Expertise and exclusive individuality
Growing demand worldwide for greater exclusivity and sportiness
Extensive analyses carried out to precisely determine customer requirements
Production of the Signature Series and Black Series in Affalterbach
AMG components and customised production for every possible customer wish
Stuttgart, Jul 21, 2006
High-performance AMG cars are becoming more and more popular in all markets around the world, and the product portfolio of Mercedes-AMG GmbH satisfies the most diverse customer requirements. A total of 16 unique vehicle models are available, with power output ranging from 265 kW/360 hp to 450 kW/612 hp. AMG customers looking for even greater individualisation will find exactly what they need at the new AMG Performance Studio, which Mercedes AMG GmbH is using to provide personalised service on a global scale and with a significantly expanded range of offerings.
Extensive analyses conducted by Mercedes-AMG experts in all key markets have revealed that alongside buyers of high-performance AMG production vehicles, there are five separate customer groups seeking even greater sportiness and exclusivity. There are customers: who
1. ...wish to purchase an exclusive, limited-edition AMG vehicle that is exceptionally sporty and clearly distinguishes itself from AMG production vehicles in terms of engineering and appearance, and is suited to serious racetrack use.
2. ...wish to acquire an AMG production vehicle that is significantly more sporty in terms of appearance and engineering, as well as being more suitable for racetrack driving.
3. ...are primarily interested in an exclusive, limited-edition AMG production vehicle that sets new standards in interior and exterior design through special equipment features and superior optical and surface-feel details.
4. ...who wish to optimise their AMG production vehicle for their personal requirements by obtaining special AMG components at the time they purchase the car.
5. ...who have a clear idea of the type of Mercedes-Benz vehicle they wish to own, and use AMG components to make their dream car a reality.
Signature Series: CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet
Mercedes-AMG developed the Signature Series for customers who fall into the first category. The series stands for highly exclusive limited-edition AMG vehicles featuring a unique engineering package and expressive exterior design — like the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet. Only 100 of these high-performance sports cars will be built. They are powered by an AMG 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine with a maximum output of 428 kW/582 hp and maximum torque of 800 Nm. The CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h, thus making the AMG dream car the world’s fastest open-top four-seater.
Black Series: The SLK 55 AMG is an emphatically puristic two-seater
Customers from the second category will find the car they’re looking for in the new SLK 55 AMG Black Series. The two-seater, which is markedly puristic in design, not only offers an AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine whose maximum performance has been raised to 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Nm, but also numerous lightweight components and a fixed carbon roof, which reduce its kerb weight to 1,495 kilograms, according to the EU standard. The SLK 55 AMG Black Series accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds; the vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h. With its 19-inch forged AMG wheels, sport tyres with excellent grip, the AMG adjustable sports suspension, the AMG high-performance composite brake system and numerous cooling system features, the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is the ideal vehicle for taking some fast laps on the racetrack.
The limited-edition vehicles in the Signature Series and the Black Series are built by highly qualified experts at the AMG Performance Studio in Affalterbach. The range of components included in each vehicle can be defined in cooperation with DaimlerChrysler production plants, where the respective basic vehicles are produced.
Editions: highly exclusive appearance, equipment and surface feel
The third customer group is less concerned with exceptional handling dynamics and more interested in a vehicle’s highly exclusive appearance, equipment features, and surface feel. AMG Editions can provide the desired individuality here, as the series features special exterior paint, refined vehicle-body details, interior components of especially high quality, and special leather upholstery — all of which appeal to connoisseurs of an exquisite lifestyle.
To achieve the highest possible level of exclusivity, only a limited number of AMG Editions are produced. In the case of the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur” offered in 2005, only 165 vehicles were manufactured. The four-door coupé offers an exciting and unique combination of equipment details. For example, all exterior trim elements — and the AMG light-alloy wheels — are of a titanium-look design, which means they perfectly complement the exterior’s exclusive metallic colour tone in dark titanium grey. The CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur” interior shows off the vehicle’s exceptional nature with the “Exclusive” line of nappa leather in titanium colour tone and the new AMG instrument cluster, whose styling is based on the exclusive “Ingenieur” family of watches from the Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.
