2016 Mercedes-AMG GT 1998 CLK GTR
AND MORE!
1967 – AMG began in a small mill in the rural town of Burgstall, near Stuttgart, Germany. It was founded by two former Mercedes-Benz engineers named Hans Werner Aufretch and Erhard Melcher. The acronym AMG meant Aufretch, Melcher and Großaspach (the birthplace of Aufretch). AMG started as an engine tuner and customizer. 1971- The world started to notice the rise of AMG, with the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG finishing second in his very first race in the 24 of Spa. 1976- AMG moved most of its operations to Affalterbach, Germany. This also marked the end of the partnership between Aufrecht and Melcher. Melcher was still involved with AMG in the remaining branch in Burgstall.
1980- The AMG-developed 50 SLC Coupe emerged victorious in the 1980 European Touring Car Championship.
cedes-AMG. The racing engine section was scrapped but remained operating in Burgstall as HWA (Aufretch’s initials).
1987- The Mercedes 300 E 5.6, known as “The Hammer” set a top speed record for a Sedan.
2005- Aufretch sold his remaining shares to Daimler Chrysler, since then, Mercedes-AMG has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG.
1993Daimler and AMG signed a contract of cooperation. At this time AMG became an Mercedes-Benz-exclusive brand. The agreement marked the introduction of the first vehicle developed in collaboration: the C36 AMG. 1994 to 1996- The AMG-Mercedes C-Class DTM car totaled 34 wins in the DTM series, including five championship titles. 1999- Daimler acquired 51 percent of the AMG brand, this marked the transition to Mer-
2006 - AMG unveils its first engine fully developed in-house: the 6.2- liter M156 naturally-aspirated V8. 2010- The SLS supercar is introduced, it was the first fully developed vehicle by AMG. 2014- The AMG GT is the second vehicle fully developed inhouse and replaced the SLS as the flagship Supercar. Also, the new M178 Twin Turbo V8 is introduced replacing the former M156 V8.
Mercedes-AMG GT: Second Generation AMG Supercar The Mercedes-AMG GT is the newest member in the AMG family. It is the successor to the previous SLS AMG. The SLS AMG was best known for having the iconic “Gullwing” doors than any other thing. The AMG GT is a lower market proposition, specifically aimed at the Porsche 911, this means that the AMG GT is nearly a hundred grand less expensive than its predecessor. The AMG GT is a lighter and more dedicated than the SLS ever was (well, except for the ultra exclusive Black Series model). Engineers at AMG started by reducing weight as much as they could without sacrificing luxury and driveability, starting with those heavy and complex “Gullwing doors”. The beloved naturally-aspirated M156/M156 engine was replaced with the latest AMG engine: the Twin-Turbo 4.0-liter V8, codenamed M178. Due to
this engine’s smaller size and dry sump lubricating system it can be mounted lower in the chassis, reducing the center of gravity. It produces 456 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque in the standard car and 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in the S model. Power output is lower than the SLS but power-to-weight ratio is better thanks to the reduced weight. Transmission is an improved 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission.
The interior is very driver oriented with only room for two passengers. Seats were designed for keeping the passengers planted even in the tightest turns. The center console resembles the eight engine cylinders. In typical AMG fashion, the interior is richly appointed with leather , aluminum or a suede-like material if the buyer wants it. Buyers can also choose between carbon fiber or brushed aluminum for the interior trim. Stainless Steel pedals, shift knob and paddle-shifters complement the beautiful interior. A thick threespoke steering wheel can be wrapped on silky leather or grippy Alcantara (suede-like material) depending on buyer’s taste. For those who want an ear-blowing audio, there’s an optional Burmester Surround Sound system with 10 speakers and a 640-watts digital amplifier.
The stunning exterior was designed with the original Gullwing in mind. Most lines are very similar, the big difference being the conventional doors vs. the original Gullwing doors that opened upward. Buyers can choose from 11 colors which include two Matte-finished colors and the striking AMG Solarbeam Yellow Metallic which is a quite pricey $9,900 option. There are six different wheel styles, all being 19” up front and 20” rear. Forged wheels are also an option. Three exterior trim package are the remaining option for the exterior. A Carbon Fiber Package includes a carbon fiber front splitter, sideview mirrors and rear apron. The Night Styling Package covers the same parts as the Carbon Fiber Package but in a glossy black instead of the aforementioned Carbon Fiber. Last but not least, the Silver Chrome Package covers the same parts mentioned earlier but in a bright silver finish. A speed-activated rear spoiler is standard on both models but it can be replaced with a fixed one. Prices start at $129,900 for the GT-S. The base GT will be available later and expect it to undercut the GT-S for about $30,000. However, not all options will be available on both versions, for example the Dynamic Engine Mounts only available in the GT-S. This engine mounts are filled with a magnetorheological fluid that can be adjusted via electrical current. They are designed to be stiffened in spirited driving and be ultra smooth in daily driving duties. Carbon Ceramic Brakes will be available on both versions however.
