Autos : Aston Martin signs Letter of Intent for technical partnership with AMG

A little over two months ago came reports that Daimler and Aston Martin were in talks, again, about "supply and technical-cooperation agreements." The next step has been taken with Aston Martin announcing that it has signed a Letter of Intent that looks "towards a technical partnership" with Mercedes-AMG GmbH, and the two companies aiming to have definitive agreements done by year's end.

While it will get to use certain electric and electronic components from AMG, the true golden egg for the maker of the Vanquish will be the ability to develop a new line of "bespoke V8 powertrains" that will be fitted to "a new generation of models." In return for opening up the larder, Daimler will get a non-voting stake of up to five percent of Aston Martin.

 

Press Release

Aston Martin in technical partnership with Mercedes-AMG GmbH

Thursday 25 July, 2013, Gaydon: Aston Martin is today announcing moves towards a technical partnership with Mercedes-AMG GmbH, a 100% subsidiary and high performance brand of German multinational automotive corporation Daimler AG. A Letter of Intent to this end has been signed today and both parties are working towards signing definitive agreements before the end of the year. Such agreements are subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

The proposed deal will see Aston Martin access significant Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Mercedes-Benz Cars' resources, allowing the development of bespoke V8 powertrains and the use of certain components of electric/electronic (e/e) architecture.

Daimler AG will own a stake of up to five per cent non-voting shares in Aston Martin depending on the progress of the agreement. The company will join the existing shareholders that include Investment DAR, Adeem Investment and Investindustrial.

The technical partnership will support Aston Martin's launch of a new generation of models that will incorporate cutting edge technology and newly-developed bespoke V8 powertrains. An essential element of the planned partnership is a supply agreement between Mercedes-AMG, Daimler AG and Aston Martin.

Aston Martin, which is Britain's most exclusive sports car company, is celebrating its centenary this year. The company will continue to manufacture all of its sports cars at its Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

Aston Martin Product Development Director Ian Minards said: "We have selected AMG specifically as the basis for this powertrain development process.

"Aston Martin sources cutting edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in our next generation sports cars is, clearly, good news."

He added: "Working with Mercedes-AMG in this way while, of course, remaining independent and preserving the unique character and style of Aston Martin that has been the mainstay of the company throughout its 100-year history, points to a very bright future for the company as it starts its second century in business."

Ola Källenius, Head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH said: "We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and e/e components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG's technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides."

The companies confirm that their respective engineering teams will work together to optimise the implementation of this technical partnership.

Both parties have agreed that no further details of the planned technical partnership will be revealed for the time being.

 

Credit : Autoblog

Car Porn : AMG Mercedes Presents - The Ride

Mercedes-AMG - PETRONAS + AMG = Liquid and metal in action. Take a look at our high-tech research lab, where the engineers and technicians are busy tinkering with the brand new A 45 AMG.

Learn more: www.mercedes-amg.com/a45
Join the conversation: www.facebook.com/mercedesamg

 

Rides : Check Out The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster by Wheelsandmore

Wheelsandmore have pulled the wraps off their latest creation, a new upgrade package for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster this time.

According to the German aftermarket specialists at Wheelsandmore, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster in question has received an ultra lightweight aluminum coil over suspension system which is allowing the driver to adjust the compression and rebound rates. The supercar is also receiving a stainless steel exhaust system with sports catalyst, a special sport air filter, the Stage III is adding a supercharger and the ECU has been remapped, just like in every tuned up vehicle.
The result is an impressive 635 HP and 524 lb-ft of torque, which is considerably more than the standard 571 HP and 479 lb-ft of torque, but thanks to the supercharger added by Stage III, the total output produced can reach 704 HP and the peak torque can stand at 631 lb-ft. This is translated into a 0 to 62 mph accelerate of 3.6 seconds and into a top speed of 205 km/h. Bees the 21-inch forged alloy wheels, no more details on this upgrade package are being known for the moment. Wheelsandmore is expected to announce the price list for these goodies soon.

