 Mercedes-AMG: Style and substance intersect masterfully with the Mercedes-Benz AMG line of automobiles. Since the debut of the Mercedes-Benz E 50 AMG in 1993, the oomph factor of the Mercedes has increased tenfold. These amazingly powerful vehicles are the prime cuts of the line. Each AMG engine is hand-built solely by one individual, whose name is engraved directly onto the motor of that vehicle. While some may call it the ultimate in corporate accountability, drivers who have driven one of these babies probably feel that the technicians are simply proud of their work and taking a bow.
An Example of Excellence
The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG is a sedan that demands attention. Performance purists are awed by the hand-built AMG 6.3-liter naturally aspirated 451-horsepower V8 engine's best-of-class acceleration and seamless downshifting capabilities. It is the latest rendering of this intrepid vehicular collaboration. Although it is a distinctive luxury sedan with all the anticipated creature comforts, the vehicle's proclivity toward overall performance represents how this collaboration has advanced the entire automotive industry.
Two Becomes One...
The relationship began in the late 1960s, when an AMG engine was put under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 V8 sedan. AMG entered the super-revved 300SEL into the 1971 Spa-Franchorchamps, an endurance race held annually in Belgium, and finished second overall and first in its class. In 1988 the companies merged their motor-sports efforts and entered the Mercedes-Benz W201 into the German Touring Car Championship and finished first. A Mercedes-AMG has finished in the first or second position in the endurance race from 2000 to 2007. Although the 1993 C 36 AMG was the first jointly produced automobile by the fledgling subsidiary, many Mercedes were augmented by AMG's magic prior to 1993. It would be quite difficult to determine which company actually benefited most by the pairing.
The Mercedes-AMG stable is chock full of thoroughbreds. There are sedans, coupes, wagons, SUVs, roadsters, and convertibles. The CLK DTM model is the most successful racing car of the German Touring Championship, which in Germany is referred to as the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM). Only 100 of these omnipotent cars were built.
Even More Special...
For those interested in a customized or a bespoke auto, visit the AMG Performance Studio. This is where AMG vehicles are built or enhanced with sporty extras or special options. Additionally, there are three AMG Performance Studio series models available with the Black Series, the Signature Series, and the Limited Series.
While it may indeed be a coin toss as to which company made out best with the coupling, there is no doubt that anyone fortunate enough to own any of Mercedes-AMG models got the best of both worlds.
For LxM James Rothaar
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AUTOS & VEHICLES
AUTOS & VEHICLES
AUTOS & VEHICLES
AUTOS & VEHICLES
