Mercedes' AMG Outguns Itself
09-01-2006, 10:34 PM
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Mercedes' AMG Outguns Itself
Performance Studio to support a range of low-volume enthusiast models - - Source: Autoweek
Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division is creating a Performance Studio to support a range of low-volume enthusiast models, each based around traditional customization and modification work carried out at the company’s workshops on the outskirts of Stuttgart, Germany.
“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 in particular models. We plan to transfer technologies, from cars like the FIA safety car and the medical car used in F1 from the racetrack, into these high-end models.”
As outlined to AutoWeek, AMG’s new Performance Studio is divided into three distinct tiers—all a step above the standard AMG fare. At the top is the Signature Series, which includes highly exclusive models fit for the racetrack and boasting significant design and technical differentiation from standard AMG models.
The first example of the Signature Series is the brawny, supercharged 5.4-liter, 582-hp V8-powered CLK DTM coupe/cabriolet. Although not officially available in North America, Mornhinweg indicates a successor to this car is already under development at AMG and planned for launch within the next 18 months. “We want to ensure all future models are engineered to meet U.S. regulations,” he says.
One tier below is the newly established Black Series, conceived around the AMG definition of sporty characteristics and racetrack compatibility. First out will be the SLK55 Black Series. The series will expand next year with a similarly modified SL55 AMG Black Series, sources tell us.
Rounding out the Performance Studio is what AMG calls the Edition line. Based on standard AMG production models, it concentrates heavily on appearance changes both to the exterior and interior, as characterized by the CLS55 AMG IWC Ingénieur.
“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 in particular models. We plan to transfer technologies, from cars like the FIA safety car and the medical car used in F1 from the racetrack, into these high-end models.”
As outlined to AutoWeek, AMG’s new Performance Studio is divided into three distinct tiers—all a step above the standard AMG fare. At the top is the Signature Series, which includes highly exclusive models fit for the racetrack and boasting significant design and technical differentiation from standard AMG models.
The first example of the Signature Series is the brawny, supercharged 5.4-liter, 582-hp V8-powered CLK DTM coupe/cabriolet. Although not officially available in North America, Mornhinweg indicates a successor to this car is already under development at AMG and planned for launch within the next 18 months. “We want to ensure all future models are engineered to meet U.S. regulations,” he says.
One tier below is the newly established Black Series, conceived around the AMG definition of sporty characteristics and racetrack compatibility. First out will be the SLK55 Black Series. The series will expand next year with a similarly modified SL55 AMG Black Series, sources tell us.
Rounding out the Performance Studio is what AMG calls the Edition line. Based on standard AMG production models, it concentrates heavily on appearance changes both to the exterior and interior, as characterized by the CLS55 AMG IWC Ingénieur.
09-01-2006, 10:34 PM
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Mercedes' performance team is creating a performance division and Lexus does not even have a full lineup in place, let alone a performance team. That's how ahead the Germans are with respect to luxury offerings.
09-02-2006, 01:29 AM
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Originally Posted by driver centric
They should have tried to make it a little less ugly. That widebody kit looks like some crap you'd see in a F&F movie.
"Based on standard AMG production models"
must be great being rich...
09-02-2006, 05:24 AM
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now there's a new car coming from AMG called the SLK55 Black Series. It will have 400 hp instead of 360 and a carbon fiber roof and it will have a 137K pricetag!
:wood:
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09-03-2006, 03:33 PM
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I guess this 'tuning (re: Performance Studio) an already tuned car (AMG) is where MB tries to take away marketshare from the other guys (eg Klemann, Brabus, etc). I don't blame them -- you're already developing stuff for the track ... make a few more and then charge a whole bunch more to offset costs to rich guys who don't know what to do with their money.
Plus, it might get rid of companies like Unique-Autosports-wannabe-'tuners out of the upper-echelon market.
Gav -- you don't think Toyota-Lexus has the funds to mimic this 'Performance Studio' line?
I think they don't want to waste their money. Instead they keep their war chests full of liquidity so they can pump more resources into R&D. Plus they want to make their shareholders happy with big profits. 
I would take the 'money now' stance VS 'street cred' stance. Give them time ... the Japanese will follow the Germans eventually. 
Plus, it might get rid of companies like Unique-Autosports-wannabe-'tuners out of the upper-echelon market.
Gav -- you don't think Toyota-Lexus has the funds to mimic this 'Performance Studio' line?
I think they don't want to waste their money. Instead they keep their war chests full of liquidity so they can pump more resources into R&D. Plus they want to make their shareholders happy with big profits. I would take the 'money now' stance VS 'street cred' stance. Give them time ... the Japanese will follow the Germans eventually.
They always do.
09-03-2006, 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by derrick
Gav -- you don't think Toyota-Lexus has the funds to mimic this 'Performance Studio' line? I think they don't want to waste their money. Instead they keep their war chests full of liquidity so they can pump more resources into R&D. Plus they want to make their shareholders happy with big profits. I would take the 'money now' stance VS 'street cred' stance. Give them time ... the Japanese will follow the Germans eventually.
I think they don't want to waste their money. Instead they keep their war chests full of liquidity so they can pump more resources into R&D. Plus they want to make their shareholders happy with big profits. I would take the 'money now' stance VS 'street cred' stance. Give them time ... the Japanese will follow the Germans eventually. However, the case is not so in the case of Chevrolet for example. The Corvette does not do anything for the Malibu or any other Chevy. The SS and GXP lines do help the base models a little I suspect. But again, for a luxrury division you have got to have a performance line these days. That's what I think.
09-03-2006, 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by jiggaman
Hey Acura has the A-Spec package...LOL
LOL
I think that eventually even Acura will get with the program. They may call it the Type R line or something new but they will have to comply. They will probably be the last to do so though.
09-04-2006, 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
1) The 325i does receive some added credibility due to the existance of the M3.
2) However, the case is not so in the case of Chevrolet for example. The Corvette does not do anything for the Malibu or any other Chevy. The SS and GXP lines do help the base models a little I suspect. But again, for a luxrury division you have got to have a performance line these days. That's what I think.
2) However, the case is not so in the case of Chevrolet for example. The Corvette does not do anything for the Malibu or any other Chevy. The SS and GXP lines do help the base models a little I suspect. But again, for a luxrury division you have got to have a performance line these days. That's what I think.
Another thing regarding a performance line ... I think Lexus has entered the Lemans series. I would suspect they are trying to build their name up in that series ... then I would tend to believe they will 'trickle' down some of that tech with their regular line. They could continue the "L-tuned" thing they used with the 2nd gen GS stuff.
I don't think TRD is what they'll call it since the word "Toyota" is in the name! (And most L-tuned parts are from the TRD line up, but rebadged ... haha)
09-04-2006, 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
LOL
I think that eventually even Acura will get with the program. They may call it the Type R line or something new but they will have to comply. They will probably be the last to do so though.
I think that eventually even Acura will get with the program. They may call it the Type R line or something new but they will have to comply. They will probably be the last to do so though.
09-05-2006, 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
Mercedes' performance team is creating a performance division and Lexus does not even have a full lineup in place, let alone a performance team. That's how ahead the Germans are with respect to luxury offerings.
09-05-2006, 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
Mercedes' performance team is creating a performance division and Lexus does not even have a full lineup in place, let alone a performance team. That's how ahead the Germans are with respect to luxury offerings.
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