No '63 Engine Until 2008 !
09-11-2005, 12:28 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
No '63 Engine Until 2008 !
AMG Fires Back at Rivals With New 6.3-liter V8
Date Posted 08-30-2005
AFFALTERBACH, Germany — Of late, AMG has concentrated on artificially aspirated engines, namely supercharged V8s and turbocharged V12s. But that's all about to change when Mercedes-Benz's performance division unveils its new V8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
Dubbed the ML156, the new normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 will make its Frankfurt debut in the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. The engine delivers 510 hp at 6,800 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. AMG officials told Inside Line the large displacement allows 20-percent more torque than its chief competitors, while at the same time being lighter, more fuel-efficient and more drivable.
After it debuts in the ML63 AMG, the engine will go into the CLK63 AMG and E63 AMG, likely to be unveiled at next spring's Geneva show. In late 2006, the engine will make its way into the R63 AMG, and in early 2007, it will go into the C63 AMG and SLK63 AMG.
The ML156 engine won't be fitted into the AMG versions of the new S-Class — premiering at the Frankfurt show — the CL or SL until at least 2008. Those vehicles will feature more powerful versions of their current engines.
While this new engine is normally aspirated, AMG officials said the division will remain faithful to turbocharging where it makes sense.
What this means to you: The horsepower race continues.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=107059#1
Date Posted 08-30-2005
AFFALTERBACH, Germany — Of late, AMG has concentrated on artificially aspirated engines, namely supercharged V8s and turbocharged V12s. But that's all about to change when Mercedes-Benz's performance division unveils its new V8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
Dubbed the ML156, the new normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 will make its Frankfurt debut in the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. The engine delivers 510 hp at 6,800 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. AMG officials told Inside Line the large displacement allows 20-percent more torque than its chief competitors, while at the same time being lighter, more fuel-efficient and more drivable.
After it debuts in the ML63 AMG, the engine will go into the CLK63 AMG and E63 AMG, likely to be unveiled at next spring's Geneva show. In late 2006, the engine will make its way into the R63 AMG, and in early 2007, it will go into the C63 AMG and SLK63 AMG.
The ML156 engine won't be fitted into the AMG versions of the new S-Class — premiering at the Frankfurt show — the CL or SL until at least 2008. Those vehicles will feature more powerful versions of their current engines.
While this new engine is normally aspirated, AMG officials said the division will remain faithful to turbocharging where it makes sense.
What this means to you: The horsepower race continues.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=107059#1
09-13-2005, 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by vivaki
The first AMG to be available on the new S class will be the V12 Bi-turbo engine. The V12 Bi-turbo will be coming out next year. The new V8 will come later on...
Last edited by vivaki; 09-13-2005 at 03:24 PM.
09-13-2005, 03:21 PM
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by MBZFAN55
AMG Fires Back at Rivals With New 6.3-liter V8
Date Posted 08-30-2005
AFFALTERBACH, Germany — Of late, AMG has concentrated on artificially aspirated engines, namely supercharged V8s and turbocharged V12s. But that's all about to change when Mercedes-Benz's performance division unveils its new V8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
Dubbed the ML156, the new normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 will make its Frankfurt debut in the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. The engine delivers 510 hp at 6,800 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. AMG officials told Inside Line the large displacement allows 20-percent more torque than its chief competitors, while at the same time being lighter, more fuel-efficient and more drivable.
After it debuts in the ML63 AMG, the engine will go into the CLK63 AMG and E63 AMG, likely to be unveiled at next spring's Geneva show. In late 2006, the engine will make its way into the R63 AMG, and in early 2007, it will go into the C63 AMG and SLK63 AMG.
The ML156 engine won't be fitted into the AMG versions of the new S-Class — premiering at the Frankfurt show — the CL or SL until at least 2008. Those vehicles will feature more powerful versions of their current engines.
While this new engine is normally aspirated, AMG officials said the division will remain faithful to turbocharging where it makes sense.