Mercedes-AMG 4.0 L Twin-Turbo V8 engine: the next-generation downsized performance
sump system). Another benefit is the elimination of a conventional oil pan, allowing the engineers to mount the engine lower in the chassis, reducing the center of gravity.
Forged pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft help to withstand the 17.3 psi of boost. Nano-coated cylinder walls reduce fricTurbocharging has betion and therefore, it lowcome the standard on the ers temperature and oil automotive world. In order consumption. Each turbo to meet strict fuel econogets its own water-to-air my and emissions stanintercooler for a proper dards without sacrificing cooling of the intake air. performance we replaced This is an important part the beloved previous because cool air means M156/M159 6.2-liter natmore density and equals urally aspirated V8 with more power. The M177/ a new downsized monM178 is also equipped ster. The 4.0L Twin Turbo with a Direct Injection fuel M177/M178 V8 engine is system for a more effiborn with the task of giving cient distribution of fuel, world class performance this also makes more while consuming less fuel power and efficiency. The and it was created from final result is 456-469 scratch to beat that. The horsepower for standard new engine is substanversions and 503 for the tially smaller but packs a even higher performance ton of tech and improveS versions. Torque is ratments. It stars with a coued at 479-516lb-ft as low ple of turbos mounted beas 1,750 making it widely tween the cylinder banks, accessible. This makes this reduces lacks while the M178 a worthy sucimproves response and cessor to the legendary effiency. Oil and lubricaprevious 6.2L while betion is a critical part of any ing cleaner burning and car, especially a performore fuel efficient. More mance car, this is why the powerful versions are exM178 is equipped with a pected, the engine is dedry sump lubrication syssigned to be capable of tem, this guarantees an up to 600hp. Stay tuned . even and constant lubrication for the whole engine parts even in severe driving conditions. (The M177 version is fitted with a conventional wet
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR: The Street-legal Racecar Well before the Black Series line of racecar optimized for the streets, there was one really special AMG model. The CLK GTR was unveiled in 1997 after Mercedes-Benz was obligued to deliver it after the FIA GT1 cancellation. Only 26 copies of the CLK GTR were made, it was the world’s most expensive car at that time, retailing for $1,578,000. A handful of roadsters were made and they were even more expensive. All of the 26 CLK GTR made were left hand drive except for one that specially built for the Sultan of Brunei. The car was nearly identical to the racecar
version but certain reinforcements like the addition of a driver and passenger airbag were necessary in order to make it safer for street driving. Air conditioning was an option but an audio wasn’t offered. The car was powered by a 6.9-liter V12 engine producing 603 horsepower and 572 lb-ft of torque mated to a 6-speed sequential transmission. This powertrain also was used on the racecar version with just a few differences. The car was easily recognized for his ultra-wide body, extremely low stance and huge spoilers. It is unknown how many examples still exist, but it is so rare that a roadster was auctioned recently and it was sold for an amount of $2,500,000.
Mercedes-AMG 6.0L Biturbo V12: One Of The World’s Most Powerful Engines
Carbon Ceramic vs. Steel Brakes, which one is good for you?
The 6.0-liter V-12 Biturbo engine started as the M275 back in 2003. It was based on the naturally-aspirated Mercedes-Benz V-12 engine. Basic structure was the same but AMG engineers added a pair of turbos with a maximum boost pressure of 22.1 pounds coupled to a pair of water-to-air intercoolers for cooling duty. Forged internals and silicone-coated also are part of the upgrades done by AMG. It retained the 3 valves-per-cylinder and single overhead cam setup of the Mercedes-Benz design. This first version produced 604 horsepower and a astonishing 738 lb-ft of torque. It originally made 885 lb-ft but AMG restricted the output to 738 lb-ft to guarantee transmission longevity. AMG used the old Mercedes 5-speed automatic transmission because the newer 7-speed wasn’t able to withstand the monstrous torque.
Making a proper performance car not only consists in going fast on a straight line, but also corner and stop effectively as well. Available on most AMG model is a Carbon Ceramic braking setup, giving a more track-capable braking performance for those who want to test their AMG to the limit. However, is a Carbon Ceramic the best option for you?, keep reading.
In late-2013 AMG made a host of improvements to the M275 and it is now the M279. New turbochargers, wastegates and manifolds raised the output to 618 horsepower. Torque is again restricted to 738 lb-ft to keep driveability. A new lighter exhaust with more aggressive calibration gives the M279 a sportier sound than its predecessor. The 6.0-liter Biturbo V12 has always been the AMG flagship engine, fitted to the most exclusive and expensive models of the lineup. It is currently found in the S65 AMG (sedan and coupe), the SL65 convertible and the G65 AMG SUV which is the most expensive SUV of the world. A milder version of the engine powers the more luxury oriented S-Class models, the S600 and the S600 Maybach. Italian automaker Pagani also uses a version of this engine, but heavily revised by AMG with different turbos, lubrication system, and modified intercooler setup. Power output is up to 720 horsepower.
