Mercedes-Benz put the spotlight on horsepower in Geneva, unveiling a slate of barn-burners from its AMG tuner division and what it says is the world's most powerful eight-cylinder, naturally aspirated production engine.

AMG debuted the CLK 63 coupe convertible to replace the AMG CLK 55. The AMG CLS and CLK models are powered by a 6.3-liter, 514hp V-8 developed in-house by AMG. It drives through a new AMG seven-speed transmission.

Mercedes claims the engine produces world-best torque and power for a non-boosted engine. "Even these heady heights are not the pinnacle of what can be achieved in series production," said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH since September 2005, said.

The CLK 63 models will go on sale in June in the United States. The CLS version will come in September.

A 510hp version of the same engine will go into the R class sport wagon. The R63 goes on sale in August. The ML 63 SUV debuts in the United States in July.

Also unveiled was a freshened SL 65 AMG. The SL 65 AMG is powered by a turbo-boosted V-12 rated at 612 hp.

GENEVA – Mercedes-Benz will offer fewer customer options in its cars.

“We will surely continue to offer greater variety than a brand such as Hyundai,” Mercedes Car Group CEO Dieter Zetsche said.

But he also said that he plans to reduce overlapping offers, such as two sports packages on the same model.

Some Mercedes models are offered with a sports package that includes a stiffer suspension, bigger wheels and different trim. But they also are available with a package from in-house tuning specialist AMG, which includes similar treatment but different alloy wheels and additional spoilers and cladding.

Carmakers such as Mercedes and BMW boost revenue by offering customer-specified options, but doing so increases the cost and complexity of their production process.

The move is part of Zetsche’s plan to boost productivity at Mercedes.

He wants to:

>> Get engineers to consider production processes early in a model’s development

Reduce manufacturing complexity.

>> Zetsche said Mercedes’ benchmark for productivity and quality is Lexus, the luxury division of Japanese auto-maker Toyota.

Lexus cars come with more standard equipment than their Mercedes counterparts, but typically offer only a few options.

Zetsche said Mercedes’ benchmark for productivity and quality is Lexus, the luxury division of Japanese auto-maker Toyota.

Mercedes-AMG opens new Performance Studio: Dynamic performance tailored to the customer’s wishes
Mercedes-AMG GmbH is consolidating its activities. And with the AMG Performance Studio, the company is starting a new initiative to appeal to customers with very special wishes. In addition to the AMG high performance cars, which are available through the worldwide Mercedes-Benz sales organisation, the Performance Studio develops and produces special AMG vehicles in exclusive, limited quantities. Offered as the Signature Series, Black Series and Editions, the unique special models stand out by virtue of their outstanding handling, motorsport performance, technical and visual distinctiveness and exclusive equipment features, depending on the vehicle type in question. The latest product from the AMG Performance Studio is the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, a purist’s lightweight version with a powerful AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine (294 kW/400 hp) and numerous components with technology borrowed from the world of motorsport. In addition to its focus on thrilling AMG vehicles, the Performance Studio satisfies the customers’ individual requests — a traditional strength of Mercedes-AMG. To meet this demand, the Performance Studio team makes very specific technical modifications including AMG sports chassis, AMG high-performance brakes, AMG wheel/tyre combinations, limited-slip differentials and customised interior features, as well as unique, made-to-order models.

High-performance AMG cars are becoming more and more popular in all markets around the world, and the product portfolio of Mercedes-AMG GmbH satisfies the most diverse customer requirements. A total of 16 unique vehicle models are available, with power output ranging from 265 kW/360 hp to 450 kW/612 hp. AMG customers looking for even greater individualisation will find exactly what they need at the new AMG Performance Studio, which Mercedes AMG GmbH is using to provide personalised service on a global scale and with a significantly expanded range of offerings.

Extensive analyses conducted by Mercedes-AMG experts in all key markets have revealed that alongside buyers of high-performance AMG production vehicles, there are five separate customer groups seeking even greater sportiness and exclusivity. There are customers: who

1. ...wish to purchase an exclusive, limited-edition AMG vehicle that is exceptionally sporty and clearly distinguishes itself from AMG production vehicles in terms of engineering and appearance, and is suited to serious racetrack use.

2. ...wish to acquire an AMG production vehicle that is significantly more sporty in terms of appearance and engineering, as well as being more suitable for racetrack driving.

3. ...are primarily interested in an exclusive, limited-edition AMG production vehicle that sets new standards in interior and exterior design through special equipment features and superior optical and surface-feel details.

4. ...who wish to optimise their AMG production vehicle for their personal requirements by obtaining special AMG components at the time they purchase the car.

5. ...who have a clear idea of the type of Mercedes-Benz vehicle they wish to own, and use AMG components to make their dream car a reality.

As the only eight-cylinder roadster in its segment, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG delivers an exceptional driving experience. Now the two-seater is becoming even sportier: Mercedes AMG has developed an exclusive, emphatically puristic special series as a coupé variant, a car that sets new standards in handling dynamics — the SLK 55 AMG Black Series. With the AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine, which has been boosted to 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Nm, the numerous lightweight components, the non-retractable carbon-fibre roof, 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG adjustable sports suspension and AMG high-performance composite brakes, the special SLK 55 AMG brings its sports car talents to bear even more convincingly — and cuts an impressive figure especially on racing circuits.

