Report AMG pondering RWD performance version of small FWD Benz

[HighestOfHigh]

When we think of AMG, the first thing that comes to mind is a herculean 6.3-liter V8 engine that delivers hellacious thrust. We don't give rear-wheel drive much think time because with Mercedes-Benz and AMG, it's a given. That will change for Mercedes in the next couple years with the introduction of a new family of small, premium front-wheel-drive vehicles.

A report from Motor Trend claims that the next Mercedes A-Class and B-Class are reportedly among five new FWD vehicles based on the German automaker's forthcoming MFA platform. But while FWD platforms may be essential to Mercedes-Benz's goal of 1.5 million vehicles per year by 2015, MT tells us that AMG wants nothing of it. AMG will reportedly re-engineer the MFA platform for rear-wheel drive for future performance applications. That's right, you've read that correctly–re-engineer a front-wheel-drive platform for rear-wheel-drive fun. That sounds expensive and a bit impractical to us, but apparently the idea has legs within the hallowed halls of Mercedes' performance unit.

We figure the 6.3-liter is out of the question too, and MT says insiders at AMG insist that a turbocharged four-cylinder engine could be tuned to deliver the over the top torque and horsepower that customers have come to expect. Word is that a decision to modify the MFA platform for RWD is due by the end of the month, and we know what we're hoping for.

- Report: AMG pondering RWD performance version of small FWD Benz — Autoblog

 

[Wolfgang]

- Report: AMG pondering RWD performance version of small FWD Benz — Autoblog

^^^ Yes. Some of this was discussed here:

A-Class - 2011 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (Spy pics & Info)

2011 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (Spy pics & Info) - Based off the F500 Mind.

www.germancarforum.com

 

[Pagani]

Rumors are that this new sports car will be much more compact than the SLS, and have a small-capacity (i.e. 5 or less liters) twin-turbo V8 with around 500 horsepower. Sounds like a great recipe, and a completely different flavor from traditional, heavy luxury vehicles such as the SL.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

AMG Working On High-Performance 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The smallest Mercedes-Benz currently offered in the U.S. is the C-Class sedan but from next year onwards American buyers will be able to hop into the new B-Class, which is expected to arrive for the 2012 model year. Currently, the B-Class is only available as a hatchback but with the arrival of the second generation model, seen here testing in prototype form, a new family of compact cars is expected to be available, including a sedan, coupe and roadster variant.

That’s not all because according to outgoing AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg there will also be a high-performance variant--the first compact car developed by the Mercedes-Benz tuner.

AMG currently offers V-8 engines exclusively but for the B-Class a new specially tuned four-cylinder engine will be developed. The model will compete with other hot-fours such as the Volkswagen Golf R32 and Audi S3. Expect to see a range of performance upgrades as well, including new brakes, a sporty bodykit and upmarket interior.

Mercedes-Benz previously reversed a decision to bring the current B-Class to the U.S. because of fears it would damage the brand’s exclusivity and the low dollar exchange rate would make it too expensive. However, unexpectedly strong sales of the Smart Fortwo minicar are prompted renewed interest in selling the B-Class, and possibly even the smaller A-Class, in North America for the first time.

As for AMG, the U.S. remains its single biggest market with sales of 5,486 vehicles last year, down from 7,893 in 2008. Worldwide sales for AMG last year totaled 15,900, down 34 percent from the record 24,200 vehicles sold in 2008.


- AMG Working On High-Performance 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class - MotorAuthority

 

[ree]

A "B AMG". That's fantastic stuff. Reminds me of the A 32 K AMG! One hell of little fast machine. Nevertheless I can't really see a market for such a small AMG. They need to update the B and A first - give them a top class premium interior and better looking exterior, otherwise this car could be as successful as the R 63 AMG!

 

[Nicks]

They need to update the B and A first

have you read the article?

 

[ree]

have you read the article?

I've read it - but missed (as usual) the most important part.

 

[klier]

Retarded idea. Nobody wants a high performance mini Van

 

[Nicks]

Retarded idea. Nobody wants a high performance mini Van

to be available, including a sedan, coupe and roadster variant.

am i the only one who've read the whole thing?

 

[klier]

Sorry guys, I must admit I didn't even bother to read it. A coupé version of the B class with an AMG variant would of course be a great idea. So great, it's stupid they didn't have that two generations ago already

 

[Nicks]

, it's stupid they didn't have that two generations ago already

Well, considering that modern B-class is only 1st generation....

 

[unixgolf]

First post here, I created an account bc. I have interests in the A&B classes. The article above mentions the GolfR32 which should read GolfR20 now! (I have a strong VW background) I think it is good news, here in canada we had the B200 for about 2 years and someone I know has one that runs flawlessly! For me a small SUV, Coupe or hatch would do it and if it's AMG (4matic) I'd be the first in line from Montreal. What I like about MB is their time to market, as opposed to other german car makers, they brought the Smart and B200 really quick here. The A-class would be for the wife and I'd get the Bclass to go to work downtown, in style ;-)

 

[SKY]

Well, considering that modern B-class is only 1st generation....

Nah, klier is right, almost 6 months ago, my father had a B 180 because his E-Class was on its revision, and it was really sad to drive, no power, no character, it´s a boring cars made for boring people.

A car like the A3 and 1er makes much more sense.

 

[cawimmer430]

Retarded idea. Nobody wants a high performance mini Van

 

[unixgolf]

Looks like a shrunk elongated X6 ...

 

[Merc1]

Ok so is the one we read about that is going to be converted to RWD or are we going to have a FWD monster?

M

 

[unixgolf]

From what I've seen here and read, not too much details beside a coupe, a sedan, a hatch and a mini SUV, the rest ???? or its final look
http://www.autobild.de/artikel/vorschau-mercedes-a-klasse_1034215.html a nice hatch.
http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&langpair=de|en&u=http://www.autobild.de/artikel/vorschau-mercedes-a-klasse_1034215.html
http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&langpair=de|en&u=http://www.autobild.de/artikel/vorschau-mercedes-a-klasse_1034215.html

Just scroll the images you'll see the mini SUV

 

[Padi]

There's no 5 GT M (yet anyways) I hear you though

 

[HighestOfHigh]

- Report: Mercedes-Benz working on B-Class AMG — Autoblog

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Report: AMG working on super saloon to slot in below C-Class

Rumors of a smaller, entry-level new saloon for Mercedes-Benz's in-house tuning division AMG just won't seem to go away. As before, these latest reports suggest that the next-generation of the B-Class would be the model to get the AMG fitment, but Autocar is now suggesting that an entirely new type of engine will power the car.

The new AMG engine would reportedly be based on a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that is currently slated for the CLS350. The mill would be downsized to 3.2 liters and upfitted with an electrically operated pressure wave supercharger. Not too familiar with the technology? Don't fret, neither were we. The all-knowing Wikipedia comes to the rescue.

Autocar further posits that the engine would make somewhere around 400 horsepower and could potentially send its prodigious power output to all four wheels with a rear-biased power split. If it ever comes to fruition, the new AMG model would go up against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R, BMW 1 Series and any other entry-level hotted-up luxe models in the works. Styling would follow the example set by the F800 Style concept from the Geneva Motor Show.

- Report: AMG working on super saloon to slot in below C-Class — Autoblog