Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG GmbH
Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach (AMG)

Type	subsidiary of Daimler AG
Industry	Automotive industry
Founded	Burgstall a. d. Murr, Germany 1967
Founder(s)	Hans Werner Aufrecht Erhard Melcher
Headquarters	Affalterbach, Germany
Area served	Worldwide
Products	High performance engines and cars, automotive sports accessories
Services	research and development
Owner(s)	Daimler AG
Employees	≈700
Parent	Mercedes-Benz
Website	Mercedes-AMG.com

Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as AMG, is a subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz car company specializing in high-performance luxury cars.

AMG models are typically the most expensive and highest-performance of each Mercedes series. AMG models typically have more aggressive looks, higher performances, better handling and better stability than their regular Mercedes counterparts.^[1]

History

AMG logo on a Mercedes C63 AMG (W204)

AMG was founded as a racing engine forge in 1967 under the name AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (AMG Engine Production and Development, Ltd.), by former Mercedes engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher in Burgstall an der Murr, near Stuttgart. The letters "AMG" stand for Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach, Aufrecht's birthplace (but at no time an AMG location). In 1976 most of AMG moved to Affalterbach, with the racing engine development remaining at the old location in Burgstall. At this time Erhard Melcher ceased to be a partner, but continued to be an employee at the Burgstall location.

In 1990, with AMG having become a high-profile purveyor of modified Mercedes cars, Daimler-Benz AG and AMG signed a contract of cooperation, allowing AMG to leverage Daimler-Benz's extensive dealer network and leading to commonly developed vehicles (the first one being the Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, in 1993). On 1 January 1999 DaimlerChrysler, as it was called between 1998 and 2007, acquired 51 percent of AMG shares, and AMG was renamed to Mercedes-AMG GmbH.^[2] Racing engine development was divested and continues to exist in Burgstall under the name HWA (Aufrecht's initials). On 1 January 2005 Aufrecht sold his remaining shares to DaimlerChrysler, and since then it has been a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Development of the product range

AMG Penta 5 Spoke 16x8 type 1 wheel

AMG started off by designing and testing racing engines. It expanded its business into building custom road cars based upon standard Mercedes cars.

AMG initially produced a range of unofficial upgrade and accessories packages mainly for the Mercedes-Benz W107,^[3] Mercedes-Benz W126, Mercedes-Benz W124, Mercedes-Benz R129 and Mercedes-Benz W201 models.

There were no official tie-ups until the mid 1980s, when AMG started to supply Mercedes-Benz with aftermarket alloy wheels and automotive styling products. Typical AMG cosmetic and performance enhancements from 1979 to 1985, which could all be custom ordered by the buyer, included 15" or 16" ATS for AMG 5 spoked Penta wheels, Recaro seats, painting of all external chrome parts to the car's body color or to black, a smaller diameter AMG steering wheel, lowered and stiffened suspension, aerodynamic AMG front air dam and spoiler kit, modified cams, a custom exhaust to increase base horsepower, and a 5-speed manual transmission.^[3]

The release of the AMG Hammer sedan in 1986, based on the W124 E-Class, took AMG's performance modifications for a fast compact sedan to a new level. AMG made the world's fastest passenger sedan at the time, nicknamed the Hammer,^[4] by squeezing Mercedes 5.6-liter V8 tuned by AMG to 360 hp into a midsized sedan. It was very aggressive for the era, with 32-valve cylinder heads and twin camshafts, and said to be faster than the Lamborghini Countach from 60 to 120 mph.^[5] Later models were even more powerful and introduced the 17" AMG Aero 1 Hammer wheels.

Through the early 2000s, AMG focused principally on supercharged engines, but the company officially abandoned this technology in 2006 with the introduction of the M156 V8. On 16 January 2006, Mercedes-AMG Chairman Volker Mornhinweg told AutoWeek that the company would use turbocharging for higher output rather than supercharging.^[6]

Mercedes AMG DTM car (2003)

Although there were some AMG models in the 1980s with manual transmissions, almost all recent models have used automatics (5G-Tronic and later 7G-Tronic with Speedshift), in contrast to BMW M which used manuals and recently semi-automatic transmissions. Starting in 2009, however, AMG began adopting the 7-speed AMG SpeedShift MCT dual clutch transmission.

Motor racing

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, AMG entered the big Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 V8 saloon, affectionately named the "Red Sow", in the 1971 Spa 24 Hours, and the European Touring Car Championship. AMG and Mercedes worked together on Mercedes-Benz W201 cars for the 1988 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM, German Touring Car Championship). AMG was made the official partner.

