AMG Sport Is Dead, Models to Become Mercedes-AMGs
01-13-16, 02:19 PM
#1
AMG Sport Is Dead, Models to Become Mercedes-AMGs
A few weeks ago, we were a bit surprised to learn that the AMG version of Mercedes’ new SLC-class roadster—it replaces the SLK-class—would be powered by the engine found in the AMG Sport models of the C- and GLE-classes, the C450 AMG and GLE450 AMG. (AMG Sport was launched to neatly split the difference between regular Mercedes vehicles and full-bore AMGs.) AMG hadn’t offered a six-banger in many years, and the twin-turbocharged V-6, while an impressive powerplant, doesn’t adhere to Affalterbach’s “One Man, One Engine” gospel, whereby one technician assembles a complete engine from start to finish.
But the Mercedes-AMG SLC43 won’t be an exception—it actually sets a precedent, as the AMG Sport models will be rechristened and moved into the AMG lineup proper. The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG will become the Mercedes-AMG C43, and a Mercedes-AMG E43 will launch later this year. Further models will follow.
We think the move is legit. The current AMG Sports already feature a lot of AMG-developed technology, and we’re not just talking about badges, red stitching, and carbon-fiber décor; they also get actual chassis upgrades. And if you’ve ever heard an AMG Sport model performing a full-throttle redline shift and the accompanying exhaust crackle, it’s clear that these machines mean serious business.
About the “43” moniker for the 3.0-liter V-6: While it would be nice if it had any relationship whatsoever to engine displacement, Benz believes it aligns nicely with the 63 badging used for the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 models. Plus, there was a C43 in AMG’s history. So if you aspire to own an AMG, you will have a lot more choices soon.
But the Mercedes-AMG SLC43 won’t be an exception—it actually sets a precedent, as the AMG Sport models will be rechristened and moved into the AMG lineup proper. The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG will become the Mercedes-AMG C43, and a Mercedes-AMG E43 will launch later this year. Further models will follow.
We think the move is legit. The current AMG Sports already feature a lot of AMG-developed technology, and we’re not just talking about badges, red stitching, and carbon-fiber décor; they also get actual chassis upgrades. And if you’ve ever heard an AMG Sport model performing a full-throttle redline shift and the accompanying exhaust crackle, it’s clear that these machines mean serious business.
About the “43” moniker for the 3.0-liter V-6: While it would be nice if it had any relationship whatsoever to engine displacement, Benz believes it aligns nicely with the 63 badging used for the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 models. Plus, there was a C43 in AMG’s history. So if you aspire to own an AMG, you will have a lot more choices soon.
01-13-16, 04:03 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
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01-13-16, 05:02 PM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
History, to some extent, repeats itself. In the early-mid 1970s, we saw a number of formerly high-performance muscle-cars (Road Runner, GTO, Chevelle SS, Trans-Am, Mach 1, etc....) retain their muscle-car nameplates, but re-engined with smaller, de-tuned, less powerful engines. In some cases, the cars themselves were also downsized. Of that group, only the Trans-Am ended up soldiering on with a drivetrain with engine-sized that even approached that of a true muscle-car...and even then, with about 200 less HP than it had in the late 1960s.
That doesn't seem to be exactly what Mercedes is doing with the AMGs, but close. It follows the same general trend.....keeping the tires/suspsnsion/chassis of the traditional AMGs, but re-outfitting some of them with smaller power plant. Only in this case, though, benefitting from the fact that, unlike the 1970s, today's technology allows relatively good performance from smaller engines.
That doesn't seem to be exactly what Mercedes is doing with the AMGs, but close. It follows the same general trend.....keeping the tires/suspsnsion/chassis of the traditional AMGs, but re-outfitting some of them with smaller power plant. Only in this case, though, benefitting from the fact that, unlike the 1970s, today's technology allows relatively good performance from smaller engines.
01-13-16, 09:01 PM
#7
Moderator: LFA, Clubhouse
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01-14-16, 04:41 AM
#9
Lead Lap
Wow that's pretty dramatic. This change still doesn't set well with me but I wouldn't think of trading in my car because of it.
01-14-16, 06:44 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
names shmames. 
01-14-16, 09:38 AM
#11
BMW hasn't touched the M-Sport packages, but they're offering cars like the M235i and now the X4 M40i, those would be the equivalent of what Mercedes was trying to achieve with the AMG Sport vehicles.
01-14-16, 09:39 AM
#12
History, to some extent, repeats itself. In the early-mid 1970s, we saw a number of formerly high-performance muscle-cars (Road Runner, GTO, Chevelle SS, Trans-Am, Mach 1, etc....) retain their muscle-car nameplates, but re-engined with smaller, de-tuned, less powerful engines. In some cases, the cars themselves were also downsized. Of that group, only the Trans-Am ended up soldiering on with a drivetrain with engine-sized that even approached that of a true muscle-car...and even then, with about 200 less HP than it had in the late 1960s.
That doesn't seem to be exactly what Mercedes is doing with the AMGs, but close. It follows the same general trend.....keeping the tires/suspsnsion/chassis of the traditional AMGs, but re-outfitting some of them with smaller power plant. Only in this case, though, benefitting from the fact that, unlike the 1970s, today's technology allows relatively good performance from smaller engines.
That doesn't seem to be exactly what Mercedes is doing with the AMGs, but close. It follows the same general trend.....keeping the tires/suspsnsion/chassis of the traditional AMGs, but re-outfitting some of them with smaller power plant. Only in this case, though, benefitting from the fact that, unlike the 1970s, today's technology allows relatively good performance from smaller engines.
01-14-16, 11:37 AM
#14
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AMGs are nice but I don't get why Benz cars are so unreliable. I would be all over one so fast if they don't break down so often. My associate has one and it's in the shop every other month. It's not like he drives it that much either. He also has a Tesla and a 5-series.
01-14-16, 01:00 PM
#15
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This unreliability claim is so overblown. I have switched between BMW 3 series and Mercedes C class now for over 15 years, (currently driving a C450 AMG) and I have never had an issue outside of normal maintenance, and one BMW recall (car was at the dealership for only 3 hours) My neighbour's 2 year old Honda Accord have been in the shop several times for issues, does that mean that Hondas are unreliable? Certainly not, far from that, actually. My advice is to buy the car that you like, whether your preference is for extreme performance, quiet luxury, or anything in between, whether it's Japanese, German, Korean or American, and enjoy your purchase, this is 2016, not 1980