep the prices under 100k for the E, CLS, ML, C-class models.

 

[Merc1]

I doubt if they'll do a ML or CLS Black Edition, but if they did the CLS would easily be over 100K USD because the CLS55/63 are already 90K cars. The E and C would likely be under 100K though. I think they should concentrate on the SL and CLK for future Black Editions. I remember that before the SL facelift was shown there were rumors about a lightweight, powered up version, but it never showed. Maybe we'll get that car now. Wouldn't that be something!

M

 

[Mr. Chigga_Chan]

Awesome news! Glad to see AMG get more independance and exclusivity in different aspects. Always a plus for the buyer!