AMG to go AWD

[Wretched]

Mercedes-Benz's performance division AMG will move away from rear-wheel-drive cars in favour of all-wheel-drive.

The company says it will add several all-wheel-drive models in the coming years, because sending the drive to all four wheels will make better use of the power produced from its V8 performance models.

The company currently only sells the ML-, GL- and G-Class SUVs with all-wheel-drive, but the new A45 AMG hatchback and the CLA compact sedan due next year will both send their power to the ground via all-four wheels.

All of AMG's current performance models not based on an SUV - including the C-, E-, SLS- and CLS-Class - are rear-wheel-drive.

Advertisement AMG head of engines and powertrains Friedrich Eichlers says all-wheel-drive will be offered across more models because getting so much power to the ground via only the rear wheels can be a problem.

"We will not only have all-wheel-drive in the SUVs and the compact cars, we will also have that in the performance sedans," Eichlers says.

"Next year there will be a presentation of a new all-wheel-drive concept," he says. "It's absolutely necessary, our competitors have all-wheel-drive [cars] in the performance segment, so we have to do that too.

Mercedes-Benz already produces a four-wheel-drive system for its sedans and wagons - known as 4Matic - but those versions are not sold in Australia, instead reserved for markets such as the US, where snowy or icy conditions are more prevalent in some areas.

Eichlers says that AMG cars with engines producing more than 900Nm of torque are the main candidates for all-wheel-drive.

"To compare the performance, especially the torque - 900Nm - you cannot bring that to the street," he says.

"If you want to be a member of the club with cars that have 0-100km/h times of around 3.0 seconds, then you need to have all-wheel-drive for your sports cars.

"The traction is a little bit of a problem for us, and we can solve this problem with all-wheel-drive.

"It's a good idea to have all-wheel-drive. We just think about that because we won't bring the power and the torque to the road if you always lose the grip and the [traction control system] kills all the power and torque," he says.

"So with four-wheel-drive you have more opportunity to accelerate really quick," Eichlers says. "In that case we have to look at our sports cars ... and we have to think about that, whether it's a good idea or not."

That doesn't mean the end of the rear-wheel-drive sports car, though.

"I think we will have both [rear- and all-wheel-drive models]," Eichlers says.

"Some people like two-wheel-drive because the steering is a little bit lighter and you can have more fun, with drift, when the rear of the car comes around. Some people like that."

Eichlers steadfastly ruled out any chance of AMG producing front-wheel-drive models though, despite parent company Mercedes-Benz relying on the layout for models such as the A- and B-Class.

"Front-drive cars are for children," he says.

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/a...117-29ifz.html

[Trek]

I love the last quote Made my day...

I suppose it's just a given at the end of the day that they have to match their competitors though.

[blueoval]

I think this is a great idea. More traction to ground and lower 0-100 times. What would be even better is if they incorporated a select-able AWD/RWD option to turn on and off the AWD capabilities for some RWD fun on occasions.

[Ben73]

I quite like AWD. I'd go an AMG with AWD any day.
That hatchback looks pretty cool, and I am not a hatch fan normally.

[Fireblade]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I think this is a great idea. More traction to ground and lower 0-100 times. What would be even better is if they incorporated a select-able AWD/RWD option to turn on and off the AWD capabilities for some RWD fun on occasions.

That would make a great combo like the old 32/33 GTR and setting up a switch to have fun in RWD.

[GT69]

I am humored that people would go an AMG with AWD any day....but a Falcon NEEDS to have RWD.....

[fou_bleu]

Originally Posted by GT69

I am humored that people would go an AMG with AWD any day....but a Falcon NEEDS to have RWD.....

But an AMG just doesn't have the RWD history of the Falcon; you should know that by now!

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by GT69

I am humored that people would go an AMG with AWD any day....but a Falcon NEEDS to have RWD.....

What are Ford thinking about making an AWD Falcon?
If not I don't see how that is even related to this topic.
As far as I am aware all Falcon discussions are FWD vs RWD.... in which case RWD wins.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by GT69

I am humored that people would go an AMG with AWD any day....but a Falcon NEEDS to have RWD.....

Because a Falcon that was AWD would be an east/west V6 pussbox, not a I6 or V8 north/west setup.

That's the big difference. If Ford could keep the current engine configuration and add AWD it would be ok.

I think AMG are getting to the point where they need to go AWD on the heavy hitters cause they are making such enormous amounts of torque. The TC/ESP systems are just working overtime trying to contain it.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by GT69

I am humored that people would go an AMG with AWD any day....but a Falcon NEEDS to have RWD.....

All things that do not evolve become extinct.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Trek

I love the last quote Made my day...

I suppose it's just a given at the end of the day that they have to match their competitors though.

Mr Eichlers gets a thumbs up from me too. And I hope BMW we're reading it...

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by 4RD4TW

But an AMG just doesn't have the RWD history of the Falcon; you should know that by now!

Historically, what has Mercedes and AMG had then?

[flappist]

Originally Posted by 4RD4TW

But an AMG just doesn't have the RWD history of the Falcon; you should know that by now!

Yeh you are right.

AMG have only been making RWD performace and race vehicles since 1967. Before that it was MB themselves who have been making RWD vehicles since 1886 which was actually the first motor vehicle ever made.

AMG have successfully raced all over the world with RWD cars and are available in 2 and 4 door as well as SUV using N/A, S/C and T/C I4, I6, V6 V8, V10 and V12 engines.

That is definitely the RWD history of the Falcon.........

[Fireblade]

I have a feeling he was being sarcastic but I could be wrong.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by F6 FOON

I have a feeling he was being sarcastic but I could be wrong.

My sarcasm monitor was reading 8.5 to 9 outa 10, so i think you could be right....

[mik]

i`m thinking AMG branch is going hunting .......... should be interesting.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

My sarcasm monitor was reading 8.5 to 9 outa 10, so i think you could be right....

My apologies, mine was broken.

[fou_bleu]

Yeah, sorry, I was being sarcastic :P

[wrongwaynorris]

AWD Benzes are nothing new , 90% of all Benzes in Russia are AWD .