Latest news with #Affalterbach
Motor 1
a day ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Mercedes-AMG Admits The Four-Cylinder Hybrid 'Failed to Resonate' With Buyers: Report
Mercedes-AMG has gone on record to announce it's developing a new V-8 engine , but ghosts of the past still haunt the offices in Affalterbach. The latest chapter in the four-cylinder C63 saga involves a senior company official admitting the electrified 2.0-liter engine didn't catch on with buyers. Speaking under the protection of anonymity, the high-ranking official acknowledged the downsized hybrid powertrain 'failed to resonate with our traditional customers.' According to Autocar , the executive said Mercedes has learned its lesson: 'We've recognized that [people didn't like it],' despite it being 'one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car.' The longitudinally mounted M139l isn't just used in the C63 and GLC63 but also powers more exotic models like the SL43 and GT43. Photo by: Chris Rosales / Motor1 The intricate four-cylinder won't be phased out immediately. It's sticking around for an unspecified period, but it will 'eventually' be axed. That's not only because it's alienating longtime AMG fans but also due to its high cost. Apparently, reworking the small gas engine to meet stricter Euro 7 emissions standards is prohibitively expensive. That honestly comes as a big surprise, since we were under the impression that the main reason the C63 ditched its V-8 in favor of a plug-in hybrid setup was to comply with EU regulations. Autocar cites the same source, saying: 'There's no doubt about its potential, this is one of the most sophisticated engines we've ever built, but the investment to make it EU7-compliant is very high.' With the M139l already living on borrowed time, what's next? Beyond the V-8 we mentioned earlier, Mercedes-AMG plans to develop its inline-six engine further. Expect some form of hybridization, either mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid, since the days of pure combustion engines are gradually coming to an end in Europe and elsewhere. Ironically, an engine with more cylinders has a better shot at meeting tougher emissions rules, but we're happy with that. The future of the C63 remains uncertain. On one hand, Mercedes-AMG told us earlier this year that a V-8 version of the current generation isn't planned . On the other hand, a juicy rumor suggests the C63 (and the C43) could be retired earlier than expected. Both are reportedly set to be replaced by a six-cylinder C53 using the M256M powertrain, a 3.0-liter mild-hybrid engine currently found in models like the E53 and CLE53. Whatever happens, it seems Mercedes-AMG has heard the criticism and is pivoting back toward larger engines. That's a complete reversal from earlier statements. Mercedes Australia CEO Jaime Cohen once said we'd embrace four-cylinder AMGs like smartphones , while AMG CEO Michael Schiebe praised the current C63 and its 'very, very progressive' drivetrain . But even Schiebe conceded that the company 'probably could have better explained' the highly complex plug-in hybrid setup, admitting that the switch alienated V-8 loyalists. He added that traditional customers 'take time to really be excited for the technology' and that 'it's important to be open-minded when it comes to technology," but that hasn't gone well. Maybe it wasn't just the engine choice that hurt sales. If they had named it the C53 and priced it accordingly, the backlash might've been softer. The fact that purists can buy a six-cylinder BMW M3 with no electrification and a manual gearbox for less money certainly didn't help the C63's case. Heck, even the more powerful M3 Competition xDrive won't cost you more than a C63. Source: Autocar Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
AMG Is About To Make Small EVs Hotter Than Ever
AMG CLA EQ Starts Showing Off The Autoblog spy photographers have caught the high-performance version of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan, and according to them, the smallest hot EV to come out of Affalterbach will be called the AMG CLA EQ. That's a far less awkward name than G 580 with EQ Technology, but most won't care as much about the name as they do about what it represents. And according to our sources, this hot subcompact will be a high-performance feast of technology. With these images showing a nearly-ready prototype with production bodywork, though, we have to address what we can see before discussing that which we can't. 0:04 / 0:09 2025 Audi S3 VS 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: Which one comes out on top? Watch More CLA Becomes A Baby AMG GT 4-Door As was the case with the regular electric CLA, the AMG version will closely resemble its combustion-powered sibling. Obvious exceptions in the CLA EQ's styling are evident in that the front bumper has only a lower intake grille, and the area where the Three-pointed Star will sit is a blank plate, while the rear diffuser trim has no cutouts for the traditional quartet of exhaust tips typically used to indicate AMG power. Nevertheless, the front end will look aggressive, with large lower side intakes in an AMG-specific bumper, while the fenders will each gain a piece of trim that will doubtless be badged. From the front three-quarter angle, this looks like a downsized AMG GT 4-Door, rather than just a hotted-up CLA, so well done to the designers. Although mismatched, the wheels are also clearly from the AMG warehouse, though it's possible that new designs will be offered when this EQ arrives. At the rear, a deployable adaptive spoiler (that our spies say the driver deactivated using a button, indicating a