Broad, brawny and low-slung — it's clear at first glance that the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is something very special. It offers a captivating view from the front with a redesigned AMG front apron and its broad openings, which supply the added transmission-oil cooler and the high-performance steering-oil cooler with plenty of fresh air. In addition, new side outlets made of carbon ensure effective ventilation for the engine-oil coolers. The front wings, now wider, are made of reinforced plastic with ultra-light carbon-fibre composite material and feature black outlined air outlets. The non-retractable hardtop of the two-seater is also made of carbon-fibre composites, and the black central section with a visible carbon-fibre structure provides appealing visual effects. The elimination of the vario roof and the entire roof hydraulics not only makes possible a significantly lower centre of gravity but also leads to a notable reduction in weight: With a kerb weight of 1495 kilograms according to EC standards, the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is 45 kilograms lighter than the basic vehicle. That improves the weight/power ratio from 4.3 to 3.7 kg/hp.

CLK 63 AMG Safety Car: Maximum safety for Formula One

Powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine (354 kW/481 hp)

Modified brakes, suspension, cooling and exhaust systems

Many lightweight components used to ensure optimal performance

The new CLK 63 AMG is the official FIA Safety Car for the 2006 Formula One season. With its powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine (354 kW/481 hp) and modified brakes, chassis, cooling and exhaust systems, as well as numerous lightweight components, the fast coupé is well-prepared for its demanding mission during Formula One races. As in previous years, the C 55 AMG estate will serve as the official Medical Car standing by at all 18 races on the Formula One calendar to provide emergency medical assistance if needed. Both vehicles are built and serviced at the Performance Studio.

The CLK 63 AMG Safety Car’s assignment is to lead the Formula One racing cars out of hazardous situations arising from accidents or inclement weather. Following the instructions of the race organisers, Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer, a former DTM driver, must stay out ahead of the pack and set a fast pace — to prevent the Formula One cars’ high-tech engines from overheating and their tyres from losing traction.

AMG eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with special motorsport sound
The AMG V8 Coupé is superbly equipped for the job. The new, specially developed AMG eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine delivers 354 kW/481 hp at 6800 rpm from its 6.3 litres of displacement and generates its maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5.000 rpm. The engine’s power is transmitted by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift paddles. For Formula One use, the CLK 63 AMG is equipped with a newly developed exhaust system that produces a special sound, one that’s guaranteed to thrill the fans watching from the stands or on television.
The new AMG Safety Car is equipped to handle all climatic conditions, thanks to its impressive array of motorsport technology, including a high-performance radiator, two engine-oil coolers in the sides of the front apron, and an additional, larger transmission-oil cooler. The rear differential has cooling fins and a separate oil cooler.

Mercedes-AMG GmbH: Cutting-edge technology and emotional appeal
Unique high-performance sports cars, made in Affalterbach

AMG: the Mercedes Car Group’s high-performance brand

Responsibility for all development processes

“One man, one engine” in AMG’s modern engine assembly plant

The high standards of quality, safety and environmental standards that are typical of Mercedes-Benz

AMG — throughout the world, these three distinctive letters stand for cutting-edge technology, dynamism and exclusivity. DaimlerChrysler’s innovative subsidiary Mercedes-AMG GmbH fulfils the wishes of even the most discerning customers and offers emotional appeal and the ultimate in high performance. Mercedes-AMG specialises in unique high-performance sports cars, and its product portfolio — sporty cabriolets, coupés, roadsters, saloons, SUVs and custom-made vehicles — can satisfy every customer’s wishes. Based in Affalterbach near Stuttgart, AMG is the high-performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group. It is responsible for all the development processes related to the chassis, engines, drive systems, brakes, electronics, aerodynamics, interiors and designs of AMG vehicles, as well as for the final approval of the completed car — which is always 100 percent AMG-Mercedes, down to the last detail. The superbly qualified specialists in Affalterbach build the powerful V8 and V12 engines to the highest standards of quality, while always adhering to the traditional philosophy of “One man, one engine”. In addition, Mercedes-AMG manages all of its marketing and sales-related activities on its own.

Petrol or diesel? Why choose?


Hey, man in the street: have you ever been torn between petrol and a diesel? Wanted the performance of a petrol engine but the economy of an oil-burner?

Sound familiar? Well, the solution to all your problems just might be on the way, in the shape of... the Mercedes DiesOtto engine!

OK, enough of the American-accented advertising spiel. But this DiesOtto could be a biggie.

Due to premiere in Frankfurt inside a large luxury concept called the F700, Merc reckons the DiesOtto could give the responsiveness of a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with the frugality of a tiny diesel-burner.

But how? Hold on, here comes the technical bit. The DiesOtto is, at heart, a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with twin sequential turbochargers and direct injection.

But the clever bit is that Merc engineers have incorporated both the conventional Otto cycle and a sparkless, diesel-style combustion

On start-up, the engine runs in standard petrol mode, with spark plugs igniting petrol injected directly into the cylinder. But once the engine is warm and cruising, it switches to a more efficient 'diesel mode', raising the compression ratio and deactivating the spark plugs.

And because it runs on petrol, the DiesOtto boasts lower emissions than an equivalent diesel engine.

Merc is keeping quiet about exactly how it has managed to create a variable compression engine, but the results are impressive.

The 1.8-litre engine puts out 238bhp and 295bhp of torque, and Merc reckons it'll return 40mpg in a car the size of an S-Class. Wedge it into a hatchback and it could return 70-odd mpg.

Merc says the DiesOtto could see production in 2012. Petrol or diesel? Enjoy the choice while it lasts, good sir.