In early 1967 Aufrecht and Melcher left their jobs at Daimler-Benz and rented workshop space in a barn in the Swabian town of Burgstall. They named their new operation ‘AMG’. The initials stand for Aufrecht, Melcher and Grossaspach – Grossaspach being Hans-Werner Aufrecht’s place of birth.

Their first big success came at the 24 hours of Spa in 1971 – a 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, nicknamed the ‘Red Pig’, finished first in class and second overall, causing a little consternation and great deal of respect among a field made up of much smaller cars.

Following their success as an engine builder and supplier in motorsport, business grew substantially to the point that, in 1976, AMG had outgrown its Burgstall headquarters and moved to Affalterbach – the demand for its expertise in the creation of highly bespoke, high-performance Mercedes-Benz cars expanding in the process.

It was in 1986 that one of the most iconic AMG models ever created landed – dubbed ‘The Hammer’ – a 300E equipped with a 385 hp, 5.6-litre V8 and capable of an unheard of (at the time) 190 mph.

In 1991 AMG and Mercedes-Benz began an official cooperation – with the Affalterbach engineers being made responsible for the high performance variants of selected Mercedes-Benz models – it wouldn’t be until 2005 that AMG would became a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler.

In 1993 the first car jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG was launched – the C 36 AMG. With 280 hp and 385 Nm of torque, the C 36 AMG was a relatively modest starting point (by modern standard) for AMG – capable of accelerating to 62 mph in a brisk 6.7-seconds.

Six years after the C 36 AMG debuted, in January 1999, and as the mighty E 55 AMG was entering the market, Daimler acquired 51 per cent of shares in AMG – leading to the company to be renamed Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The first engine entirely designed and engineered by AMG arrived in 2006. Codenamed M156 and displacing 6,208 cc, the unit was one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines of its kind – an evolved version of the mighty unit continues to be produced today.

In the same year the first Black Series – the SLK 55 AMG Black Series – was produced. It would be followed by the CLK AMG Black Series, the SL 65 AMG Black Series, the C 63 AMG Black Series and the SLS AMG Black Series.

The SLS AMG Coupé – first ever entirely AMG-engineered car was launched in spectacular style in 2010. Featuring gullwing doors, a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 and concept car styling, the SLS AMG Coupé represented a huge step for AMG, evolving into a Roadster and highly successful GT3 racer before road-going variants – the GT and Black Series were created. Production ended earlier this year.

Mercedes-AMG GmbH currently employs a workforce of just over a thousand people at its plant in Affalterbach. AMG’s professionalism is defined by its pursuit of high performance as embodied in its vehicles, coupled with a due commitment to precision and respect in keeping with the brand motto of “Driving Performance.”

Mercedes AMG Profile (2009)

AMG was founded with a singular purpose: to modify existing Mercedes-Benz automobiles into championship caliber race cars. What was learned on the track has now made its way into limited production vehicles bearing the Mercedes-Benz name.

Our passion for the highest standards of automotive performance is shared by those seeking race-level road performance, luxury and exclusivity. To meet the true driving enthusiast’s highest demands, every AMG vehicle is built to exacting tolerances.

Engines

At AMG, each engine is a hand-assembled, balanced and blueprinted high-performance version of the already powerful Mercedes-Benz gasoline engines. AMG takes engine assembly to a high art through the use of balanced reciprocating components.

Each engine is assembled by one of a small group of AMG master technicians who complete only two or three engines per day. All operations are performed by the technician, from short block assembly to cylinder head and intake system installation. This is the core of the AMG philosophy of “One Person, One Engine”.

AMG has the flexibility at its engine assembly area to shift production to any of its engine variants such as the 3.2-liter Kompressor V6 to the 5.5-liter naturally aspirated and supercharged V8s. All engines are shipped to final assembly plants such as Sindelfingen (E55/S55/CL55) and Bremen (CLK55/C32/SLK32/SL55) for installation into individual AMG models. AMG no longer performs vehicle assembly at its development and headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany, but all engines bearing the AMG name originate from this facility.

Supercharging

Supercharging is a method of generating a significant increase in horsepower without adding a corresponding increase in engine displacement. AMG has modified and adopted this technology for its newest generation of V6 and V8 Kompressor engines.