possible manual override feature) will give all who follow no doubt as to the performance credentials of this pocket rocket. We're calling it now – this will be one of the best-looking performance EVs on the market. Not Your Average Performance EV This vehicle was being unloaded at AMG's testing center at the Nürburgring, which means that it'll be taking to the track soon, if it hasn't already by the time this article reaches your eyes. However, the lack of perforations on the brake discs of this test mule suggests that this may be the warm AMG, not the hot one. A CLA EQ 35, if you will. For the cream of the crop, our spies say to expect a pair of electric motors – one per axle – to produce a combined 550 horsepower. Interestingly, the front motor is said to remain idle in most operating conditions to maximize range (which Mercedes reportedly expects to be around 700 kilometers, or 434 miles), but the hooligan in your head is likely already wondering how to use that system to perform ludicrous drifts. With this prototype very close to the finished product, we expect Mercedes to unleash the AMG CLA EQ before the end of the year, so it won't be a long wait. Source: SH Proshots/Autoblog About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Daily Telegraph
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Telegraph
Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept revealed
Don't miss out on the headlines from HiTech. Followed categories will be added to My News. Mercedes could be the first brand to sell a car in Australia with one megawatt of power. Mega what? That's the term for 1000kW of power, an enormous figure that pushes the brand's next supercar beyond the wildest cars currently on sale – machines such as the 760kW Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Lamborghini's V12 hybrid Revuelto with its 747kW of power. Mercedes-AMG Concept GT-XX. Picture: Supplied Wilder still, Mercedes says its car is capable of 'at least 1000kW', suggesting the car's true performance potential is even higher than that. That enormous power lies under the composite skin of the Mercedes-AMG Concept GT XX, a show car designed to demonstrate the brand's considerable ability. It has three 'axial flux' electric motors that, according to Mercedes, develop 'high power from an extremely compact package', offering 'unprecedented capability'. MORE: The proof EVs have arrived Mercedes-AMG Concept GT-XX. Picture: Supplied How unprecedented? Try a top speed of 360km/h – some 55km/h more than Porsche's fastest Taycan. Better still, the car has the ability to take on 400 kilometres of electric range in just five minutes. Granted, electric charging infrastructure to support that does not exist. But when it does, Mercedes will be ready. The electromechanical guts underpinning the concept car were a joint effort by Mercedes‑AMG in Affalterbach, where flash road cars are made, and Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, where Formula 1 powerplants are born. The new machine represents the first electric car developed purely by AMG – other fast battery-powered Benz models are hotted-up versions of the brand's luxury cars. MORE: Inside BYD's plan to take over the road Mercedes-AMG Concept GT-XX. Picture: Supplied The car's retro looks are inspired by Mercedes concepts of the 1970s, accompanied by thoroughly modern details. A dot matrix light panel between the tail lamps replaces conventional badges. The show car can display Mercedes or AMG logos – or be customised with anything else a driver might like to say to those behind them. MORE: F1: The Movie reviewed Mercedes-AMG Concept GT-XX. Picture: Supplied Clever lighting elements on the side replace pinstriping or vinyl details. In the cabin, an F1-like steering wheel takes inspiration from the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar – the revolutionary machine powered by the same 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid motor that powered Mercedes to several championships. Michael Schiebe, chief executive of Mercedes-AMG, said the concept car represents 'the next milestone in the history of AMG', one that 'forges a whole new dimension of performance'. 'We're bringing groundbreaking technology that redefines high performance,' he said. 'The best thing is that this car is a true AMG with every fibre of its being. The heart of an AMG was always the motor, and that will remain so with our in-house electric architecture. 'With our high-tech axial flux motor, we're delivering a revolutionary new drive that is unparalleled in terms of power density, weight and packaging. 'This pairs with a new performance battery developed from scratch that enables previously unimagined level of performance and endurance.' Originally published as Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept revealed
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept revealed
