E-AMG gets sharpened front end but is four-door only

Mercedes-Benz performance arm AMG's version of the new W212 E-Class will benefit from bespoke suspension but will likely be offered in four-door only. That's the news from AMG boss, Volker Mornhinweg.

Speaking to the Carsales Network at this week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Mornhinweg confirmed that the precedent for a more comprehensive workover for the E was set with the recent W204 C-Class.

Like the C63 AMG, the new E-Class AMG will get a unique front suspension and steering configuration. Indeed, Mornhinweg says there'll be even more comprehensive changes to the new executive express.

"We will talk about it more later in 2009, but yes, we have [made significant changes to the E-Class].

"The E-Class will go in the same direction [as the C63]. We decided in 2005 that there was room for improvement in our products. The C63 and SL63 are examples. With the E63 I think we will see a further step forward."
 
Mornhinweg hinted the new E-Class range topper could even get the same multiplate-clutch equipped AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT automatic gearbox as the SL-AMG.

He said, however, that the E-AMG would not debut AMG's next generation twin-turbo V8, but rather would feature a fettled version of the current 6.2-litre powerplant. Though initially it had been expected the changes would include direct-injection, the AMG boss denied that was the case. Features like auto stop/start will also have to wait for the next generation, he said.

Although there was no sign of AMG's performance diesel or hybrid at Detroit Mornhinweg denied cost cutting across Mercedes-Benz had slowed AMG's own research and development. He did admit however that the company was rationalising some of its programs, but remains "C02 focused".

"We will make decisions this year [on hybrid and diesel] -- we can't spend on all things."

One victim of the current financial crisis and sales downturn (particularly in the USA), however, is AMG's version of the new E-Class coupe. Set to replace the CLK in the cooking model Mercedes-Benz range, the new E-Class coupe is expected to debut at the Geneva show in March. Unlike the CLK, however, there will almost certainly be no two-door E-AMG after the USA market opted out of the model.

Politically sensitive, Mornhinweg says no final decision has been made.

"So far we haven't decided. We are still in discussions. In the meantime we can offer maybe AMG [Sport Pack] version. We need to figure out the right approach for this type of car".