AMG has developed a special Lysholm (helical) supercharger for its 3.2-liter AMG V6 and 5.5-liter V8 engines. The Lysholm supercharger is based on a two rotor helical design intermeshing an aluminum rotor and Teflon-coated alloy rotor. With less than 0.1 inches clearance between rotors, this supercharger produces 30% more boost pressure than standard superchargers.

Driven through an electromechanical clutch which engages automatically as power is needed, the AMG supercharger operates at a maximum boost of 12.8 psi over 20,000 rpm. This boost enables the AMG V6 engine to deliver a specific output of over 100 hp per liter. Intake air is cooled through an integral air-water intercooler mounted beneath the supercharger in the base of the engine’s crankcase. The water in the intercooler is circulated through a special AMG electrical pump system.

SpeedShift

From the beginning, AMG has pioneered the development of high-performance automatic transmissions. Our latest version is a heavily modified, driver-adapted 5-speed automatic.

Known as SpeedShift™, the considerable power of an AMG engine is delivered through a driver-adapted 5-speed combining the convenience of an automatic with the dynamic action and control of a manual transmission.

AMG SpeedShift performs 35% faster, more responsive gear changes, can automatically perform double-downshifts under heavy braking, will hold a specific gear through hard cornering, and automatically selects the optimum gear to ensure maximum acceleration when overtaking others.

A lighter torque converter that locks in all forward gears is another innovative feature of SpeedShift. AMG SpeedShift is currently available on the C32 AMG, SLK32 AMG and the 2003 SL55 AMG, CL55 AMG, and CLK55 AMG Coupe and S55 AMG.

Fingertip manual mode, a Formula 1 style shifting system, is one more feature found on many of AMG’s SpeedShift transmissions.

Another example of technology transferred from the racetrack to the Mercedes-AMG transmission is fingertip manual mode. The driver can make rapid, Formula-1-type gear shifts by pressing either of two steering wheel mounted shift buttons. Press the button on the left side of the steering wheel to shift down. Press the button on the right to shift up. With fingertip manual mode the driver has full control of all gear changes and SpeedShift only intervenes when the car comes to a stop in high gear, or to shift up at redline.

Brakes

AMG develops its own high-performance brakes, unique from standard series Mercedes-Benz models. Utilizing the extensive racing and testing experiences of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, the braking systems are developed to equal the output of an AMG engine.

AMG brakes are equipped with larger diameter rotors as part of a high-performance four-wheel disc system. Braking calipers are also enlarged with multiple front and rear pistons depending on the AMG model. An example of AMG’s high performance braking system can be found on the SL55 AMG, S55 AMG and CL55 AMG models which feature 14.2 diameter front rotors, 8 piston front calipers, 4 piston rear calipers, and 4- wheel ventilation. As a designation of their high-performance capability, many AMG brake calipers are decorated with the AMG logo.

Further changes to the braking system include higher capacity brake ventilation augmented by directional air cooling via the AMG front spoiler. Additional improvements include the reprogramming of the active safety and stability control systems. Both are calibrated to function with the increased braking power and handling of an AMG.

Suspension

The suspension of an AMG-Mercedes has to live up to the performance of its lightning-quick engine – a requirement fulfilled by the stiffer AMG hydraulic shock absorbers and specially developed sport springs.

Exhaust

The concern we put into an AMG engine also applies to what we put into the environment. Every AMG exhaust system is technically advanced with ceramic firewall catalytic converters and two powerful metal catalytic converters on the underbody. This sophisticated technology reduces emission levels to meet the 2005 EU-4 emission requirements

40 years of AMG: Anniversary of the Mercedes Car Group Performance Brand

• Evolution from a former car tuning company into the performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group
• AMG brand claim focuses on top automotive performance
• A wide range of models and a steadily growing customer base

Stuttgart, May 08, 2007 – Over the past four decades, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has developed from a simple tuning company for premium automobiles to the performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group (MCG). AMG today stands for extremely dynamic, individualized automobiles with a clear brand focus on performance. As a result, AMG endeavors to provide top automotive technology in each of its vehicles and to express its deep appreciation of its customers. With its portfolio of 18 models and a steadily increasing number of customers, AMG is one of the world’s leading high-performance vehicle brands.

