You know those laurels trimming AMG's logo? No one at the company is
resting on them. There's a flurry of activity underway in Affalterbach,
with efforts focused on bringing range-topping and all-new vehicles to
the road. That's what we learned in our interview with Michael Knöller,
AMG's head of product management and sales, at this year's L.A. Auto
Show. Spoiler alert: Electrification is a theme.
48-volt
power systems and hybrid batteries will allow AMG to do more with
smaller engines, and more still with bigger engines. To that end, an
even more powerful plug-in hybrid version of the GT 4-Door is nearly
complete. It's set to sit above the 63 S variant which recently set a Laguna Seca lap record.
Although it's unknown what numbers will designate this vehicle, it
should use some form of the familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8,
supplemented by electric motors to increase output beyond the current
630 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. While more power is always welcome, the
downside to this is that it will officially mark the end of AMG's use of V-12 engines.
The next-generation C 63 will likely receive a similar hybrid powertrain revamp,
although potentially with a reduced-displacement engine—fleet emissions
are a concern, even for AMG. When asked how much smaller its engine
could become and still be worthy of the 63 badge, Knöller was
open-minded. "At the end of the day it's about performance,
acceleration, and how the car feels," he said, adding that it's an "open
path" to achieving those qualities. Regardless of how much smaller the
engine might become, he recognizes the strength of the 63 badge as an
AMG sub-brand. Rest assured his company "will take good care that
whatever cars wear those numbers on the boot lid will be deserving of
them. "
As the current SL-Class steers toward the sunset, Knöller confirmed that the next-generation grand touring roadster will ride on a platform
designed from the ground up by AMG. This platform will also provide the
basis of the upcoming revision for the AMG GT. Knöller was mum on what
other components might be shared between the two, noting the proximity
of the SL's debut—that's set to happen within the next year. Given the
AMG DNA the SL will carry, it's likely to be sharper and more dynamic
than any iteration before. However, Knöller brushed off a query that the
upgrades might make AMG versions of the SL redundant, making it clear
that it will have its own distinct character compared to the AMG GT.
The $2.7 million AMG One hypercar
is also back on track. The vehicle's intent to adapt a Formula 1 engine
for the road was always ambitious, but resulted in delays due to
numerous complexities. Exhaust sound was the area highlighted by
Knöller, but he said the team reached a "tipping point" which will allow
AMG to make the first customer deliveries of the One in 2021.
More
significant, however, is the trickle-down of learnings derived from the
AMG One program in engine downsizing, hybrid integration,
lightweighting, and aerodynamics. "When we open up the next chapter to
develop something very new, it's always challenging but gives us high
motivation to find things that are good to take to our next projects,"
said Knöller. It seems clear that AMG is intent on shaking its Teutonic
muscle car stigma with vehicles that are lighter, smarter, and sharper
than ever before. We'll find out more in the next few months.