What this means to you: The horsepower race continues.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=107059#1
Date Posted 08-30-2005
AFFALTERBACH, Germany — Of late, AMG has concentrated on artificially aspirated engines, namely supercharged V8s and turbocharged V12s. But that's all about to change when Mercedes-Benz's performance division unveils its new V8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
Dubbed the ML156, the new normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 will make its Frankfurt debut in the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. The engine delivers 510 hp at 6,800 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. AMG officials told Inside Line the large displacement allows 20-percent more torque than its chief competitors, while at the same time being lighter, more fuel-efficient and more drivable.
After it debuts in the ML63 AMG, the engine will go into the CLK63 AMG and E63 AMG, likely to be unveiled at next spring's Geneva show. In late 2006, the engine will make its way into the R63 AMG, and in early 2007, it will go into the C63 AMG and SLK63 AMG.
The ML156 engine won't be fitted into the AMG versions of the new S-Class — premiering at the Frankfurt show — the CL or SL until at least 2008. Those vehicles will feature more powerful versions of their current engines.
While this new engine is normally aspirated, AMG officials said the division will remain faithful to turbocharging where it makes sense.
What this means to you: The horsepower race continues.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=107059#1
Last edited by C43AMG; 09-13-2005 at 03:23 PM.
Trending Topics
09-14-2005, 08:51 PM
#9
Super Member
Thread Starter
So I finally get ready to step up to the plate and get an S63 as a replacement for my current S500. I figure I'll outsmart the "first-year-w221-problems" and wait for a year to pass, so that I don't have to live through the service issues I had on my 2000 S430.
POOF ! The best laid plans of mice and men are once again shattered. Mercedes figures I should be happy with their new 5.5 388hp 4-valve V8 as standard in the S500 for 2007. Maybe they're right, but I'm pissed that I can't make this decision on my own.
POOF ! The best laid plans of mice and men are once again shattered. Mercedes figures I should be happy with their new 5.5 388hp 4-valve V8 as standard in the S500 for 2007. Maybe they're right, but I'm pissed that I can't make this decision on my own.
12-20-2005, 08:45 PM
#10
Super Member
Thread Starter
Update On What Is Getting The '63
Mercedes Onslaught Of AMG Models In 2006?
Posted on December 20, 2005 at 10:30 AM CST
(Courtesy eMercedesBenz.com through Auto Motor un Sport )
In addition to the juicy E-Class gossip we just brought you, Auto Motor und Sport has shed some light on a subject Mercedes-Benz owners are dying to know: "What new AMG models can we expect to see in 2006?"
We get questions about this all the time, so if Auto Motor und Sport is accurate, this should answer all you power-hungry MB owners' questions.
According to the article, Mercedes is planning an onslaught of AMG models in 2006. Here's the rundown:
1) The S 65 AMG, featuring a 612 horsepower V12
2) The CLK 63 AMG, featuring a 482 horsepower V8
3) The E 63 AMG, featuring a 515 horsepower V8
4) The CLS 63 AMG, featuring a 515 horsepower V8
The article also mentions some disappointing news for fans of the AMG-developed M156 engine. According to the story, due to high costs, the M156 is already approaching the end of its short lifespan. Instead, Mercedes will probably opt to use their newly introduced V8 paired with a supercharger.
If your vehicle didn't make the list, remember - there's always 2007. My apologies to all you G 63 fans.
For more info, you can check out the full article over at Auto Motor und Sport by clicking here (scroll down to the bottom of the page to read the story). Again, it's roughly translated from German, so it's somewhat difficult to follow. (Link with translation is available at eMercedesBenz.com)
Posted on December 20, 2005 at 10:30 AM CST
(Courtesy eMercedesBenz.com through Auto Motor un Sport )
In addition to the juicy E-Class gossip we just brought you, Auto Motor und Sport has shed some light on a subject Mercedes-Benz owners are dying to know: "What new AMG models can we expect to see in 2006?"
We get questions about this all the time, so if Auto Motor und Sport is accurate, this should answer all you power-hungry MB owners' questions.
