brakes

Race-bred Braking Power

AMG develops its own high-performance brakes, unique from standard series Mercedes-Benz models. Utilizing the extensive racing and testing experiences of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, the braking systems are developed to equal the output of an AMG engine.

AMG brakes are equipped with larger diameter rotors as part of a high-performance four-wheel disc system. Braking calipers are also enlarged with multiple front and rear pistons depending on the AMG model. An example of AMG's high performance braking system can be found on the SL55 AMG, S55 AMG and CL55 AMG models which feature 14.2 diameter front rotors, 8 piston front calipers, 4 piston rear calipers, and 4- wheel ventilation. As a designation of their high-performance capability, many AMG brake calipers are decorated with the AMG logo.

Further changes to the braking system include higher capacity brake ventilation augmented by directional air cooling via the AMG front spoiler. Additional improvements include the reprogramming of the active safety and stability control systems. Both are calibrated to function with the increased braking power and handling of an AMG.

supercharger

The Power Behind the Performance

Supercharging is a method of generating a significant increase in horsepower without adding a corresponding increase in engine displacement. AMG has modified and adopted this technology for its newest generation of V6 and V8 Kompressor engines.

AMG has developed a special Lysholm (helical) supercharger for its 3.2-liter AMG V6 and 5.5-liter V8 engines. The Lysholm supercharger is based on a two rotor helical design intermeshing an aluminum rotor and Teflon-coated alloy rotor. With less than 0.1 inches clearance between rotors, this supercharger produces 30% more boost pressure than standard superchargers.

Driven through an electromechanical clutch which engages automatically as power is needed, the AMG supercharger operates at a maximum boost of 12.8 psi over 20,000 rpm. This boost enables the AMG V6 engine to deliver a specific output of over 100 hp per liter. Intake air is cooled through an integral air-water intercooler mounted beneath the supercharger in the base of the engine's crankcase. The water in the intercooler is circulated through a special AMG electrical pump system.

speedshift

Formula 1 Racing Inspired

From the beginning, AMG has pioneered the development of high-performance automatic transmissions. Our latest version is a heavily modified, driver-adapted 5-speed automatic.

Known as SpeedShift^TM, the considerable power of an AMG engine is delivered through a driver-adapted 5-speed combining the convenience of an automatic with the dynamic action and control of a manual transmission.

AMG SpeedShift performs 35% faster, more responsive gear changes, can automatically perform double-downshifts under heavy braking, will hold a specific gear through hard cornering, and automatically selects the optimum gear to ensure maximum acceleration when overtaking others.

A lighter torque converter that locks in all forward gears is another innovative feature of SpeedShift. AMG SpeedShift is currently available on the C32 AMG, SLK32 AMG and the 2003 SL55 AMG, CL55 AMG, and CLK55 AMG Coupe and S55 AMG.

Fingertip manual mode, a Formula 1 style shifting system, is one more feature found on many of AMG's SpeedShift transmissions.

fingertip manual

Geared for Performnce

Another example of technology transferred from the racetrack to the Mercedes-AMG transmission is fingertip manual mode. The driver can make rapid, Formula-1-type gear shifts by pressing either of two steering wheel mounted shift buttons. Press the button on the left side of the steering wheel to shift down. Press the button on the right to shift up. With fingertip manual mode the driver has full control of all gear changes and SpeedShift only intervenes when the car comes to a stop in high gear, or to shift up at redline.

wheels

All wheels are not the same

AMG light alloy wheels are developed specifically for the high-performance braking, handling and acceleration characteristics of each AMG model.

AMG starts with a robust design engineering strength, balance and trueness into each wheel. The wheels are rigorously tested for load bearing and impact resistance.

suspension

Control Means Safety

The suspension of an AMG-Mercedes has to live up to the performance of its lightning-quick engine - a requirement fulfilled by the stiffer AMG hydraulic shock absorbers and specially developed sport springs.

exhaust

A Breath of Fresh Air

The concern we put into an AMG engine also applies to what we put into the environment. Every AMG exhaust system is technically advanced with ceramic firewall catalytic converters and two powerful metal catalytic converters on the underbody. This sophisticated technology reduces emission levels to meet the 2005 EU-4 emission requirements.