AMG V8 Biturbo Highlights

The most important highlights of the new AMG V8 biturbo engine and the new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

• Direct petrol injection with piezo-electric injectors and spray-guided
  combustion
• Twin turbochargers with air/water intercooling
• Sophisticated engine electronics with Controlled Efficiency start/stop function and generator management
• Aluminum crankcase with ventilation holes to reduce friction
• Continuous camshaft adjustment on the intake and exhaust sides
• Demand-controlled engine oil pump
• AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with a wet start-up clutch and three driving modes

Powerful and efficient: an eight-cylinder developing up to 420 kW (571 hp): Aim: Best in class – top performance in all respects by virtue of a comprehensively efficient powertrain

AMG V8 biturbo engine photos:

AMG Mercedes Press Release

Affalterbach – AMG is writing another chapter in its “AMG Performance 2015″ drive system strategy: a completely newly developed AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a Continue reading » »

Ever wonder how the SLS AMG or the E-Class Coupé is created? Where is the future of Mercedes-Benz design headed?

This year at the 2009 International Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is allowing auto enthusiasts to take a behind-the-scenes look at how professional Mercedes-Benz designers create new cars.  From the first design sketch to the finished model, spectators can witness the design process first hand.

It is a great opportunity for show visitors to learn about auto design. The official press release from Daimler is below: Continue reading » »

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds!

Are you serious, an SLS AMG with electric drive? It appears Mercedes-AMG is developing a zero-emission high-tech drive for their high-performance AMG model range of sports cars. The drive system includes four electric motors positioned near the wheels with one transmission per axle that will transmit the power. Below is the official Mercedes-AMG press release dated July 16, 2009.

AMG Market/PR News from Mercedes-AMG/Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG is paving the way ahead: with the new SLS AMG with electric drive, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is developing an exciting super sports car with zero-emission high-tech drive. This model sees Mercedes-Benz and AMG displaying their expertise in the development of alternative drive solutions for high-performance super sports cars, delivering further proof of their pioneering status in this market segment.  [Non-Electric SLS AMG Gullwing Photo Gallery here.] Continue reading » »

AMG Market/PR News/Mercedes-AMG Press Release/Affalterbach – AMG, the high-performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is presenting the new E63 AMG. This dynamic sports sedan with day-to-day suitability is the top-of-the-line E-Class model, offering an impressive combination of outstanding performance, exhilarating driving dynamics and a technology transfer from the SL63 AMG high-performance Roadster.

The new E63 AMG distinguishes itself from the regular E-Class models with the powerful AMG 6.2-liter V8 engine, the completely newly developed adaptive AMG sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, and with its unique exterior and interior design. Newly developed compound brakes are also available as an option for the top-of-the-line E-Class model. Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E63 AMG, thanks to the concerted use of fuel-efficiency measures. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG further consolidates the brand’s leading position in the field of automotive safety. (Photos and additional details below)

Continue reading » »

Updated technology as well as active and passive safety is creating more appeal for the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG. Both top-of-the-line S-Class models from Mercedes-AMG embody state-of-the-art technology. The S 63 AMG, with its 386 kW/525 hp AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The S 65 AMG, meanwhile, with the AMG 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine delivers more power; 450 kW/612 hp, 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

[More Info & Photos of the AMG S65 here]

Exterior Features

Contributing to the status of both models is the new, more pronounced arrow-shaped radiator grille, now featuring twin chrome-plated louvers in the case of the S 65 AMG. The new front apron incorporates AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights and two transverse air outlets on each side. In addition, the lettering on the front wings and redesigned exterior mirrors includes the “6.3 AMG” or “V12 Biturbo.” The new rear apron is now highlighted as well: the centre section of the diffuser insert is painted in the same color as the vehicle body. New rear lamps with 52 LED’s in the form of a double “C” also give the S-Class an instantly recognizable appearance from behind.

Continue reading » »

UPDATE (June 9, 2009): MBUSA has officially announced the AMG Driving Academy details for the United States; three upcoming venues this fall – PRICING AND COMPLETE UPDATE HERE.

This week alone, several people inquired about the AMG Challenge event dates for 2009. The answer, there are none – AMG Challenge has been discontinued! But hold on now. The world-renowned driver-training program from Mercedes-AMG arrives in the USA this September (2009); the AMG Driving Academy.

The “AMG Driving Academy” has replaced the AMG Challenge events for 2009. The new driving program is a major departure from the AMG Challenge in that there will be additional emphasis on driver training versus the experience of a test drive at speed. You can read a press release for the overall AMG Driving Academy here.

The following dates and venues have been released by Mercedes-AMG (stay tuned for pricing and registration info): Continue reading » »

Spring is here and so are hundreds of opportunities to attend auto events being held throughout the country. Last week I was in Indianapolis with the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) enjoying the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts but I missed a great 190SL event right here in my home town! With so many events taking place how do you decide? Location is likely the determining factor but many of us are willing to go great distances to share our automobile passion.

Here are a few automobile events off the beaten path:

AMG Driving Academy
Various dates and venues
Press Release with details here

At the AMG Driving Academy licensed and race-tested instructors teach you specifically how to better assess and master critical situations in order to act competently and confidently in extreme conditions. As the driver of an AMG Mercedes you can look forward to a high degree of safety and driving fun. A variety of events are offered, from lifestyle and basic training to PRO level.  AMG enthusiasts can participate in one of several AMG Driving Academy events throughout 2009 and 2010.

