Car and Driver: AMG’s Boss Spills on Next E63, More Supercars, and AWD V-12s

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Mercedes-AMG is not about to lift off the pedal on its product offensive, the performance brand’s CEO told us at the launch of the Mercedes-AMG C63 coupe. Said Tobias Moers: “The upcoming AMG E63 will make the biggest leap ever,” and he confirmed that the model will be fitted with an AMG Speedshift version of the ultra-quick nine-speed automatic transmission currently offered on lesser Mercedes-Benz models. So far, the nine-speed transmission is not available on any AMG. Moreover, the E63 will be fitted with the high-performance electronically controlled rear differential of the C63 S coupe, a part that isn’t offered on the C63 sedan.

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Short of an outright confirmation, Moers dropped strong hints at a convertible version of the Mercedes-AMG C63; it would come with the same body changes that distinguish the C63 coupe from the regular C-class coupe. These include a different hood, as well as unique, wider fenders.

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Moers also underscored his commitment to grow the firm’s 911 fighter, the AMG GT, into a family. We believe you can expect several higher-powered versions each with a special focus, as well as a roadster, which other sources tell us is ready to go. And that aggressive grille you saw on the GT3 version? Look for it to appear on a number of future AMG models. For now, Moers will only say that every move is part of a cohesive strategy, and that the strategy includes this particular styling element.

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What about the twin-turbocharged V-12? AMG has assumed responsibility to nurture and develop this fascinating powerplant not just for AMG, but also for Mercedes-Benz and Maybach. “We know what needs to be done to keep it [compelling],” Moers tells us. And he provides a few helpful hints: All-wheel drive capability is one of these steps, and delivering a meaningful power gap between the V-8 and the V-12 is another. It’s clear that things won’t get boring at AMG headquarters in picturesque Affalterbach, just north of Stuttgart, any time soon.

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