First of all, Carbon Ceramic brakes is quite a expensive option, ranging from $5,400 in a front-only setup in the C63 AMG S to $8,000 on a AMG GT. Carbon Ceramic are virtually fade free even in the worst conditions and can withstand and dissipate heat much much better than a steel setup. Also, Carbon Ceramic brakes do not bend or boil under extreme like the steel ones, this is why most racing car use this type of braking systems. However, on a daily driving basis the steel brakes gain an advantage. They are much cheaper to buy, replace and offer a consistent brake feel. Many people complain that their Carbon Ceramics feel “weird” or make strange noises, the cause for this is because Carbon Ceramic need to heat up a lot to offer their potencial, this is why they work so great on a track but offer no real advantage on a public road except on curvy and downhill roads where many steelies tend to fade due to excess of heat. At the end, is a matter of personal taste, if you want your AMG just for daily duties and some light fun, you can spend on some great options like uplevel audio systems or some nicer bucket seats instead of a $8,000 set of brakes. If you plan to take your AMG to a track then is a wise idea to crack that money in a Carbon Ceramic setup, your track experience will be far more pleasant and fun.
Mercedes-AMG M133 2.0L Turbo Engine: The World’s most powerful 4-cylinder production engine It wasn’t a long time ago when a four-cylinder with more than 300 horsepower was racing car territory. Fast-forward to 2015, you can now buy a 355 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder car with a warranty. Enter the Mercedes-AMG M133 engine, the most powerful four-cylinder engine currently available. At 177.5 horsepower per liter it’s also one of the most power dense. The engine is an allnew design, sharing nothing with any other AMG engine. It starts with just 2.0 liters of displacement and an aluminium block, add a BorgWarner turbocharger with 26.1 pounds of peak boost and the final result is a fire-breathing 355 horsepower/332 lb-ft of torque beast. To deal with the extreme stress of forced induction, engineers added forged-steel pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft. Currently, this engine is featured on three models: the CLA45 AMG coupe, the GLA45 AMG hatchback/crossover and the European market A45 hatchback. All three combine the M133 mill with a AMG-Speedshift 7-speed Dual-Clutch transmission and a four-wheel drive system with a 50/50 torque capacity and limited-slip differentials. In a typical AMG tradition, the M133 is hand assembled by a single technician and he gets his own signed plaque.
Black Series: When an AMG is not exclusive enough CLK63 AMG Black Series The CLK63 AMG Black Series was produced from 2007 to 2009. It is the first Black Series to be sold in the United States and the only one to be heavier than the standard car. It featured an updated 6.2-liter engine that produced 507 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The CLK63 AMG Black Series featured an upgraded differential and rear axle, fully adjustable suspension, wider body kit, racy seats and the removal of the rear seats . The CLK63 AMG Black Series was very limited produced and was nearly $40,000 more expensive than the standard car.
SL65 AMG Black Series The SL65 AMG Black Series was unveiled in 2008. It featured the same 6.0-liter Biturbo V12 from the standard car but substantially upgraded with larger turbos, wastegates, intakes and exhaust system. Power was up from 604 horsepower to 662 but torque remained limited at 738 lb-ft to preserve transmission longevity. The standard car power-folding hardtop was replaced with a fixed carbon fiber roof. More extensive use of carbon fiber and reduced content resulted in 550 pounds of saved weight. Final Production run was 350 units, 175 were imported to the United States which sold for a whopping $300,000 per unit.
C63 AMG Black Series Only available in Coupe body style, the C63 AMG Black Series featured an upgraded version of the standard car’s 6.2-liter V8, rated at 510 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission specially reworked for faster shifts. Other upgrades included improved aerodynamics with a big fixed rear spoiler, an AMG Sport Suspension, AMG rear differential lock, Special racing-style bucket seats, DINAMICA microfiber upholstery, the removal of the rear seats, special steering wheel and a three-stage reprogrammed Electronic Stability Program. Wider and stickier wheel/tire package and stronger brakes were also part of the package. 800 units were made and were priced in the low $100,000’s.
SLS AMG Black Series The SLS Black Series featured an uprated 6.2-liter V8 producing 622 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. It was so extensively reworked that the codename was changed. Huge amounts of carbon fiber was used to trim the weight, resulting in a 150 pound drop in overall weight. The car was heavily reworked in almost all areas; The transmission was reprogrammed for faster shifts and was mounted lower in the chassis, braced to the body for less center of gravity and stress cycles. Wider forged wheels with sticker Michelin Pilot Supersport tires were part of the extensive AMG reengineering. Other improvements included DINAMICA microfiber upholstery in the interior with more carbon fiber trim on console and doors. A reprogrammed Electronic Stability Program and locking differential rounded the Black Series treatment for the chassis. Only 132 units reached the United States market with a price tag of $250,000.