Goodbye Black Series, Hello Green

[MTI]

An environmentally-friendly AMG car may be a stretch of the imagination, but the Affalterbach-based company has revealed that it will unveil its first hybrid model by 2010.

In an interview with UK Car Magazine, AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg explained that the upcoming hybrid model will usher in a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy over Mercedes’ 6,2-litre V8 thanks to technology borrowed from the company’s S400 BlueHYBRID.

Mornhinweg also stated that the days of extreme horsepower – such as the moderately insane 493 kW SL65 Black Series – are behind the German tuner. Instead, AMG will look to pare down the kerb weight of its vehicles, while the power output will be capped at ‘just’ 373 kW.

“Although hybrids normally mean more weight, we’ll use our knowledge of lightweight material to offset this increase,” said Mornhinweg. “And don’t forget, AMG is all about torque, and electric engines develop their torque at standstill.”

Diesel technology will form a small part of AMG’s future plans, with Mornhinweg revealing that only a single AMG model (most likely a small four-door saloon…think C-Class) will be earmarked for diesel.

[/////AMG]

Why are they tainting AMG. Please leave Toyota to save the Earth, I don't want Lamborghinis to start hugging trees and Ferraris to start planting seeds.

So pathetic to see Mercedes and AMG do this, their still has to be some cars for enthusiasts out there.

[madmac]

I agree to some extent,but if I lived in UK,for example ,the huge cost of petrol would be a deterrent to getting my C63,but a 400hp+ diesel with about 600+ lb.ft.of torque would kick butt! and I would love to hear what sort of noise that would make from 4 fat tailpipes!
but hybrids?Ugh!
All the European mag comparos of diesel vs hybrid are unequivocally in favour of diesel because of TORQUE.

[jenifer.kaif]

the topic is not so clear.

[Yuille36]

AMG is truly biting the hand that has feeds them. I can't speak for the rest of the world, but in the US we love the power that AMG provides us, granted we don't have an Autobahn. but we use the power in other ways. More than half of all AMG are sold in the US, we are their biggest markets. And to hear this, it's crazy.

[Rashman]

My my.

It looks like the M156 engine and the M159 engine (that resides in the SLS) may well be the last of the great AMG engines.

I think environmental issues/ influences on the motoring industry are inevitable.
In todays world, when consumptions of fuel are at ridiculous highs (mainly caused by global over-population, in my opinion, but that's another story), this sort of news was, well, "in the pipeline", shall I say.

A great shame.

For the love of god, look after what you have.
There may not be another.