When DaimlerChrysler acquired a majority share of AMG in 1999, the motor racing department was divested into HWA AG. Their first car was the ill-fated Mercedes-Benz CLR. Since 2000, HWA builds and runs the cars for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), as well as the M271 engine tuned for use in Formula 3.

AMG engine display at the Pagani factory

Six successive lightly modified Mercedes-Benz AMG models (including, most recently, an SL 63 AMG) have acted as the safety cars for the FIA Formula One World Championship.

Relationship with Pagani

AMG also provides engines for the Pagani Zonda supercar. The engines used are variants of the M120 7,291cc displacement V12 engine originally used in the SL73 AMG. The M120 is the largest displacement naturally-aspirated engine provided by AMG and is now exclusively used by Pagani.

Current AMG models

All AMG engines are hand built, using a "one man, one engine" philosophy at the current AMG plant in Affalterbach, Germany. To signify this, each AMG engine builder stamps the engines they produce with an engraved plaque depicting their signature.

As part of the official Mercedes product line, the AMG models are sold side-by-side with regular production models, unlike those offered by other Mercedes tuning firms such as Brabus.

55

The main engine is a 5.4 L V8 engine, designated the M113, that carries the "55" designation. This engine comes in two configurations.

• The first configuration is a naturally aspirated V8 with 360 PS (260 kW; 360 hp) that is used in the C55 AMG, CLK55 AMG, SLK55 AMG, and ML55 AMG. The C43 AMG (model years 1998-2000) was powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine from the same M113 family, but at a reduced displacement of 4.3L, hence the '43' designation.
• The other configuration is a similar unit but with a highly efficient Lysholm type supercharger manufactured by IHI, is found in the rest of the AMG 55 models which are typically midsized or larger vehicles. The published output according to Mercedes varies from 476 PS (350 kW; 469 hp) to 517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp) and 700 N·m (520 lb·ft) to 720 N·m (530 lb·ft), depending on various methods of power measurements and different ECU programming for national legislations. For instance, the E55 AMG's engine was at the low end, while the SL55 AMG's engine had the top output.^[7][8]

Nicknamed the "Hammer", after the original 1986 AMG Hammer (a W124 E-Class sedan with an AMG-tuned 360 hp 5.6-liter V8), the 2000 E55 AMG could hit 0-60mph in 4.9s and took 13.3s to run 1/4 mile.^[9]

The supercharged 5.4 L V8 engine was mated to the Speedshift 5-speed automatic transmission, which has a torque capacity of 796 lb-ft, as the newer 7G-Tronic introduced in 2003 is limited to 542 lb-ft, not enough to handle the torque from the supercharged V8.^[10][11]

The V8 S55 AMG had comparable output to the V12-powered S600 throughout their production. The S55 AMG (2001-02) was outfitted with a 5.4L 354 hp (264 kW) V8 motor while the later versions (2003-06) sported the same motor, but supercharged to a rated 493 hp (368 kW). The S600 (2001-02) was outfitted with a 5.8L 362 hp (270 kW) V12 engine while the later versions (2003-06) sported a twin-turbocharged (or Bi-Turbo) 493 hp (368 kW) 5.5L V12. The justification for having two models with the same power is that the S55 AMG is sportier and more responsive, while the costlier S600 is more luxurious with a smoother ride.

AMG phased out both the naturally aspirated and supercharged 5.4 L engines in favor of the new M156 V8 beginning in 2006, which was paired with 7G-Tronic. However, some enthusiasts were disappointed because the M156 produces less torque than the supercharged M155.^[12]

For the Model Year 2009:

• M113 5.4 L "55" V8 models (naturally aspirated)
  • SLK55 AMG
• M113 5.4 L "55" V8 models (supercharged)
  • G55 AMG

Previous 55 AMG models

• 1999-2002 E55 AMG
• 2003-2006 E55 AMG
• 2000-2003 ML55 AMG
• 2001-2002 CLK55 AMG
• 2003-2006 CLK55 AMG
• 2004-2007 CLS55 AMG
• 2001-2008 SL55 AMG
• 2001-2006 S55 AMG
• 2001-2006 CL55 AMG
• 2005-2006 C55 AMG
• 2001-2009 G55 AMG

