Mercedes-AMG is cutting back on power to charge forward in terms of overall sales. With today's announcement of the new AMG Sport models, the Affalterbach-based manufacturer aims to more than double its output. This year, AMG will move more than 40,000 units; by 2017, that number is estimated to stand at around 75,000. And more is possible.
The AMG Sport model represent a new product line, positioned between the Mercedes-Benz brand models and the ultra-sporty "genuine" AMG cars. They are differentiated from regular Mercedes models by their modified styling, engines tuned for higher power, tweaked braking and chassis components, and standard all-wheel drive. The model designations follow the logic of regular Mercedes-Benz models, with "AMG" added. For instance, the C-class derivative expected for the Detroit auto show will be called the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG.
Full-fledged AMG models, by contrast, will continue receive a different nomenclature that emphasizes their status as members of a sub-brand. The (rather approximative) number that denotes engine displacement will continue to be represented by two digits. Unlike the AMG Sport models, the classic AMG models will keep standalone engines, built according to the "one-man-one-engine" approach, and with a comfortable power advantage. Depending on the model line, bodies will be severely widened, and there will still be versions with rear-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive.
The AMG Sport models are closing major gaps in the lineup. For instance, there is at least a 140-hp chasm between the 329-hp C400 and the 469-hp C63 AMG, and the latter can be ordered with as much as 503 horsepower. And the AMG Sport models can potentially experiment with different technologies such as diesel or hybrid powertrains.
AMG's new approach will strongly push the brand's market presence and lower its fleet consumption average. One thing it isn't: unique. With the AMG Sport announcement, AMG is following the lead of BMW's M Performance and Cadillac's Vsport models. And Audi has sold its S cars for decades, which are positioned between Audi's regular cars and the Quattro GmbH's RS vehicles.
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Beyond the C450 AMG, AMG and its boss Tobias Moers confirmed the GLE450 AMG coupe for the Detroit auto show; there will also be a Mercedes-AMG GLE63 coupe. (If you're confused about what a GLE is, head here. And here.) And it probably goes without mentioning that this is only the beginning.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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