“AMG — throughout the world, these three letters embody cutting-edge technology, dynamism and exclusivity. The experience of driving an AMG cannot be compared to anything else. After four successful decades, the brand now more than ever symbolizes a unique driving experience. The individual requirements of our customers provide us with motivation in our daily work and will remain our benchmark when developing new automobiles,” says Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Individualized to suit every taste

Mercedes-AMG GmbH specializes in unique high-performance sports cars, and its product portfolio — sporty convertibles, coupes, roadsters, sedans, SUVs and custom-made vehicles — can satisfy every customer’s wishes. In line with this focus, the company opened the AMG Performance Studio last year, thus launching a new offensive for individualized customer communication. In addition to the AMG high-performance automobiles, which are available through the worldwide Mercedes-Benz sales organization, the Performance Studio develops and produces unique AMG vehicles in exclusive, limited quantities.

Dynamic performance tailored to individual needs

AMG’s key area of expertise continues to be the development and production of powerful drive systems. The superbly qualified specialists in AMG’s state-of-the-art engine manufacturing facility build the powerful and dynamic V8 and V12 engines in line with the highest standards of quality, while always adhering to the traditional philosophy of “One man, one engine.”

Authentic, unified creations

In all of its details, an authentic AMG demonstrates that it is a unified whole from the very start of the vehicle’s creation process. It combines the quality, safety and environmental standards that are typical of Mercedes-Benz with the distinctive properties of AMG. In accordance with the innovative power of Mercedes-Benz, AMG’s high-performance automobiles offer an impressive array of beneficial innovations and the highest levels of luxury.

Leading with a competitive edge

Over the past four decades, AMG’s corporate philosophy has turned the two-man enterprise into a distinctive and world-famous brand. As a wholly owned subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is integrated early on into the strategy and product creation processes of Mercedes-Benz and has full access to the Group’s resources. As a result, AMG is a leader in technological development. AMG’s brand definition augments the traditional Mercedes-Benz brand values with AMG-specific attributes. What’s more, the centralized pooling of all automotive functions at Affalterbach ensures quick decision-making processes and the rapid and flexible implementation of a diverse range of customer wishes.

Respect for vehicles and customers

With its highly motivated specialists, AMG fulfills another precondition for meeting customer expectations regarding their vehicles. Mercedes-AMG GmbH currently has about 750 employees working at its headquarters in Affalterbach. Like the vehicles they produce, the employees continuously strive to provide the ultimate in high performance. The professional identity of the AMG workforce is also defined by the values of precision and respect. This encompasses not only respect for the vehicles, but also for the customers, whose individual preferences are the sine qua non of AMG.

Fascination as the measure of all things

Through a unique synthesis of emotional and functional attributes, AMG wishes to continuously fascinate its customers. After all, AMG’s decades-long experience with motor sports ensures that each vehicle promises to provide not only top-class details, but also outstanding performance.

 