63

M137 6.3L V12

The "63" badging was used on the short-lived 2001 S63 AMG and 2001 CL63 AMG. These were produced in limited quantities for one month and only offered through AMG to select customers in Europe and Asia, purportedly state leaders. The CL63 AMG was the rarest W215 CL of all, and just 26 examples were built in November 2001 (51 plate), with some UK being registered in March 2002. These had a base price of £110,000 (~US$200,000).^[13][14][15]

These are powered by a naturally aspirated 6.3L V12 producing 444 PS (438 hp/327 kW). This engine is based on the M137 5.8L V12 used in the S600 and CL600, but the AMG variants have a larger displacement, a new management system, a new crank case and cooling system, weight-optimized pistons, and a new camshaft with greater valve lift and modified valves. 390lb-ft of torque are available between 2500-5800rpm with a peak of 457 at 4400 rpm while horsepower grows by almost 80 over the 5.8L V12. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2001 S63 AMG V12 had 100hp more than the 2001 S55 AMG, and was a few tenths faster.^[13][14]

M156 6.2L V8

AMG developed its own V8 engine (dubbed M156 in development) for the DTM series. This naturally aspirated V8 will also be used to replace most of the "55" models. The published output according to Mercedes varies from 457 PS (336 kW; 451 hp) on the C63AMG, to 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) on the C/CLK/R/ML/GL/S/SL/CL/E 63 AMG.

• M156 L 6.2 V8 models
  • 2007 S63 AMG (introduced at the 2006 Paris Motor Show) (facelifted for 2010 model year^[16])
  • 2007 ML63 AMG (introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show)
  • 2007 R63 AMG (introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show)
  • 2007 CLK63 AMG (introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show) (used as Safety Car for the 2006 and 2007 F1 World Championship)
  • 2007 CLS63 AMG (introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show)
  • 2008 C63 AMG (Sedan and Wagon)
  • 2007 E63 AMG (Sedan and Wagon)
  • 2008 CL63 AMG
  • 2009 SL63 AMG
  • 2010 E63 AMG (Sedan and Wagon)

The S63 and CL63 at 518 horsepower edges out that of the S600 and CL600, the latter two powered by the 510 horsepower 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12. However, the S600/CL600 are more expensive and have more torque at 612 pound-feet.^[17]

All of the M156-engined models used the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, however the more recent 2009 SL 63 and 2010 E63 use the 7-speed MCT dual-clutch transmission.

In 2009, AMG developed M159 engine which based in M156, used in SLS AMG.

Although to be superseded by the M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo (see below) for full-sized models such as the S-Class, the M156 will remain in production as its more precise throttle response is still well suited to smaller sportier models such as the C-Class.^[18]

M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo

Rumored in 2009 and confirmed in 2010, AMG developed the M157, a 5.5-litre V8 with direct fuel injection and twin turbochargers. Power is rated at 400kW (544 PS / 536 bhp) at 5,500rpm and peak torque is a massive 800Nm (590 lb-ft) made between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm. An even more powerful version with the AMG Performance Package will produce 420kW (571 PS / 563 bhp) and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. Both engines will be mated to Mercedes-Benz's 7-speed MCT transmission.^[19][20][21] The 2011 CL 63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 250km/h (155mph) (electronically limited), while cars with the AMG Performance package can make the 100km/h (62mph) mark in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300km/h (186mph) (also electronically limited).^[22]

Unlike the M156 naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 which was developed entirely within AMG, the M157 is based upon the M273 found in the regular Mercedes-Benz lineup.^[23] The M157 boasts 25% better fuel economy (10.5 litres per 100 kilometres versus 14.4 L/100 km in the European driving cycle) over the M156, meaning it will avoid the US gas-guzzler tax for the first time in ever, despite having up to 47 horsepower more. The M157 will also have increased torque (586 pound-feet for the regular version, 660 for the performance package) available as low as 2,000 rpm, which means the engine can be shifted into a taller gear sooner, keeping engine revs and fuel consumption to a minimum. The new M157 will have an engine start/stop mode and is lightweight at 204kg. ^[19][20][21] The M157 is said to be ideal for powering full-size sedans such as the S-Class, but the older M156 will continue to be produced as its more precise throttle response is still well suited to smaller sportier models such as the C-Class.^[24]

5.5L V8 BiTurbo models will carry the "63" model designation, shared with the 6.2L V8 models. Visually, the 2011 S63 AMG is differentiated from the 2010 model (itself facelifted over the 2009 S63) by the more angular design of the chromed dual exhaust tips, which also sport embossed AMG logos, as well as new forged wheels.^[25] For the CL63 AMG, the new M157 engine coincides with the facelift of the CL-Class for the 2011 model year.