According to the article, Mercedes is planning an onslaught of AMG models in 2006. Here's the rundown:
1) The S 65 AMG, featuring a 612 horsepower V12
2) The CLK 63 AMG, featuring a 482 horsepower V8
3) The E 63 AMG, featuring a 515 horsepower V8
4) The CLS 63 AMG, featuring a 515 horsepower V8
The article also mentions some disappointing news for fans of the AMG-developed M156 engine. According to the story, due to high costs, the M156 is already approaching the end of its short lifespan. Instead, Mercedes will probably opt to use their newly introduced V8 paired with a supercharger.
If your vehicle didn't make the list, remember - there's always 2007. My apologies to all you G 63 fans.
For more info, you can check out the full article over at Auto Motor und Sport by clicking here (scroll down to the bottom of the page to read the story). Again, it's roughly translated from German, so it's somewhat difficult to follow. (Link with translation is available at eMercedesBenz.com)
12-21-2005, 01:59 PM
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s65AMG, sl500
The w220 came out in 99 the AMG version didn't come out till 2000.
That fits with the w221 coming out Jan and the AMG 2008, sell a few s550's to clients who would like an AMG but are desperate for the new model then hit them again for an AMG 12 months later
Dealer said that that there would be no turbo or supercharged AMG model, only the 6.3 nancy asspirated engine 517bhp and only 369lbft ? torque 
(s55 had 516lbft, s600 590lbft, s65 738lbft) this will be detuned even further for the lower models
Bah humbug
That fits with the w221 coming out Jan and the AMG 2008, sell a few s550's to clients who would like an AMG but are desperate for the new model then hit them again for an AMG 12 months later
Dealer said that that there would be no turbo or supercharged AMG model, only the 6.3 nancy asspirated engine
517bhp and only 369lbft ? torque (s55 had 516lbft, s600 590lbft, s65 738lbft) this will be detuned even further for the lower models Bah humbug
12-21-2005, 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Mmmm
and only 369lbft ?
S450 335 hp and 339 lb-ft 4.6 liter V8 (M273 E46) (250 kW)
S550 382 hp and 391 lb-ft 5.5 liter V8 (M273 E55) (285 kW)
not planned for W221:
ML63 AMG 503 hp and 465 lb-ft 6.3 liter AMG V8 (M156 E63) (375 kW)
12-25-2005, 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by vivaki
S65 AMG will be out June 06.
The V8 is still planned to come in 2007.
The V8 is still planned to come in 2007.
Since the 6.3 liter Kompressor AMG V8 M157 was discontinued it will probably be based on the new 5.5 liter 4 valve M273 E55. Since the normally aspirated version is called a S550 already, the AMG version will have to get some larger numbers, like S 63 and have a Kompressor. Might be something like this?S63 AMG 604 hp with 738 lb-ft 5.5 liter AMG V8 (M273 E55 LA) (450 kW)
12-25-2005, 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfgang
Interesting. Let's speculate a bit what this V8 might be. Since the 6.3 liter Kompressor AMG V8 M157 was discontinued it will probably be based on the new 5.5 liter 4 valve M273 E55. Since the normally aspirated version is called a S550 already, the AMG version will have to get some larger numbers, like S 63 and have a Kompressor. Might be something like this?
S63 AMG 604 hp with 738 lb-ft 5.5 liter AMG V8 (M273 E55 LA) (450 kW)
Since the 6.3 liter Kompressor AMG V8 M157 was discontinued it will probably be based on the new 5.5 liter 4 valve M273 E55. Since the normally aspirated version is called a S550 already, the AMG version will have to get some larger numbers, like S 63 and have a Kompressor. Might be something like this?S63 AMG 604 hp with 738 lb-ft 5.5 liter AMG V8 (M273 E55 LA) (450 kW)
I reckon the S class will get the 6.2 NA V8...(could well be a turbo charged version but I reckon for now it will be NA)
01-09-2006, 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by vivaki
could well be a turbo charged version
looks like a turbocharged V8.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Q&A
New Mercedes-AMG boss outlines his strategy
Jens Meiners
Automotive News / January 9, 2006 - 6:00 am
STUTTGART -- Volker Mornhinweg, chairman of Mercedes-AMG, gave his first press interview since taking up his new job on September 1 to Automotive News Europe's German reporter Jens Meiners.
