It may be hard to imagine an environmentally-friendly vehicle sporting Mercedes-Benz’ AMG badge, but that reality doesn’t look like it’s in the too distant future. In fact, a top AMG exec has revealed that the brand will unveil its first hybrid model by the end of the decade.
In an interview with Car Magazine, AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg revealed that the performance division was working on a hybrid model, which should be unveiled by the end of 2010.
“Although hybrids normally mean more weight, we’ll use our knowledge of lightweight material to offset this increase,” he told Car. “And don’t forget, AMG is all about torque, and electric engines develop their torque at standstill.”
The upcoming hybrid model is expected to improve fuel economy by about 30 percent — compared to the company’s current 6.2L V8 — and will draw heavily from the technologies used in the recently unveiled S400 BlueHYBRID.
Diesel technology will also be a part of AMG’s future plans, although to a lesser extent than other green technologies. Mornhinweg indicated only a single AMG model will receive the diesel treatment, with the most likely candidate a small four-door sedan. Since the C-Class is Mercedes’ smallest sedan offering, we fully expect the C-Class to get the diesel AMG treatment in the coming years.
Mornhinweg also told Car that the days of extreme horsepower – such as in the 670 hp SL65 Black Series – are behind the German tuner. Instead, AMG will look to lighten its vehicles and cap output at a still rather stout 500 horsepower.
So while AMG faithful might have been concerned about the prospect of the brand going green, the conversion sounds light a win-win for everyone: The environment gets a bit of a break while drivers will still get the same legendary AMG performance, all while saving at the pump.
10/10, 5:30 PM
posted by:
desertdriver
weak
10/10, 5:39 PM
posted by:
lightning count
super weak
10/10, 5:45 PM
posted by:
John Doe Jr
We’ll probably see torque monsters if they are capping the horsepower, like Audi with their V-12 diesel.
10/10, 5:56 PM
posted by:
AQuillin
If done right, a hybrid can have 0 weight penalty from batteries (see Prius/Insight). And having driven the LS600h – there is nothing weak about instant torque.
10/10, 6:28 PM
posted by:
EEAlex
I just don’t get why a performance car, well, tuner, would desire to go green. What next the hybrid ferrari? No more pushing of sheer power? Let MB take car of that AMG, your job is to make a crazy car.
10/10, 7:00 PM
posted by:
A4
if AMG was “all about torque” they would still offer the supercharged 55 engine ala SL, CLS, E, etc which put out insane amounts of torque compared to the new 6.2 in the AMG 63s.
10/10, 7:36 PM
posted by:
John Doe Jr
Next up: Hybrid F-1 racing
10/10, 7:54 PM
posted by:
whips001
the days of extreme horsepower – such as in the 670 hp SL65 Black Series – are behind the German tuner. Instead, AMG will look to lighten its vehicles and cap output at a still rather stout 500 horsepower.
…………..that sucks i guess they’ll just loose business to Audi’s RS line and Jag’s F series……not to mention beemers M series which has always done better than AMG…..
10/10, 7:55 PM
posted by:
pzimet
A4: Very true. The 55 AMGs all made more torque than the new 63 AMGs do, it’s ironic he said that because you’re exactly right, they “upgraded” the engine to one w/ more hp and less tq
10/10, 8:58 PM
posted by:
autonut
When Rolls Royce and Bently were “proper” cars their manufacturer (RR) never bragged about HP and torque of their engines. It was stated to be “adequate”.
10/10, 9:03 PM
posted by:
A4
you mean lexus’s F series whips001… jag has the R and R-R series.
10/10, 9:36 PM
posted by:
zeeck
I agree with you guys, but at the same time it is a smart move. Who knows what will happen in the next 15 years. If it turns out that most cars need to be hybrid, well, AMG will be ahead of the curve.
I really hope that never happens though…
10/10, 11:05 PM
posted by:
bigp
well can they do it right
10/11, 2:15 AM
posted by:
Stinky007
I won’t worry too much. Technology usually goes from expensive to cheap, so it’s natural that high-end cars get new technology ahead of cheaper ones.
I see it like this: let the filthy rich pay for R&D :p
10/11, 10:06 AM
posted by:
golf4me
AMG = Actually Much Gay.
10/11, 12:05 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
golf4me that was lame.
10/11, 7:25 PM
posted by:
metalshine91
I dont get what the problem is, they’re still gonna be making their insane high-performance cars, they’re just planning to start doing the same thing hybrids and clean diesels also instead of exclusively gasoline-powered cars.
At least they’re trying to be somewhat progressive towards the future of high-performance cars (unlike BMWs M)
Just because they’re planning on making one or two hybrid or diesel AMGs doesn’t mean they’re changing the company from a high-performance tuner to a hybrid factory
10/13, 8:45 AM
posted by:
pavlindrom
One thing to note is the diesel. They have a little bit of history on diesel models…
10/13, 10:19 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
A hybrid AMG?? How hypocritical can you be? That’s just pure stupidity, just like the Lexus 600h.
12/13, 9:50 PM
posted by:
SGIOctane2
The hybrid engine will be a hybrid V8 with 700 hp. So what is the problem? Putting out that power with improved fuel efficiency and reduction in emissions is stupid? How is finding a way to offer performance and believing in increased social responsibility being hypocritical? Oh, wait, you’re a Corvette guy, I wouldn’t expect you to understand that. It’s that stupid, pig-headed thinking, that slows the advances in technology. Putting a hybrid in the Lexus LS600h essentially gives Toyota chance to see how their hybrid system works in a large heavy car, in that way they can improve upon it.
No, what is hypocritical are things like GM claiming to help the environment with E85, when they still pump out huge gas guzzling SUVs that most people don’t need.
Who cares where the power comes from. What if the Z06 was hybrid, yet gave the same level of performance? Are you really going to care how the power is made? No.
In no way am I a tree hugger, but I don’t see any problems with reducing dependence on oil and reducing emissions.