• M157 L 5.5 V8 models (Twin-turbo)
  • 2011 S63 AMG (to be introduced at 2010 Geneva Motor Show)
  • 2011 CL63 AMG^[22]

65

These are powered by a variant of the Mercedes-Benz M275 engine. The AMG powerplant has an all-new design of the bi-turbo system, which features larger turbochargers and a new, more powerful charge-air cooling system, and the increase in the engine displacement (to 5980 cc) as well as many other engine design measures.^[26]

These are the only AMG vehicles using a 5-speed automatic transmission, which has a torque capacity of 796 lb-ft, as the newer 7G-Tronic is limited to 542 lb-ft, not enough to handle the torque from the V12 engines.^[10]

Coinciding with the facelift of the CL-Class for the 2011 model year, the 2011 CL65 AMG will have an enhanced engine, with AMG redesigning the exhaust gas turbochargers and adding new engine electronics. It will now make 621 horsepower, and go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds (just 0.2 seconds faster than the 2011 CL63), with an electronically-limited top speed of 186 miles an hour. The update will also improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions by 3.5% over the outgoing model.^[27][28] The 2011 S65 AMG will also receive an upgraded engine making 463 kW (630 hp) and 737 lb-ft of torque.^[29][30]

• 6.0L 612 PS (604 hp/450 kW) BiTurbo V12
  • 2005-2006 S65 AMG
  • 2005-2006 CL65 AMG
  • 2006 S65 AMG
  • 2006 CL65 AMG
  • 2008 SL65 AMG

Black Series

The AMG Performance Studio located in Affalterbach is responsible for the upgrades which make an AMG into an AMG Black Series model. The Black Series treatment is only available on 2 door vehicles, which includes weight reduction, bucket seats and exterior alterations.

• CLK63 AMG Black Series
• SL65 AMG Black Series
• SLK AMG Black Series

The Performance Studio has announced plans to release an SLS AMG Black Series model near 2013.

Previous AMG models

In addition to the models listed below, there were also predecessors to the current AMG models.

There are also other AMG models no longer in production:

• 1992 190E 3.2 AMG
• 1993-1994 E60 AMG
• period unknown SL70 AMG
• 1995, 1998-2001 SL73 AMG
• 1996-1998 SL60 AMG
• 1995-1997 C36 AMG - powertrain consists of M104 3.6L I6 engine
• 1998-2000 C43 AMG - saloon and estate body styles, powertrain consists of M113 4.3L V8 engine and 5-speed manumatic transmission
• 1996-1997 E50 AMG
• 1999-2002 E55 AMG
• 1998-2002 CLK-GTR AMG
• 2005-2006 C55 AMG
• 2005-2006 CLK DTM AMG
• 2007 R63 AMG

30

• OM612 3.0 L "30" I5 Diesel models
  • C30 CDI AMG

32

Powertrain consists of AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission mated to an AMG 3.2 liter V6 Kompressor engine with an output of 260 kW/349 hp and 332 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm. The engine is a special version of the 3.2 L (3199 cc) M112 E32, fitted with a helical twin-screw supercharger and water-to-air intercooler. The supercharger was developed in conjunction with IHI and features Teflon-coated rotors producing overall boost of 14.5 psi (1 bar).

Interestingly, the C32 had a smaller engine than its predecessors, the C36 AMG with the M104 3.6L I6 engine, and the C43 AMG powered by the M113 4.3L V8 engine. Nonetheless, the C32 AMG was capable of runs to 60 in 4.5 seconds, when reviewed by AutoCar on June 27, 2001, beating the BMW M3 and the Porsche 911. ^[31]

• 3.2 L Supercharged M112 V6 AMG
  • 2002-2004 C32 AMG
  • 2001-2004 SLK32 AMG

Competing Mercedes-Benz performance specialists

• Lorinser
• Brabus
• Carlsson
• Kleemann
• MKB
• Renntech

See also

• List of German cars
• quattro GmbH
• BMW M
• Street and Racing Technology
• Special Vehicle Team
• Super Sport
• Gran Turismo

ASMA

References

External links

• Mercedes-AMG.com official website
• Mercedes-Benz.com official website
• [7] The History of AMG