Date posted: 07-18-2006

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...ticleId=116152

 

good for mb. imho the amg lineup and concept from mb has been so successful. in some sense it's probably the best among the competitors, even better than bmw. they don't have the kind of performance from bmw (in a few aspect), but they have amg for ALL of the mb lineup, and in some cases two (55 and 65 setup). not only that, it has become a status for people in some sense as well. a lot of people buy it not just coz' of the performance, but also for the status and exclusivity. now i am not arguing that this is a good or bad thing (that people buy the cars due to image and not performance), but at least amg pulled it off

and with the studio i think they can definitely push it further on presenting the amg cars to more high end car buyers, not just performance enthusiasts

 

Loving what AMG has been doing recently. Consistantly trying to change the game.

Couldnt agree with ya more Rominl.

 

[IMG]The SLK44 AMG Black Series (pictured), just out, is Mercedes-Benz's way of celebrating the opening of its new Mercedes-AMG performance studio in Germany.[/IMG]

Date posted: 07-22-2006

AFFALTERBACH, Germany — Mercedes-AMG on Friday announced it is opening a new performance studio here that is set up to grant customers' individual requests, from special paint jobs and cutting-edge audio to unique made-to-order models.

To inaugurate the new studio, it debuted the new SLK 55 AMG Black Series, a special coupe version of the eight-cylinder roadster.

The SLK 55 AMG Black Series will go on sale by the end of July at a price of $136,019, the company said. It will be equipped with an upgraded AMG 5.5-liter V8 that makes 400 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It will be outfitted with a high-strength carbon roof, 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG adjustable suspension and a high-performance composite brake system.

The performance house said it will also debut a limited batch of 100 units of the 582-hp CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet at a price of $352,180. Mercedes-AMG describes this vehicle as the "world's fastest open-top four-seater." It can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 4 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG said the Performance Studio team will be able to make "very specific technical modifications including AMG sports chassis, AMG high-performance brakes, AMG wheel/tire combinations, limited-slip differentials, and customized interior features."

"We are receiving more and more requests from AMG fans and sports-car enthusiasts from around the world for even more dynamic vehicles, special equipment features and specific components," said Volker Mornhinweg, CEO of Mercedes-AMG. "The new Performance Studio makes it possible for us to meet these requests."

What this means to you: If you can dream it — and have the cash to back it up — they can build it.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=116253#2