Rides : Mercedes-Benz ups ante with 2014 C63 AMG Edition 507

Buyers wanting a little more power from a standard Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG now have the all-new Edition 507 to lust after. As its name suggests, this new model features a more powerful 507-horsepower AMG V8, and it also gets plenty of performance and styling upgrades as well. Unlike the Black Series, the 2014 C63 AMG Edition 507 will be offered in both sedan and coupe body styles when it goes on sale this summer; based on the images, it appears that European customers will also be able to enjoy the Edition 507 in extra-tasty wagon flavor.

Mercedes-Benz squeezed more power from the C63's sublime 6.2-liter V8 with many of the same ideas used in the SLS AMG including forged pistons, new connecting rods and lighter crankshaft, which also help to drop more than six pounds from the engine's overall weight. Along with the new internal components, the Edition 507 also gets a remapped engine controller helping the mill put out the 507 hp and 450 pound-feet of torque (the standard C63 AMG is rated at 451 hp and 443 lb-ft). This new model also comes standard with upgraded brakes consisting of 14.2-inch, two-piece front rotors to go with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, all painted red.

Adding to the visual aspect of the C63 AMG, the Edition 507 gets stylish five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels (available in a high-sheen titanium gray or matte black), a vented hood carried over from the Black Series, AMG stripes on the rocker panels and gloss black accents on the grille, rear spoiler and mirrors. Inside, the exclusive package also adds a sport steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, red accents in the gauge cluster and lots of high-gloss piano black accents throughout the cabin. An "Edition 507" badge is mounted on the passenger side of the instrument panel, and finishes off the unique interior.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507 will make its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show, but until then, check out the gallery of images along with the official press release posted below. The price for the car has not been announced, but it will include a a voucher for the owner to attend the AMG Driving Academy.

 

Press Release

Mercedes-Benz Introduces An Even More Aggressive C63 AMG

MONTVALE, NJ – The C63 AMG models are becoming even more aggressive with the addition of a newly developed "Edition 507". The output of the AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine has been increased by 56 hp, bringing the output to 507 hp with 450 lb.-ft. of torque. The model year 2014 C63 AMG "Edition 507" uses much of the same technology as the SLS AMG: the eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine features forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft as seen on the super sports car. An AMG high-performance compound constuction braking system with red brake calipers is fitted as standard. The C63 AMG "Edition 507" will be available in the Summer of 2013 and is designed to appeal to ambitious drivers who take pleasure in best-in-class technology as well as exclusive design and sporty handling.

The C63 AMG "Edition 507" coupe and sedan produces 507 hp and accelerates from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds. This new model outperforms the existing 451 hp C63 model by three-tenths of a second, and the variants with the AMG Development Package which produce 481 hp by two-tenths of a second. In addition to an increase in top speed to 174 mph, the "Edition 507" also includes a voucher for a driver training session at the AMG Driving Academy.

According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "The C 63 AMG with the classic AMG 6.3-litre high-revving V8 naturally aspirated engine is one of the most popular AMG high-performance cars in the world. With the new C 63 AMG "Edition 507", we are offering our loyal customers an attractive model variant which boasts even higher performance and at the same time is visually exciting."

Preliminary Technical Data:
C63 AMG C63 AMG
"Edition 507" "Edition 507"
Sedan Coupe
Displacement 6208 cc 6208 cc
Power output 507 hp at 6800 rpm 507 hp at 6800 rpm
Max. torque 450 lb.-ft at 5200 rpm 450 lb.-ft at 5200 rpm
Acceleration
0-60 mph 4.1 s 4.1 s
Top speed 174 mph 174 mph

C63 AMG "Edition 507" featuring technology from the SLS AMG

The increase in power output to 507 hp at 6800 rpm comes courtesy of the modified inner workings of the AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine. The forged pistons adopted from the SLS AMG, together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft, translate into a weight saving of 6.6 lbs. The reduction of rotational mass inertia improves the agility of the eight-cylinder M156 naturally aspirated engine. The maximum torque has also increased by 7 lb.-ft., jumping from 443 lb.-ft. to 450 lb.-ft. at 5200 rpm. The titanium grey-painted variable intake manifold is a characteristic feature of the uprated V8 engine. A new engine control system rounds off the series of implemented powertrain measures.