To fend off the challenges from BMW's M cars and Audi's RS models, as well as Jaguar, Cadillac and Lexus, Mornhinweg is considering:
Adding dual-clutch transmissions to make AMG cars more sporty
Switching from supercharging to turbocharging for AMG engines to gain additional power
Sharpening AMG's styling
Stuttgart-born Mornhinweg, a 45-year-old engineer, previously was manager of DaimlerChrysler's Berlin-Marienfelde powertrain plant.
Mercedes-Benz took control of German-based tuners AMG in 1999. In that year, the company sold about 5,000 cars. In 2004, AMG sold more than 20,000 units.
What are your biggest challenges ahead?
It is an exciting time at AMG. We are rolling out the new 6.3-liter V-8, we are introducing three new model lines in 2006 and we are putting our new engine into four existing vehicles.
With the arrival of the new, naturally aspirated 6.3-liter engine, is the chapter of supercharged engines closed at AMG?
Yes. Let me say that the supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 really triggered the success of AMG. But with the 6.3-liter V-8, we reach the same kind of output without supercharging. For the future, the trend will be turbocharging.
Will you reduce your engine portfolio to two engines - the 6.3-liter V-8 engine and the turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12?
Yes, in the midterm we will focus on these two engines. But we are looking for ways to bridge a gap between them in future. That could be, for example, a turbocharged version of a V-8, so there would be three levels of power.
What about the SLK and the G class - will they keep the current 5.5-liter V-8 engine?
For the SLK, we could use the new 6.3-liter engine, but we may also raise output of the current engine. There is no decision yet. As to the G class, we are keeping the supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 for the moment, but we are conducting a feasibility study on putting the new 6.3-liter engine into it. Let me also say that we are very happy that the G class continues in production; after all, almost one third of all G class vehicles are AMG versions.
The 6.3-liter engine was developed from scratch, and there are no commonalities with other Mercedes-Benz engines. Would you do such a project again?
The time was right to demonstrate we have the ability to develop this engine, and our customers will enjoy it tremendously. Would we do it again? I want to leave that open.
Could you do a V-6, or would you put a regular Mercedes engine, such as the 388hp, 5.5-liter V-8, into an AMG vehicle?
As to a Mercedes engine, the answer is a categorically "no". Our customers rightly expect a true AMG package, including powertrain, chassis and styling. We have long discussed the possibility of a V-6, but discarded the idea for the moment. But it may be reconsidered in the future if the market changes.
Will you offer an AMG diesel engine again?
There is no diesel project at the moment. We had the C30 CDI AMG in our portfolio before and it was very popular, particularly in Italy and France. We periodically review the possibility of another AMG diesel.
What about hybrids?
We are very closely studying the market. Overall, I have my reservations about the actual efficiency of hybrids, but at the end of the day it comes down to the customer. For example, if one day it becomes fashionable to silently drive up to a hip location in California with electric power, we will have to play a role there, too. That said, our customers tell us the pleasure (from driving an AMG) comes from power, torque and definitely the engine sound.
What is your strategy regarding transmissions?
We are very successful with our current package, which includes automatic transmissions. But dual-clutch transmissions are a feature that can be a lot of fun, because we can shift faster and play with the engine. We are actually evaluating the possible benefits and the feasibility of such an option. But to be clear, it is nothing to expect next year.
Could a dual-clutch system one day fully replace automatic transmissions?
We are not sure, but we are studying it - for AMG. It is a pure AMG topic.
And when the system comes, it will come in more than one model.
Could four-wheel-drive versions be added?
It is a fascinating topic for engineers, but there really is little customer demand. We don't need it for driving dynamics, and currently don't see the necessity beyond the G-, M- class and R- class models. But we could react very quickly if the market changes.
Will have AMG versions of the entry-level A class and B class?
Our core business is the top end of the market. We are driven by customer demand, and in some markets we see that even the C class is a borderline product. It will continue to be our entry-level car, because we can offer a very round package. For AMG versions of the A and B class, we simply don't see demand on the market.
Could you expand your portfolio in other ways?
