We've heard the rumors and seen the prototypes, and now,
Mercedes's new AMG Sport sub-brand is official and it will be introduced via
two new models at the 2015 Detroit Show.
As we revealed in an earlier post today, the first model
teased in the picture is the new GLE 450 AMG Sport, while the other one is the
C450 AMG Sport that will be offered in sedan and estate body styles, with both
cars to get a modified version of Merc's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter petrol V6
producing around 360 to 370 horses.
Mercedes said more models will follow in "due
course".
AMG boss Tobias Moers believes that the new sub-brand will
help Mercedes tap into a new market of customers and boost sales, which this
year, will reach a record number of 40,000 units globally. "In the next
three years we aim to more than double our total sales for 2013," said
Moers.
The AMG Sport sub-brand is the equivalent of Audi's
S-branded sports cars like the S4, S5, S6 and S8, BMW's M Performance models
such as the M235i and X5 M50d, and Cadillac's newly born V-Sport moniker on the
CTS.
It's positioned between the AMG thoroughbred sports cars
(i.e. C63 AMG) and the cosmetic AMG Sport Packages (i.e. C400 with the AMG
Sport package).
Unlike the AMG Sport Package that is a trim grade-only with
styling parts offered on all regular engines, the AMG Sport are dedicated
models with uprated engine output, all-wheel drive as standard in selected
markets and special chassis components and brake systems sourced from the
high-performance AMG models
Therefore, while a C400 with an AMG Sport Package might look
similar to a C450 AMG Sport in terms of appearance, the two cars will differ in
performance and handling.
It can be confusing and it makes you wonder why Mercedes
didn't think of a different nomenclature – i.e. have the regular AMG models,
the AMG Sport models and the Sport Package. I think that would have worked
better.
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