The exterior of the C63 AMG "Edition 507" is characterized by exclusive new design features. Most notable of the features is the hood – it originates from the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series. Two openings in the distinctive aluminium hood help with expelling engine heat. Newly designed AMG light-alloy forged wheels with 235/35 R 19 front tires and 255/30 R 19 rear tires are another exclusive feature of the "Edition 507". The AMG light-alloy wheels are produced using lightweight forging technology and are available in two variants: titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, or matte black with highsheen rim flanges. An AMG sports stripe applique in matte graphite grey have been located above the rocker panels and are yet another new feature of the exterior.

The spoiler lip on the trunk lid, the exterior mirror housings as well as the surrounds on the radiator grille and daytime running lights are all finished in high-gloss black. Available as an option for the C63 AMG "Edition 507" is an exclusive designo magno platinum matte finish paint.

AMG high-performance braking system featuring compound technology

As standard, the C63 AMG "Edition 507" comes with an even more powerful AMG high-performance braking system featuring compound construction technology. The front axle makes use of compound brake discs measuring 14.2 in. x 1.4 in. The advantages of the compound design include higher fatigue strength and lower warping characteristics. In addition, compound construction discs are lighter in weight and the reduced unsprung masses improve the response of the spring/damping elements.

With compound construction, the brake discs are connected to an aluminium bowl via eight cast bracket arms. The brake discs are ventilated and perforated all around and are decelerated by means of 6-piston aluminium fixed calipers on the front axle and 4-piston fixed calipers on the rear axle. The brake callipers are painted red as standard fitment.

"Edition 507" interior: even more dynamic and exclusive

The sporty yet functional interior of the C63 AMG is even more dynamic and exclusive in the case of the "Edition 507". Three different equipment and options are available to choose from: porcelain designo leather/DINAMICA, black designo leather/DINAMICA and black designo leather. In the case of the designo leather/DINAMICA upholstery, light-colored contrast stitching makes for an attractive highlight. The AMG Performance steering wheel in Alcantara® with light-colored contrasting stitching has a 12-o'clock marking. The gear selector lever of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is finished in DINAMICA and features an AMG badge. The steering wheel and gear selector lever gaiter also have light-colored contrast stitching.

In the AMG instrument cluster, red applications to the dials serve to visually differentiate this variant from the other C63 AMG models. The trim is done in high-gloss black piano lacquer and the "Edition 507" badge on the trim on the front passenger side round off the high-quality, exclusive interior.

Optional extras include:
- AMG illuminated door rocker panels
- AMG rear axle locking differential
- AMG 5-spoke light-alloy forged wheels, painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, with tires in sizes 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear)
- AMG Performance Media
- AMG carbon-fiber/high gloss black piano lacquer-look trim
- Exterior designo magno platinum matte finish paint; four other exterior paint colors will be available from the existing C63 AMG palette.

The C63 AMG "Edition 507" will be celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, which will be opening its doors on March 5, 2013. The model's sales and market launch in the U.S. is planned for the Summer of 2013. Pricing will be announced closer to the market launch.

The C63 AMG "Editon 507" coupe and sedan replace the existing AMG Development Package for MY2014, and will be sold in the U.S. in addition to the existing C63 AMG coupe and sedan with 451 hp.

 

Credit : Autoblog

Car Porn : Check Out The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG promo video

The German based automaker Mercedes-Benz has recently released a new promotional video with the 2014 E63 AMG.

After pulling the wraps off its body in an official manner during the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is ending up in our news once again, this time with the help of a new promotional video. The footage posted below is revealing some interesting driving footage of both versions of the facelifted E63 AMG and if you’re looking into buying the model than you should definitely check it out.
As a quick reminder, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is a facelifted version of the model. The “new” E63 AMG has an aggressive front fascia, new headlights and some other tweaks, which are helping it stand out from a crowd. The cabin of the model is getting updated trim, revised instrument cluster, newly designed air vents and more. Power to the E63 AMG facelift is being provided by a 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generating a total output of 550 HP (405 kW) and 719 Nm of torque (531 lb-ft). Power is being sent to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Source: Mercedes-Benz