Mercedes-AMG Going All-Wheel Drive

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

As for AMG, it has ready-to-use hardware in the form of Mercedes' 4Matic system, which is already available in most Mercedes models. In fact, Benz is moving towards using AWD for all its higher-powered models - the V-8-powered E550, for example, is offered exclusively with 4Matic in the U.S.

However, a senior AMG marketing executive told Motor Trend there is some resistance within the division to the use of AWD. Driving all four wheels adds weight to the car, and AMG has made a commitment to developing models that are lighter than their predecessors. For the same reason, AMG has decided to avoid adding hybrid technology to any of its models, at least for the time being.
That said, per the same source, the AMG version of the upcoming A-Class will be AWD. The base A-Class is front drive, but AWD is considered necessary to harness the approximately 350 horsepower coming from the force-fed four-cylinder engine in this Audi RS3 and BMW 1 Series M challenger.

Could it be?

Read more: Jaguar, Mercedes AMG Going All-Wheel Drive - Motor Trend

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Could it be?

So, is the ML AMG a figment of my imagination then?

 

[Merc1]

This article makes no sense is much ado about nothing. As stated the ML AMG model has always been AWD. Its common sense that they would make the A/B Class AMG models AWD. 300+ hp to just the front wheels is too much in most cases. Wake me up when they talk about a real AMG model going AWD.


M

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

If they're willing to make anything other then the ML AWD, what's keeping them from making said 'real' AMG's AWD?

 

[Wolfgang]

Some AMGs have all wheel drive.

E55 AMG (just a few, some years ago, see below)
ML55 AMG
ML63 AMG
R63 AMG
G55 AMG

In November 1999 – the more powerful E 55 AMG 4MATIC (260 kW/354 hp), both of which were available as saloon and estate models. The performance of the AMG-Mercedes was equal to that of a sports car: the saloon accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, for example, and was therefore only slightly slower than the rear-wheel-drive model. Both V8 models with 4MATIC had shorter gear ratios than the models with rear-wheel drive.

From: http://www.germancarforum.com/cls-class/35888-4matic-permanent-all-wheel-drive-cls-first-time.html

 

[Tarek]

AMG cars always has more torque than competition and AWD is just perfect IMO,of course some driving fun will be lost and cars might feel a bit like RS cars but i'm sure AMG will try hard to work on that.

Didn't someone earlier said that AMG and M are gonna offer that option to help compete with RS cars in certain markets properly?

 

[Merc1]

AMGs don't need to be RWD. AMG is just now getting handling and chassis dynamics right, to muck it up with AWD now would be silly IMO. Let Audi do that with their S and RS models.


M

 

[Wunderkind]

I think all V12 Mercedes and AMG models should have 4WD.

 

[Mr Robert]

Didn't someone earlier said that AMG and M are gonna offer that option to help compete with RS cars in certain markets properly?

I don't think neither M nor AMG feel the need to compete with RS, in terms of sales, that is (Audi sells how many RS cars a year? 5?). But when it comes to ease of use (and that, to some, all-important ability to floor it in the bend without that horrible, horrible oversteer), it might be reasonable. However, the main reason, the way I see it, for going AWD is the ability to easily adopt a twin-drive hybrid system.

 

[Levi68]

This is nothing surprising for me. I knew NA, MT and RWD were going to disapear. If so, I hope speed limits will get higher then. Our future is FI, AUT and AWD.

 

[Nicks]

This is nothing surprising for me. I knew NA, MT and RWD were going to disapear.(

That's ridiculous. 12 fastest cars on Nordschleife are rwd. Says something doesn't it?

 

[Wolfgang]

An AWD AMG coming soon? Only 0.2 clicks slower than RWD?




Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell might be launched in late 2012

According to Ola Källenius who is the boss at AMG, the development of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell is going well and the car might be launched towards the end of next year if everything goes according to the plan.

In an interview given to Autoblog.com, Källenius said that electric powertrains will play an important role in AMG’s future lineup and that some sort of kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) will make it into AMG cars.

As a reminder, the SLS AMG E-Cell features a 48 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers four electric motors, generating a total output of 526 hp (533 PS / 392 kW) and 649 lb.-ft (880 Nm) of torque. The car needs only 4 seconds to do the 0-62 mph sprint, which is only 0.2 seconds slower than the regular SLS AMG.

Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell might be launched in late 2012 - rpmGo.com

 

[Tarek]

AMGs don't need to be RWD. AMG is just now getting handling and chassis dynamics right, to muck it up with AWD now would be silly IMO. Let Audi do that with their S and RS models.


M

I say just put it out there as an option but standard to please everyone.

I think all V12 Mercedes and AMG models should have 4WD.

Yeah me..too much torque.

I don't think neither M nor AMG feel the need to compete with RS, in terms of sales, that is (Audi sells how many RS cars a year? 5?). But when it comes to ease of use (and that, to some, all-important ability to floor it in the bend without that horrible, horrible oversteer), it might be reasonable. However, the main reason, the way I see it, for going AWD is the ability to easily adopt a twin-drive hybrid system.

I think it was to offer some variety other than the default RS cars in the heavy snow countries.

 

[tennmb]

seems like electric car should be faster. I'm guessing lighter weight. No transmission to scrub off power. Power direct to the wheel. linear acceleration.
What's the weight vs. gas?

526 hp and 649 torque should outperform the gas. if not, they are doing something wrong.

 

[Wolfgang]

What's the weight vs. gas?

E-CELL weighs 4400 lbs, or 829 lbs more than the SLS AMG, mostly due to the lithium ion battery.

For higher performance AMG may want to switch to lighter hydrogen fuel cell and fiber tanks/chassis.

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes C- and E-Class coupes to get 4Matic option next year

4Matic has proven to be a popular feature on various Mercedes-Benz models, especially in U.S. regions that experience four distinct seasons. But while all-wheel-drive is almost a necessary option in the luxury sedan segment, Daimler's C-Class and E-Class coupes have soldiered on only with rear-drive.

According to Car and Driver, that will change for next year. The 4Matic system will reportedly only be offered with the company's 3.5-liter V6, which pumps out 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

This news could mean changes for the C-Class sedan as well. Currently, 4Matic is only offered with the 3.0-liter V6-equipped C300 sedan, so this could mean that the C350 sedan could also get an AWD option in 2012. That's good news for grip-loving buyers who want more oomph than the modestly powered 228-horsepower C300 can provide.

Mercedes C- and E-Class coupes to get AWD option next year

 

[Criss Oyster .]

I just LOVE my 2001 E55Amg Touring 4-Matic!!! Torque and grip in Lovelly compagninchip!!! Supergreat car.... But soooo hard to find. Someone said about, Only 7-8 Cars are still alive?? Then im lucky to have a superpiece in my garage!!! Regards Criss OysteTaiwaz in Sweden.