Mercedes could be the first brand to sell a car in Australia with one megawatt of power. Mega what? That's the term for 1000kW of power, an enormous figure that pushes the brand's next supercar beyond the wildest cars currently on sale – machines such as the 760kW Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Lamborghini's V12 hybrid Revuelto with its 747kW of power. Wilder still, Mercedes says its car is capable of 'at least 1000kW', suggesting the car's true performance potential is even higher than that. That enormous power lies under the composite skin of the Mercedes-AMG Concept GT XX, a show car designed to demonstrate the brand's considerable ability. It has three 'axial flux' electric motors that, according to Mercedes, develop 'high power from an extremely compact package', offering 'unprecedented capability'. How unprecedented? Try a top speed of 360km/h – some 55km/h more than Porsche's fastest Taycan. Better still, the car has the ability to take on 400 kilometres of electric range in just five minutes. Granted, electric charging infrastructure to support that does not exist. But when it does, Mercedes will be ready. The electromechanical guts underpinning the concept car were a joint effort by Mercedesâ€'AMG in Affalterbach, where flash road cars are made, and Mercedesâ€'AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, where Formula 1 powerplants are born. The new machine represents the first electric car developed purely by AMG – other fast battery-powered Benz models are hotted-up versions of the brand's luxury cars. The car's retro looks are inspired by Mercedes concepts of the 1970s, accompanied by thoroughly modern details. A dot matrix light panel between the tail lamps replaces conventional badges. The show car can display Mercedes or AMG logos – or be customised with anything else a driver might like to say to those behind them. Clever lighting elements on the side replace pinstriping or vinyl details. In the cabin, an F1-like steering wheel takes inspiration from the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar – the revolutionary machine powered by the same 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid motor that powered Mercedes to several championships. Michael Schiebe, chief executive of Mercedes-AMG, said the concept car represents 'the next milestone in the history of AMG', one that 'forges a whole new dimension of performance'. 'We're bringing groundbreaking technology that redefines high performance,' he said. 'The best thing is that this car is a true AMG with every fibre of its being. The heart of an AMG was always the motor, and that will remain so with our in-house electric architecture. 'With our high-tech axial flux motor, we're delivering a revolutionary new drive that is unparalleled in terms of power density, weight and packaging. 'This pairs with a new performance battery developed from scratch that enables previously unimagined level of performance and endurance.'
Auto Blog
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Mercedes-AMG's SUV Is Coming For Lambo Blood
The EV That AMG Expects Big Things From Last week, Mercedes-AMG teased its upcoming electric super sedan with a short Instagram reel that gave us a taste of its soundtrack. AMG is developing this EV all on its own, but for the risk of the non-traditional new sedan to have any chance of financial success, its development costs need to be shared, and what better way to do that than by using the same architecture to offer the most proliferative body style, the SUV? These close-up shots captured in Europe give us some strong clues as to what we might expect when the production vehicle arrives, and it appears that the electric siblings will look nearly identical, whatever their final design turns out to be. Fortunately, we have a north star to look to in that regard, but more on that later. Mercedes-AMG Is Building A Lambo Rival (Kinda) At present, and with these sorts of timelines always in flux, Lamborghini intends to launch its Lanzador EV in 2029. This is a mix between an SUV and a sedan, but Mercedes has broader brand appeal, not exclusively targeting the 1%, so it's offering two separate products to reach a larger customer base. More accurately, the AMG's SUV could be considered Affalterbach's answer to the (admittedly only hybrid) BMW XM, which is described as a standalone M car. Like that vehicle, this SUV will be instantly recognizable as the top dog in the AMG lineup, with bulging fenders, big wheels, and behind them, the performance division's bespoke gold calipers that indicate carbon-ceramic stoppers. The styling will doubtless be a slightly more aggressive take on the transitional language presented by the Concept CLA, which ties current combustion-powered vehicles with the futuristic jellybean looks of the EQ-branded EVs. It's not quite as simple as that, though. Concept Car Styling & Performance Coming To Life Although Mercedes has fitted this test mule with placeholder taillights, it's evident that the back end of this SUV (and the sedan mentioned at the outset) will be heavily influenced by the evolutionary styling of the sublime Vision EQXX concept. That means the semi-circular shape of the rear fascia will house a substantial taillight bar that tries not to be as slim as possible but as bold as possible. Not only will this create a distinctive visual signature to help onlookers identify the brand clearly, but it will also help taller vehicles like this SUV to appear lower, wider, and sleeker. Of course, this is Mercedes we're talking about, so the forward-thinking aesthetics will be accompanied by next-generation technology. Thanks to the axial flux motors previewed by the Vision One-Eleven, a technology that has already helped the aforementioned CLA achieve a 24-hour EV distance record of 2,309 miles, Mercedes will be capable of extraordinary power and efficiency in a remarkably small and lightweight package. We can safely expect close to a thousand horsepower to be possible, keeping alive that old AMG tradition of eviscerating rubber at will. The SUV was expected to be launched this year, and given the fact that a teaser of the sedan was recently shared, we can't discount that possibility, but current market conditions have pushed Mercedes back toward combustion, and the timing of niche new EVs needs to be perfect, or all the platform-sharing and skunkworks development will be for naught. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
