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AMG

Car culture term

AMG
Photo: Alexander-93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

What is AMG?

Mercedes-Benz's high-performance division, responsible for the most powerful and track-focused versions of the brand's road cars.

AMG is the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. The name combines their initials with Grossaspach, Aufrecht's birthplace. What began as an independent engine-tuning workshop became so successful in motorsport and road-car upgrades that Mercedes took a majority stake in 1999 and full ownership in 2005.

AMG models are distinguished by hand-built engines, each assembled by a single technician who signs a plaque on the engine cover under the "one man, one engine" philosophy. Historically AMG was synonymous with large naturally aspirated and twin-turbo V8s, though the range now spans turbo four-cylinders, inline-sixes and hybrid powertrains derived from Formula 1 technology.

Models wear designations such as C 63, E 63, GT and the SLS and One hypercars. AMG competes directly with BMW M and Audi Sport, and its cars are known for muscular performance, an aggressive exhaust note and a more visceral character than standard Mercedes models.

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Frequently asked questions

What does AMG stand for?
AMG stands for Aufrecht, Melcher and Grossaspach, the surnames of its two founders plus the birthplace of Hans Werner Aufrecht.
Are AMG engines hand-built?
Yes, many AMG engines follow the "one man, one engine" principle, where a single technician assembles the whole engine and signs a plaque on it.
Is AMG owned by Mercedes-Benz?
Yes. Mercedes took a majority stake in 1999 and acquired full ownership in 2005, making AMG its in-house performance division.
What does AMG compete with?
AMG competes mainly with BMW M and Audi Sport, building the highest-performance versions of mainstream models plus standalone sports cars.
What is the most famous AMG engine?
The 6.2-litre M156 V8 and the later 4.0-litre twin-turbo M177/M178 V8 are among the most celebrated AMG engines.

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