We have 16 models on the market, and unlike some competitors, we have life cycles that are virtually identical with Mercedes' base models. So we are very happy with the current situation. In the future we want to expand our segmentation. With our entry-level models, such as the C class, we could become even sportier. The limited edition CLK DTM AMG was a tremendous success, and we can do more with similar models. From 2007 on, we will offer performance packages with a sharp focus on sportive characteristics.
What about individualization packages and the Mercedes-Benz "designo" program?
There is a clear need for action here. We will start a program, tentatively called "performance studio," to improve the visibility of our offerings. This includes AMG parts and packages, partly "designo", and possibly further Mercedes-Benz individualization offerings.
How important are motor sports such as the Deutschen Tourenwagen Masters (DTM)?
AMG is born on the racetrack, and our customers are fascinated by it. It is a great marketing topic, and we will always support motor sport, because it is a clear asset. As to the DTM, we live from competition and enthusiasm, and it would be nice to have more than one competitor (Audi). It would be fantastic for instance, if BMW returned to the DTM.
What will be the AMG design signature?
We have our own design studio, and we are currently working on our future design strategy. I would say that on the road you can recognize an AMG even without a label. We have to be careful to keep this signature, which we have developed since 1999 and 2000. But we must also position ourselves for the future. I think it is fair to say that we could become a bit more aggressive.
Do AMG customers want the latest technological innovations?
We have to be careful here. Our chassis and drivetrain solutions are highly advanced. But we work with base vehicles that have a lot of cutting-edge technology and electronics, such as night-vision systems or the COMAND user interface. Our customers do not really ask for more; on the contrary, we are sometimes asked if we can take technology out of our cars.
There is a certain clientele asking for lightweight, purist solutions, such as we offered in the CLK DTM AMG. We will target these customers with the performance packages.
What is your sales outlook for the future?
Since 1999, when Mercedes-Benz fully took over AMG, our sales numbers grew fivefold. We won't match that rate of growth, but our goal is to continue the very profitable growth.
A final question, how do you respond to criticism of making excessively expensive and environmentally unfriendly cars?
Of course, we have a commitment to society. I am not going to tell you we will make a "one-liter car" next, but we definitely have the ambition to make our cars more efficient, and we want to place emphasis on efficient engines and lightweight solutions within the segment in which we operate.
New Mercedes-AMG boss outlines his strategy
Jens Meiners
Automotive News / January 9, 2006 - 6:00 am
STUTTGART -- Volker Mornhinweg, chairman of Mercedes-AMG, gave his first press interview since taking up his new job on September 1 to Automotive News Europe's German reporter Jens Meiners.
To fend off the challenges from BMW's M cars and Audi's RS models, as well as Jaguar, Cadillac and Lexus, Mornhinweg is considering:
Adding dual-clutch transmissions to make AMG cars more sporty
Switching from supercharging to turbocharging for AMG engines to gain additional power
Sharpening AMG's styling
Stuttgart-born Mornhinweg, a 45-year-old engineer, previously was manager of DaimlerChrysler's Berlin-Marienfelde powertrain plant.
Mercedes-Benz took control of German-based tuners AMG in 1999. In that year, the company sold about 5,000 cars. In 2004, AMG sold more than 20,000 units.
What are your biggest challenges ahead?
It is an exciting time at AMG. We are rolling out the new 6.3-liter V-8, we are introducing three new model lines in 2006 and we are putting our new engine into four existing vehicles.
With the arrival of the new, naturally aspirated 6.3-liter engine, is the chapter of supercharged engines closed at AMG?
Yes. Let me say that the supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 really triggered the success of AMG. But with the 6.3-liter V-8, we reach the same kind of output without supercharging. For the future, the trend will be turbocharging.
Will you reduce your engine portfolio to two engines - the 6.3-liter V-8 engine and the turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12?
Yes, in the midterm we will focus on these two engines. But we are looking for ways to bridge a gap between them in future. That could be, for example, a turbocharged version of a V-8, so there would be three levels of power.
What about the SLK and the G class - will they keep the current 5.5-liter V-8 engine?
For the SLK, we could use the new 6.3-liter engine, but we may also raise output of the current engine. There is no decision yet. As to the G class, we are keeping the supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 for the moment, but we are conducting a feasibility study on putting the new 6.3-liter engine into it. Let me also say that we are very happy that the G class continues in production; after all, almost one third of all G class vehicles are AMG versions.
