Mercedes-Benz->ke187 offers an incredible level of variability in its model lines thanks to a wide gamut of engines ranging from fuel-sipping diesels to world-beating, turbocharged V-8s. It seems though that Mercedes thinks there is a gap between their standard cars are its monster AMG-badged variants.->ke8 This is a gap that will soon be filled by new AMG Sport models. Mercedes already sells “AMG Sport packages” that are mainly visual upgrades to existing models; the new AMG Sport badge will be applied to cars that feature actual running upgrades with accompanying visual enhancements to make a whole new trim level for each model in the Mercedes lineup.
It may seem a little confusing at first to see Mercedes offer an “AMG Sport visual package” as well as an AMG Sport model, but Merc is doing everything it can to make sure the new trim is a worthwhile addition. Each AMG Sport model with come with a tuned engine that makes more power than its normal sibling, each will come equipped with all-wheel drive as standard, and the chassis and brakes will all be improved as well. These are true noticeable upgrades that will make every AMG Sport car faster and handle better.
The first two models to wear the new badge will be unveiled in a little more than a month at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show->ke222 in January. Mercedes hasn’t confirmed exactly what two models will be coming first, but judging by this image it sent with the release, it looks to be the rumored C450 AMG Sport and perhaps the new small SUV that was rumored to be called MLC->ke3911. Don’t ask me what that thing will be called under the new naming scheme.
Regardless, it seems that faster Mercedes-Benz models are coming, and they are coming soon. I am sure most you are not very upset by that.
Click past the jump to read more about Mercedes' first AMG Sport models.
Why it matters
I may have poked a bit of fun at Mercedes and its current car structures, but the truth is that there are some large gaps at the top of its lineup. The current C400 is the most powerful C-Class you can buy without and AMG badge and it comes with a modest 329 horsepower. The C63 AMG Coupe is the least powerful C-Class AMG and it roars around with 451 horsepower. That leaves plenty of room for a model in the 375- to 400-horsepower range. That gap gets even larger when you look at something like the E-Class sedan where there is a gap of more than 200 horsepower between its standard and AMG models.
Despite creating the car more than 100 years ago, Mercedes-Benz is still behind BMW ever year in sales, and if the brand wants to see more success on the sales floor, it needs to expand into new markets. The creation the AMG Sport line seems like a step in the right direction.
Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sport
The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sport is the first rumored model to join the new AMG Sport model line from Mercedes. These cars are created to bridge the large gap between standard cars and the more powerful AMG variants. The first car is based on the C-Class and should arrive with a modified version of the turbocharged, 3.0-liter, V-6 engine found in the C400 sedan. Expect power to be turned up to around the 375-horsepower range.
To go with the power improvements, there will be some chassis tuning, revised suspension components and larger brakes to fit with the new-found speed. A full collection of visual upgrades should also be included to set this new AMG Sport model apart from the lesser Mercs of the family. This new car should debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2015.