AMG Celebrates 35 Years
Published: 30th October 2002
One Person At The Heart Of Every Car
Undoubtedly the most noticeable component in an AMG road car is its engine. Designed to offer its driver incredible performance where permitted, the unit must also be docile enough to use every day, and reliable enough to withstand both the congested city commuter crawl and red-line-bruising high speed track work. As you'd expect, AMG has the perfect solution.
A recently-expanded engine factory is the nerve-centre of the Affalterbach plant. Inside, over three floors, 62 expert technicians meticulously assemble 100 new engines per day, and it's done at the rate of one person per engine. This means that a single engineer is responsible for each unit. And to prove who worked on what, each motor bears a plaque signed by its creator.
And what a range of engines. The AMG range begins at a power rating most other models don't even reach. The entry-level unit (in terms of outright power) is the 5.4-litre V8 fitted to the ML 55 AMG off road vehicle. Developing 347 hp at 5,500 rpm, the M-Class offers blistering on-road acceleration and superb control off the beaten track.
For those who prefer the warble of six-cylinders to a V8 growl, the C 32 AMG and SLK 32 AMG are the perfect answer. Their V6 engines use, amongst an armoury of impressive technology, an efficient helical supercharger to boost power to 354 hp. Acceleration throughout the rev band is relentless, and the performance exhilarating.
After the CLK 55 AMG, described later in detail, comes the latest editions - the supercharged V8s.
Four new cars are powered by this incredible unit - the E 55 AMG, S 55 AMG Saloons, SL 55 AMG Roadster and CL 55 AMG Coupé. All have a 5.4-litre eight cylinder supercharged engine developing an amazing 476 hp (E-Class) or 500 hp (other models).
The characteristics of the engines are equally impressive. Looking at the plateau-like torque curve of the E 55 AMG as an example, 560 Nm are available from just 1500 rpm. This rises to 650 Nm at 2000 rpm, and the peak torque of 700 Nm arrive at 2650 rpm and don't leave until the needle sweeps past 4500 rpm.
This means the new car develops 34 per cent more power and 32 per cent more torque than its predecessor. Obviously the E 55 AMG's acceleration matches the twisting force. 0-62.5 mph takes just 4.7 seconds (a figure matched only by the SL 55 AMG). On a suitably legal test track 0-124 mph takes a mere 16.1 seconds, and the limited top speed of 155 mph arrives soon afterward.
These incredible figures are matched across the rest of the range. The S-Class Saloon (in both standard and long wheelbase variants) and CL will launch themselves to 62.5 mph from rest in only 4.8 seconds, and are similarly limited to 155 mph.
A Chassis And Drive Train To Match The Engine
AMGs aren't just standard cars with huge engines fitted - they are completely revised from the tyres upwards. Every AMG car is fitted with bespoke wheels, lowered and stiffened suspension systems, high-performance race-inspired brakes, gearboxes, sonorous exhausts and aerodynamic aids.
The gear selection systems are honed to give reliable, swift performance. AMG Speedshift uses five-speed automatic transmissions with the convenience of manual selection. The torque converter features mechanical lock-up from first gear upwards, and Speedshift also changes gear quicker than conventional automatic 'boxes.
An impressive AMG gearbox feature is active downshifting: once deceleration reaches a certain level, the transmission automatically shifts down and engages the correct gear, for example if a sporty driver brakes before entering a bend. Similarly, when cornering at speed, the transmission won't change gear once lateral acceleration reaches a certain level, ensuring increased driving pleasure whilst preventing any power-off effects.
To change down before overtaking, the driver has to simply move the Touchshift lever left (or hold down the F1-style left steering wheel-mounted shift button on CL 55, CLK 55, E 55, S 55 or SL 55), and briefly hold it there. The transmission control unit then selects the most appropriate gear for powerful acceleration, depending on road speed and the engine map.
Brakes, tyres and traction systems that help control the incredible power are fitted as standard. Those fitted to the C 32 AMG include enlarged four-piston fixed front callipers clamping around 345 mm ventilated discs, and 300 mm diameter discs with twin-pot callipers at the rear. Brake fade is not an option. Grip is provided by 17" tyres (225/45 at the front, 245/40 at the rear) which combines with upgraded suspension to ensure the largest tyre contact patch - and therefore best available grip - under all road conditions.
In addition to great mechanical components, AMG road cars have a brace of electronic safety features. All cars have ABS anti-lock brakes with brake assist (BAS). Under emergency braking situations, BAS ensures maximum braking pressure is applied, reducing overall stopping distances.
ESP® Electronic Stability Program is combined with ASR traction control to help stabilise the car, even in adverse conditions. When the risk of skidding arises, ESP® brakes individual wheels to help restore grip levels. Engine power can also be reduced in more extreme situations. ASR inhibits wheelspin, protecting the tyres, and maintaining essential traction.
Responsibility As Standard - The Complimentary AMG Experience Day
High performance road cars require their driver to have a responsible attitude when behind the wheel, and even with an impressive array of safety features as standard, AMG models are still potent machines.
Purchasers of any new AMG road car receive a free AMG Experience Day at MIRA, near Nuneaton in Warwickshire. Owners will have access to MIRA's low co-efficient test surfaces, giving them a chance to understand how their car behaves at the limit of adhesion, and how their car's advanced safety features work.
The day also includes an on-road drive accompanied by a Class 1 Traffic Police Instructor, who will give tips on road craft techniques. The instructor will also recommend ways for owners to enjoy the performance of their AMG car in a safe and progressive manner, while maintaining swift progress.
A less obvious but equally useful feature is Mercedes-Benz's Speedtronic cruise control system. Speedtronic can - at the flick of a lever - keep the car within designated speed limits, meaning improved safety for other road users, as well as reducing the risk of speeding-related licence endorsements. It's obviously no substitute for careful driving, but in conjunction with a conscientious driver, is a useful feature.
Three Decades Of After Care With Every Car
As well as being rapid, Mercedes-Benz AMGs are reliable and durable products. Every AMG model has ASSYST variable service intervals, which determine when the vehicle needs to visit the workshop for maintenance. There's a three-year unlimited mileage warranty on all cars, and mobilo-life, the industry-leading 30-year warranty against breakdown and corrosion.