AMG Performance Packages and AMG components
AMG components from the Performance Studio are the right “tools” that customers in the fourth category can use to optimise their AMG production vehicle. Such customers can choose from special AMG Performance Packages and individual components. The AMG Performance Packages are available ex-works for the SLK 55 AMG, SL 55 AMG and CLS 63 AMG. Depending on the model in question, an AMG Performance Package will include:
Special wheel/tyre combinations
AMG high-performance composite braking system
AMG Performance suspension
More sophisticated cooling features, including the special AMG front apron
Multiple-disc limited-slip differential lock with reinforced final drive gearing
Carbon interior trim
AMG leather/Alcantara ergonomic sports steering wheel
High-performance AMG vehicles equipped with an AMG
Performance Package thus offer significantly enhanced handling dynamics straight from the factory, and guarantee even better drivability on racetracks. All AMG vehicles can also be equipped with individual AMG components ex-works.
In addition to the features from the AMG Performance Packages mentioned above, such components may, depending on the vehicle, include:
AMG light-alloy wheels built using ultra-light forging technology
Carbon exterior package
AMG light-alloy wheels in various designs and of various types (including multi-piece), at sizes up to 21 inches
AMG sports steering wheels
illuminated AMG door sill panels
One-of-a-kind solutions for highly specialised wishes
Customer group number 5 encompasses those AMG enthusiasts whose personal tastes are even more specialised. Such customers receive competent advice from experts at the Performance Studio when they are putting together their dream car. The portfolio here ranges from special paintwork and leather appointments to multimedia systems and extensive body modifications. These high-quality upgrades are done to hand-crafted perfection.
The Performance Studio offers a full spectrum of interior variants, including complete interior equipment packages with leather covering for details such as the rear-view mirror or the instrument panel. Power curtains for the rear and rear side windows, folding electric tray tables in leather trim with wood or carbon inserts to match the car interior, telephone consoles in various material combinations, refrigerator compartments and bars are also available, as are customised audio, office and mobile media solutions. Passengers can, for instance, select their individual entertainment programme during the ride, on two 6.5-inch monitors integrated into the head restraints. All it takes is the touch of a button to select a TV programme in analogue or digital technology or a DVD film from the six-DVD changer. Each monitor is fitted with top-quality headphones with an individual volume control. Alternatively, the sound can be reproduced through the vehicle’s speaker system.
Mercedes-AMG also offers, in accordance with the customer’s instructions, sports steering wheels, wood and leather steering wheels and selector levers in various types and designs, fine carpeting and illuminated or un-illuminated door sill panels with the AMG logo (which can be engraved as an option).
Part of the Performance Studio’s philosophy is that the customers should be able to adapt the interior and exterior of their vehicle to suit their specific personal tastes. Extensive body modifications are therefore also individually finished to perfection using traditional methods. The result is an unmistakably unique car displaying a high level of technological expertise, creativity, value and quality. And, of course, all work is completed according to the highest standards of safety.
Extra-long Mercedes-Benz G-Class made in Affalterbach
A particularly impressive example of the capabilities of the Mercedes-AMG Performance Studio is without doubt offered by the extra-long Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This exclusive development from Affalterbach offers outstanding spaciousness, excellent off-road capability and exceptional performance. The exclusive G-Class, which has been extended to a length of 5.24 metres, was created specifically in response to customer demand; only 19 units of the model have been built to date.
In order to provide occupants in the last row of seats with the comfort and spaciousness typical of the G-Class, the body and wheelbase were extended by 58 centimetres. The width of the newly designed rear doors was increased to 97 centimetres, making access to the second and third rows of seats especially comfortable. The extra-long roof is also new, while the entire rear section of the vehicle, with its long side windows, is based on the short three-door Station Wagon version. The two rear rows of seats offer luxurious seating comfort. They can also be folded down separately, making it possible in combination with the spacious rear cargo area to use the back of the vehicle in a variety of ways. Ultimately, confident off-road capability and generous spaciousness make the long G-Class a truly special all-rounder.