Car and Driver gets a deeper look at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
#31
AMG always has lots of power but not enough control. They are great cars for driving in a straight line.
When you talk to an AMG owner they are excited about who they smoked at a light. When you talk to a BMW M owner they will tell you about the corners, the mountains, the technical race tracks. This is a very big difference.
So being interested in what's under the hood of an AMG is naive in my opinion. You already know what you will find - a great engine. It's the other bits that are missing.
#32
Lead Lap
The reason I said I don't care what's under the hood is because I know the formula.
AMG always has lots of power but not enough control. They are great cars for driving in a straight line.
When you talk to an AMG owner they are excited about who they smoked at a light. When you talk to a BMW M owner they will tell you about the corners, the mountains, the technical race tracks. This is a very big difference.
So being interested in what's under the hood of an AMG is naive in my opinion. You already know what you will find - a great engine. It's the other bits that are missing.
AMG always has lots of power but not enough control. They are great cars for driving in a straight line.
When you talk to an AMG owner they are excited about who they smoked at a light. When you talk to a BMW M owner they will tell you about the corners, the mountains, the technical race tracks. This is a very big difference.
So being interested in what's under the hood of an AMG is naive in my opinion. You already know what you will find - a great engine. It's the other bits that are missing.
#33
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
Last response, I promise. Did you read the article (or any) about the E63? Its handling characteristics have been applauded. Just because the owner talks one way doesn't mean the AMGs aren't capable machines. They can handle now too. You're stuck in the old AMG times, my friend. Not saying they're perfect by any stretch, but you're selling them short.
#35
Last response, I promise. Did you read the article (or any) about the E63? Its handling characteristics have been applauded. Just because the owner talks one way doesn't mean the AMGs aren't capable machines. They can handle now too. You're stuck in the old AMG times, my friend. Not saying they're perfect by any stretch, but you're selling them short.
So you are saying this one is much better in AWD form. I'll try it but I am skeptical unless they are using a Ferrari FF style AWD system which effectively disengages power to the front wheels unless needed.
#36
Pole Position
iTrader: (8)
AMG's targeted audience 5-6 years ago was the consumer who wanted a fast, reliable, comfortable vehicle... unfortunately, with comfort ride comes soft suspension which is never going to be good around the corners. When you see cars like the C63 black series which uses traditional coilover suspension, it's all different. They even say it handles better than the M3. Well, that car goes against AMGs larger audience and they made it specifically for those who are heavy track fans. So yes, AMG can make cars that handle well, but it's just not their niche.
#37
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
The AWD system on the FF is not computer controlled torque split vectoring on demand like the R35 GTR and 997 Turbo S. The front gear box is engaged from gear 1-4, disengages in 5-7 gear, it is actually a pretty dumb mechanical system, it is not designed to enhance handling like the system on the R35 and 911. It is just made so the car can get out of a hole on a ski resort, that's why all the promotion is done on snow on a mountain, not setting a good lap time.
Last edited by BNR34; 01-11-13 at 11:37 AM.
#38
Guest
Posts: n/a
I am with you, handling of AMG's cars are really good now, unlike the old days. But I think mostly the cars with the airmatic (E), and ABC (S) have that mushy feelings that sporty driver dislike, that's why they still hate them. The cars with steel springs are some of the best handling cars in the world, SLS and the C63 Black just got 2nd in the best driver's car competition.
My times behind the new AMGs is full of glowing praise. They steer and drive great. Many of us have discussed how the middle is full of car brands. Lexus, Benz, Audi all went sportier, BMW went softer. It is very hard to say one brand is just sportier than the others since they now all have soft cars and very hard cars. There is no answer for the LFA for example.
Here are the C&D results, the C63 Black Series was faster than any BMW around the track. The IS F was right there with the M5. Just one source but it shows things have changed.
C&D Lightning Lap 2013 results
Quote:
Full List by Times
Ferrari 458 - 2.49.9
Lexus LFA - 2.55.1
Chevy Camaro ZL1 - 2.57.5
Merc C63 Black Series - 2.58.0
Porsche 911 S - 2.58.9
Ford Shelby GT500 - 3.00.6
Chevy Camaro SS 1LE - 3.01.5
Jaguar XKR-S - 3.02.1
Porsche Boxster S - 3.04.2
Audi RS5 - 3.04.3
BMW M6 - 3.04.7
BMW M5 - 3.05.2
Lexus IS-F - 3.05.4 (from last years test for reference)
Audi S6 - 3.09.8
BMW 335i sedan - 3.13.2
Hyundai Genesis 3.8 R - 3.13.9
Dodge Charger Pursuit - 3.17.8
Subaru BRZ - 3.18.6
Ford Focus St - 3.21.4
Chevy Caprice PPV - 3.23.0
Fiat 500 Abarth - 3.27.3
Read more: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...#ixzz2HhHHPSgr
Quote:
Full List by Times
Ferrari 458 - 2.49.9
Lexus LFA - 2.55.1
Chevy Camaro ZL1 - 2.57.5
Merc C63 Black Series - 2.58.0
Porsche 911 S - 2.58.9
Ford Shelby GT500 - 3.00.6
Chevy Camaro SS 1LE - 3.01.5
Jaguar XKR-S - 3.02.1
Porsche Boxster S - 3.04.2
Audi RS5 - 3.04.3
BMW M6 - 3.04.7
BMW M5 - 3.05.2
Lexus IS-F - 3.05.4 (from last years test for reference)
Audi S6 - 3.09.8
BMW 335i sedan - 3.13.2
Hyundai Genesis 3.8 R - 3.13.9
Dodge Charger Pursuit - 3.17.8
Subaru BRZ - 3.18.6
Ford Focus St - 3.21.4
Chevy Caprice PPV - 3.23.0
Fiat 500 Abarth - 3.27.3
Read more: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...#ixzz2HhHHPSgr
Last edited by LexFather; 01-11-13 at 11:45 AM.
#41
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NC
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People like me buy these cars. Now I am old and graduated from the rice rocket GTR, I want a daily driver in complete comfort with some decent image, but still don't want to lose to a GTR at the stop light.
We want these cars to commute in, is not for engaging fun. That's what the weekend sports car is for.
We want these cars to commute in, is not for engaging fun. That's what the weekend sports car is for.
He just likes toying with young guys in TL's at stop lights.
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