AMG set to make the world go faster
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AMG is to Mercedes-Benz as the M badge is to BMW and RS is to Audi. Think high power, improved aerodynamics, sharper suspensions and beefed-up brakes. Naturally, such engineering and tuning comes at a price, so someone would be forgiven for thinking that this side of the auto industry is probably a little sluggish at the moment. But as if we needed reminding of the rich, paradoxical pageant we call life, AMG is planning to expand.
By the end of 2009, 175 new AMG Performance Centers should be established in various locations throughout the world. Germany, of course, is one. And Southern California is another happy hunting ground for this operation. Now add China and Japan, then throw Russia into the mix, plus 10 more.
The objective is to raise the level of service an AMG customer can enjoy -- from ordering a car and selecting options, to delivery and maintenance. Each center will have a hot line linking it to the AMG HQ back in the Fatherland, where assorted specialists will be available to address any questions or issues.
The SL 65 AMG Black Series is typical of what the company does. Under the hood is a V-12 engine with twin turbochargers, creating an electronically limited 661 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This kind of muscle goes beyond thrilling and heads straight for hysteria-inducing. The standard SL’s retractable top is replaced by a fixed roof made of carbon fiber. Many other parts of the car are made from the same material in an effort to keep weight down. Standstill to 60 mph ticks by in just 3.2 seconds and top speed is pegged at 199 mph.
With a price of about $320,000, the SL 65 AMG Black Series is a limited production model, with 175 examples heading stateside. And those are all spoken for. No bailouts needed here.