The 6.3-liter engine was developed from scratch, and there are no commonalities with other Mercedes-Benz engines. Would you do such a project again?
The time was right to demonstrate we have the ability to develop this engine, and our customers will enjoy it tremendously. Would we do it again? I want to leave that open.
Could you do a V-6, or would you put a regular Mercedes engine, such as the 388hp, 5.5-liter V-8, into an AMG vehicle?
As to a Mercedes engine, the answer is a categorically "no". Our customers rightly expect a true AMG package, including powertrain, chassis and styling. We have long discussed the possibility of a V-6, but discarded the idea for the moment. But it may be reconsidered in the future if the market changes.
Will you offer an AMG diesel engine again?
There is no diesel project at the moment. We had the C30 CDI AMG in our portfolio before and it was very popular, particularly in Italy and France. We periodically review the possibility of another AMG diesel.
What about hybrids?
We are very closely studying the market. Overall, I have my reservations about the actual efficiency of hybrids, but at the end of the day it comes down to the customer. For example, if one day it becomes fashionable to silently drive up to a hip location in California with electric power, we will have to play a role there, too. That said, our customers tell us the pleasure (from driving an AMG) comes from power, torque and definitely the engine sound.
What is your strategy regarding transmissions?
We are very successful with our current package, which includes automatic transmissions. But dual-clutch transmissions are a feature that can be a lot of fun, because we can shift faster and play with the engine. We are actually evaluating the possible benefits and the feasibility of such an option. But to be clear, it is nothing to expect next year.
Could a dual-clutch system one day fully replace automatic transmissions?
We are not sure, but we are studying it - for AMG. It is a pure AMG topic.
And when the system comes, it will come in more than one model.
Could four-wheel-drive versions be added?
It is a fascinating topic for engineers, but there really is little customer demand. We don't need it for driving dynamics, and currently don't see the necessity beyond the G-, M- class and R- class models. But we could react very quickly if the market changes.
Will have AMG versions of the entry-level A class and B class?
Our core business is the top end of the market. We are driven by customer demand, and in some markets we see that even the C class is a borderline product. It will continue to be our entry-level car, because we can offer a very round package. For AMG versions of the A and B class, we simply don't see demand on the market.
Could you expand your portfolio in other ways?
We have 16 models on the market, and unlike some competitors, we have life cycles that are virtually identical with Mercedes' base models. So we are very happy with the current situation. In the future we want to expand our segmentation. With our entry-level models, such as the C class, we could become even sportier. The limited edition CLK DTM AMG was a tremendous success, and we can do more with similar models. From 2007 on, we will offer performance packages with a sharp focus on sportive characteristics.
What about individualization packages and the Mercedes-Benz "designo" program?
There is a clear need for action here. We will start a program, tentatively called "performance studio," to improve the visibility of our offerings. This includes AMG parts and packages, partly "designo", and possibly further Mercedes-Benz individualization offerings.
How important are motor sports such as the Deutschen Tourenwagen Masters (DTM)?
AMG is born on the racetrack, and our customers are fascinated by it. It is a great marketing topic, and we will always support motor sport, because it is a clear asset. As to the DTM, we live from competition and enthusiasm, and it would be nice to have more than one competitor (Audi). It would be fantastic for instance, if BMW returned to the DTM.
What will be the AMG design signature?
We have our own design studio, and we are currently working on our future design strategy. I would say that on the road you can recognize an AMG even without a label. We have to be careful to keep this signature, which we have developed since 1999 and 2000. But we must also position ourselves for the future. I think it is fair to say that we could become a bit more aggressive.
Do AMG customers want the latest technological innovations?
We have to be careful here. Our chassis and drivetrain solutions are highly advanced. But we work with base vehicles that have a lot of cutting-edge technology and electronics, such as night-vision systems or the COMAND user interface. Our customers do not really ask for more; on the contrary, we are sometimes asked if we can take technology out of our cars.
There is a certain clientele asking for lightweight, purist solutions, such as we offered in the CLK DTM AMG. We will target these customers with the performance packages.