Chronicle – The history of Mercedes-AMG GmbH
1967	Hans Werner Aufrecht (A) and Erhard Melcher (M) establish AMG. Aufrecht’s birthplace, Großaspach (G), supplies the third letter of the company name. The company is housed in the Old Mill in Burgstall, and is officially designated “Engineering Office for the Design and Testing of Racing Engines.”
1971	The first major sporting triumph for AMG: a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG driven by Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz surprises everyone by coming in second in the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps.
1976	The Old Mill in Burgstall has become too small for the company, which now boasts customers all over the world. AMG and its 40 employees move to Affalterbach.
1980	Clemens Schickentanz and Jörg Denzel win the Touring Car Grand Prix at the Nürburgring with an AMG-Mercedes 450 SLC.
1985	The comeback into auto racing: AMG partners Daimler-Benz in its motor racing comeback in the German Touring Car Championship with a 190 E 2.3-16.
1987	Premiere of the Mercedes-Benz 300 E 5.6 AMG. The midrange model is powered by a 265 kW/360 hp V8 engine with all-new four-valve cylinder heads. For the first time ever, a four-door sedan manages to exceed 300 km/h.
1989	AMG is the most successful team in the German Touring Car Championship: Klaus Ludwig and Johnny Cecotto score seven wins.
1990	Plant III is opened in Affalterbach. The company now has a staff of 400 and a cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz that extends beyond the motor racing sphere.
1991	AMG-Mercedes wins in the team ranking; the most successful driver is Klaus Ludwig. Mercedes-Benz comes out on top in the brand ranking. The DTM has reached the high point in its history, and the races are watched by more than 153 million viewers.
1992	Klaus Ludwig wins the German Touring Car Championship for AMG in a 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II. AMG-Mercedes is once again at the top in the team rankings, and so is Mercedes-Benz in the brand rankings.
1993	The first vehicle jointly developed on the basis of the cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz comes onto the market: the Mercedes C 36 AMG. The name AMG is so widely known that the Patent Office registers it as a trademark.
1994	Klaus Ludwig once again wins the German Touring Car Championship for AMG in an AMG-Mercedes C-Class. The U.S. version of Mercedes C 36 AMG is developed and type-approved.
1995	An AMG driver takes the German Touring Car Championship title for the third time, as well as winning the first-ever ITC series. In both cases the driver is Bernd Schneider.
1996	AMG is the runner-up in the International Touring Car Championship with Bernd Schneider. At the Geneva Motor Show, AMG unveils the E 50 AMG and makes the transition from a component plant to a component and vehicle plant.
1997	AMG enjoys an unbroken series of new production milestones: 5,000 units of the C 36 AMG and almost 3,000 units of the E 50 AMG. The successor models, the C 43 AMG and E 55 AMG, are launched following the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Bernd Schneider in the Mercedes CLK-GTR is the champion driver and AMG Mercedes takes the team title.
1998	A road-going version of the CLK-GTR is built in a limited edition of 25 units. AMG-Mercedes wins all ten races in the FIA GT Championship. Klaus Ludwig and Ricardo Zonta take the championship title.
1999	On January 1, 1999, Mercedes-AMG GmbH commences operations. Some 5,000 vehicles are sold worldwide.
2000	Sales reach a record level of 11,500 vehicles, the most popular model being the ML 55 AMG with over 4,500 units sold. The company participates in the newly established German Touring Car Masters (DTM) with the Mercedes-Benz CLK. Bernd Schneider takes the championship. Mercedes-Benz wins in the manufacturers’ rankings.
2001	18,700 Mercedes-AMG vehicles are sold. The most popular model is the C 32 AMG with around 3,800 vehicles sold. Market launch of the SL 55 AMG. Bernd Schneider defends his title in the DTM; the AMG team is at the top of the constructors’ rankings.
2002	The number of staff increases to around 580. Market launch of the CLK 55 AMG, E 55 AMG, C 30 CDI AMG, S 55 AMG and CL 55 AMG. AMG-Mercedes comes in first in the DTM team rankings.
2003	Market launch of the CLK 55 AMG convertible, E 55 AMG station wagon, S 65 AMG and CL 65 AMG. Mercedes-Benz wins nine out of ten DTM races. Bernd Schneider wins his fourth DTM championship title. Mercedes-Benz also wins in the team and manufacturers’ rankings. AMG sells more than 20,000 vehicles in 2003, setting a new record.
2004	Mercedes-AMG now has around 650 employees. Market launch of the models C 55 AMG, G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR, SL 65 AMG and SLK 55 AMG. A limited edition of 100 CLK DTM AMG units is produced. AMG starts in the DTM with the new C-Class touring car racing models. Gary Paffet becomes the runner-up.
2005	Market launch of the CLS 55 AMG. World premiere of the ML 63 AMG, CLK DTM AMG convertible and Vision R 63 AMG at the 61st IAA in Frankfurt/Main. Two-time Formula 1 champion Mika Häkkinen joins AMG-Mercedes’ DTM team. Gary Paffet wins the championship; AMG-Mercedes takes the top spot in the team rankings. Mercedes-Benz takes the manufacturer’s title.
2006	Mercedes-AMG model offensive: presentation of the new high-performance AMG vehicles CL 63 AMG, S 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG, CLK 63 AMG, S 65 AMG, SL 55 AMG, SL 65 AMG, R 63 AMG, and SLK 55 AMG Black Series. Official opening of the AMG Performance Studio. AMG once again wins three titles in the DTM, Bernd Schneider takes the champion title for the fifth time.
2007	AMG celebrates its 40th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the company introduces the CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary.” Market launch of the CL 65 AMG and the CLK 63 AMG Black Series. Mercedes-AMG has around 750 employees. The new AMG-Mercedes C-Class takes part in the DTM.