For more info, call the AMG Driving Academy at + 49 (0) 7144 302–575 or visit the AMG Driving Academy website here (you can download the brochure). We’ll have an article on the driving events published soon so subscribe here to receive the updates.

The Style & Innovation of the American Automobile (MA)
Larz Anderson Auto Museum
Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
This event features a very special collection of cars, scrumptious cuisine and the sounds of an official Disc Jockey, Johnny Z. You can also bring your own classic car to park on the lawn for display – weather permitting. The Museum will be closed to the public until Friday, May 8th when we re-open with our new exhibit, “The Style and Innovation of the American Automobile”.  For more info, visit the Larz Anderson Auto Museum website.

Tire Kicking Session – The Stable in Gladstone (NJ)
Mercedes-Benz Club of Am., Northern NJ Section
Saturday, May 9, 10AM

The main objective of The Stable, Ltd. is to provide discerning customers with prime examples of great automobile design, performance, comfort and appeal. Also located on the premises is an auto upholstery shop, specializing in auto interior restoration, such as convertible tops, leather upholstery re dying, or interior leather replacement.  Talk, tour and browsing are all part of the plan.  The Stable has for a long time been a favorite visiting spot for car enthusiasts.  Contact Lucille at: LuluChab@aol.com. Websites: MBCA Northern NJ Section and visit The Stable website for directions.

Summit Point Spring Festival (WV)
Greater Washington Section – MBCA
Saturday, May 9th, 2009

The MBCA Greater Washington Section will be participating in the first annual Summit Point Spring Festival. This family event sponsored by Summit Point Raceway will feature activities for everyone, including pony rides for the littlest cruisers, as well as many automotive activities and demonstrations for visitors of all ages.  GWS will be participating with a corral area for MBCA members as well as take part in the on-track parade laps on both the Shenandoah Circuit and Main Circuit. Entry fee of $5 per cruise-in car, which will include the scheduled laps; additional charge ($15 per car) for the lunchtime parade laps. For more info, contact Richie Crim on 304.856.3682 or visit the website.

A question concerning the authenticity of a 1984 AMG 500SE was received from a friend of mine:

I looked at a 1984 500SE – AMG (allegedly) today – a bit rough, in particular the interior. The owner's son is selling it. Claims his Dad bought it in Germany and it had AMG modifications. I'm THINKING it was just cosmetic on the exterior.

The car looks like a stock 500SE, except for the front air dam, it's lowered, MAYBE AMG wheels, and maybe the skirts. I ran the VIN on the Russian site, and it comes up delivered in Germany. Anyway, any thoughts as to how to tell if AMG modified the engine?

From what I understand, there should be some indication on the block that AMG modified the engine or some documentation included with the history. Otherwise, it is hard to tell if the car just has a lowered suspension and the body kit.

If the car has Recaro seats, a smaller steering wheel than the standard model and a custom exhaust then it is possibly an AMG.

M 117 AMG engine mods included enlarged inlet and exhaust ducts, polished inlet and exhaust valves, optimized camshaft and precision-balanced crankshaft.

From 1979 to 1985, there were several AMG cosmetic and performance enhancements – custom ordered by the buyer and they typically included:

• 15" or 16" ATS 5 spoke Penta wheels (designed by Aufrecht in 1979 and made by ATS)
• Recaro seats
• External chrome parts could be painted to the car's body color (or black)
• AMG steering wheel with a smaller diameter than the standard
• Lowered and stiffened suspension
• Aerodynamic AMG front air dam and spoiler kit
• Modified cams
• Custom exhaust to increase horsepower, and in some rare cases a 5 speed manual transmission.

If you have any additional advice, please leave your thoughts below. Thanks.

Note: The photograph is a circa 1984 AMG 16×8 5-spoke Penta type 1 aluminum alloy wheel manufactured by ATS. Designed by H.W. Aufrecht in 1979, it is the first aluminum alloy wheel marketed by AMG when it was still an independent tuning company.

The following is a recent MBUSA press release for the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series, an exclusive high-performance coupe for especially discerning customers.

A spectacular look, unique performance data, consistently lightweight design and the highest degree of exclusivity – these attributes sum up the new 65 AMG Black Series from Mercedes-Benz. The high-performance coupé features pure-bred motor sports technology, and introduces sports car fans to a whole new world in terms of dynamic performance. The AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, developing a maximum output of 661 hp and maximum torque of 738 lb-ft, guarantees the dynamic performance of a super sports car. Continue reading » »

It is rather well known that Hans-Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Erhard Melcher (M) founded AMG in 1967 at Aufrecht's birthplace of Grossaspach (G); hence the name, "AMG." What is not as well known is their early history and the humble beginnings of AMG.

Back in the mid-1960s, there were two guys with a small garage in an old mill that were building engines for fast cars, really fast cars. When these two guys acted on their urge they spawned one of today's largest suppliers of exclusive high-performance cars. The two guys were Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, the founders of AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (AMG Engine Production and Development, Ltd.). Thankfully, the company name was later shortened to AMG.

Aufrecht and Melcher started in 1965 by preparing a racing engine for Manfred Schiek's 300SE. Two years later, the owners officially founded the company and began their humble beginnings in the "Old Mill" in Burgstall, Germany.

According to historical information provided by Mercedes-AMG, the first private customer of the new company was a Mercedes owner from Kiel. With a humble beginning there is always a good story. Here's the gist of the story going around today, which is said to be Friedrick Aufrecht's story. Friedrick is the brother of AMG co-founder, Hans-Werner. Continue reading » »