What is your sales outlook for the future?
Since 1999, when Mercedes-Benz fully took over AMG, our sales numbers grew fivefold. We won't match that rate of growth, but our goal is to continue the very profitable growth.
A final question, how do you respond to criticism of making excessively expensive and environmentally unfriendly cars?
Of course, we have a commitment to society. I am not going to tell you we will make a "one-liter car" next, but we definitely have the ambition to make our cars more efficient, and we want to place emphasis on efficient engines and lightweight solutions within the segment in which we operate.
01-09-2006, 10:13 AM
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Thanks for posting Wolfgang, great interview 
I think the interview kinda tells us that the turbo charged version of the new V8 is on its way..but im still not sure if it will come to the S class in March. I will go find out but I reckon the S class will get the N/A version in March and so will the CL but when the new new SL comes about then the turbo charged version will come and by that time the F/L S class will get it too. Am I thinking too far?
I think the interview kinda tells us that the turbo charged version of the new V8 is on its way..but im still not sure if it will come to the S class in March. I will go find out but I reckon the S class will get the N/A version in March and so will the CL but when the new new SL comes about then the turbo charged version will come and by that time the F/L S class will get it too. Am I thinking too far?
01-09-2006, 11:47 AM
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Another great post, Wolfgang!
These are the statements that I found most promising:
Yee Haw! Bring it on, AMG! If they build it, we will drive it..... 
These are the statements that I found most promising:
The limited edition CLK DTM AMG was a tremendous success, and we can do more with similar models. From 2007 on, we will offer performance packages with a sharp focus on sportive characteristics.
We have our own design studio, and we are currently working on our future design strategy....I think it is fair to say that we could become a bit more aggressive.
There is a certain clientele asking for lightweight, purist solutions, such as we offered in the CLK DTM AMG. We will target these customers with the performance packages.
01-09-2006, 08:31 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by vivaki
Thanks for posting Wolfgang, great interview
I think the interview kinda tells us that the turbo charged version of the new V8 is on its way..but im still not sure if it will come to the S class in March. I will go find out but I reckon the S class will get the N/A version in March and so will the CL but when the new new SL comes about then the turbo charged version will come and by that time the F/L S class will get it too. Am I thinking too far?
I think the interview kinda tells us that the turbo charged version of the new V8 is on its way..but im still not sure if it will come to the S class in March. I will go find out but I reckon the S class will get the N/A version in March and so will the CL but when the new new SL comes about then the turbo charged version will come and by that time the F/L S class will get it too. Am I thinking too far?
Wolfgang - Great interview. Thanks for the "early" posting.
01-10-2006, 10:04 AM
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Originally Posted by MBZFAN55
Vivaki & friends - So, let me try to get this straight. The W221 S65 is a V12 with 612 hp. The W221 S600 V12, along with the facelifted SL55 is re-rated at 517 hp. The "na 63" engine is rated at between 502 and 510 hp. So, wouldn't it make sense to stick the "63" into the S and CL, without turbo charging? Or, are we going to have all of the engines at 600hp, regardless of the number of cylinders or configuration?
Wolfgang - Great interview. Thanks for the "early" posting.
Wolfgang - Great interview. Thanks for the "early" posting.
Glad you liked the interview.
01-11-2006, 07:37 AM
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No news yet but MBZFan55 I agree if MB puts the turbo version on the S class then the figure would be something like 570 for s63, 612 for s65 and thats too close no?
Thats why I think when the S class comes with the V8 engine it will be NA and we wont see the turbo charged version till the new SL comes out...
Thats why I think when the S class comes with the V8 engine it will be NA and we wont see the turbo charged version till the new SL comes out...
01-11-2006, 10:54 AM
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Vivaki, wouldn't the 465 lb-ft of torque of the normally aspirated engine be too low compared with the 516 lb-ft of the S55 AMG and 738 lb-ft of the S65 AMG?
01-11-2006, 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Wolfgang
Vivaki, wouldn't the 465 lb-ft of torque of the normally aspirated engine be too low compared with the 516 lb-ft of the S55 AMG and 738 lb-ft of the S65 AMG?
