History of Mercedes-Benz AMG® Racing

Jun 26, 2014

Mercedes-Benz AMG® History and Racing

AMG® – A History Steeped in Racing and Performance

Most people are at least aware of the history behind the Mercedes-Benz® brand since it is one of the first automobile brands in the world. While buyers in the Westminster, CO area have been driving one of the safest luxury cars in the world for many years, few are familiar with the history behind models such as the C63 AMG® with its 6.3 liter naturally aspirated engine, or the G63 AMG® or ML63 AMG®which both sport a 5.5 liter biturbo engine.

The Founding of AMG®

AMG® was originally founded by Hans W. Albrecht and Erhardt Melcher in the town of Burgstall an den Mur in 1967. Under the name AMG® Motorenbrau und Entwicklungsgessellschaft mbH (AMG® Engine and Production and Development Ltd) the two former engineers from Mercedes-Benz® set out to create the ultimate in racing engines specifically designed for Mercedes-Benz® automobiles.

By 1971 the two engineers shocked the racing world when their 300 SEL 6.8 AMG® managed to beat out an entire field of highly respected competitors to win First in Class and Second Place overall in the grueling 24 Hours of Spa race. This win would place the fledgling company well on the racing and performance map.

Just as customers in Boulder, Denver, and Westminster Co today demand more performance out of the cars they buy, those in the mid-70s were also on the lookout for better performing vehicles. The high demand for AMG® models soon led to the company outgrowing its original location in Burgstall. In 1976 the company proudly opened a new and vastly improved facility in Affalterbach.

More Victories

While models such as the G63 AMG® or ML63 AMG® are among the highest performing cars from Mercedes-Benz® today, it is because they are based on a history of winning designs and engineering. In 1980 AMG® would carry on its winning ways by taking the checkered flag in the Touring Car Grand Prix held at the legendary Nürburgring. The winning vehicle was a 375 horsepower 450 SLC AMG®.

This was only the beginning of a decade of prowess. In 1986 the infamous “Hammer” hit the streets producing an unheard of 190 horsepower and a massive 375 ft-lbs. of torque. The 300E AMG® 5.6 truly earned its nickname as one of the fastest production luxury cars on the market. By 1990 Daimler-Benz® and AMG® decided it was time to work together and they signed an agreement of cooperation. This would lead to the two companies joining forces as Daimler-Benz® took over complete ownership of AMG® in 1990.

A New Era

In 1993 the first car developed by the newly formed corporation, the C36 AMG®, would appear on the streets of Boulder and Denver, CO. This was also the first vehicle produced under the new company flag to appear in the U.S. This car would go on to become the most successful in its class in German Touring Car Racing Championship History, and one of the most widely sold in the world. But this still was not enough as the best never rest. By 2002 the revolutionary 5.5 liter AMG® V8 supercharged engine would make its debut in the SL500 model. This engine was capable of producing an incredible 500 horsepower, a number almost unheard of in modern automobiles. In 2004 the Daimler-Benz®-AMG® produced the 6.0 liter V8 biturbo engine was introduced, offering 603 horsepower and 738 ft-lbs. of torque.

The Modern Era

Today Mercedes-Benz® buyers have access to the first engine developed completely by AMG®. The 6.3 liter V8 currently being used in the C63 AMG® was introduced in 2006, and while a number of technological changes have been made, the basic engine remains the same. It is still rated as one of the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engines still in production.

The C63 AMG® first became available in 2007 and offered a number of groundbreaking features. Thanks to AMG® styling and the 6.3 liter V8 under the hood, this was the most powerful C-Class ever produced. Innovation follows invention as Daimler-Benz® – AMG® engineers continue to push the envelope. To further demonstrate the remarkable abilities of the Mercedes-Benz® brand, in 2013 the company launched the SLS AMG® Coupe Electric Drive. This vehicle is the fastest production electrically powered vehicle in the world.

Whether you are cruising the streets of Denver or taking a weekend trip to Boulder, Mercedes-Benz® has the perfect high performance luxury car. From the teamwork it has taken to create each of these vehicles to the way our team at Mercedes-Benz® of Westminster, CO will work with you to help you find the one car that meets your needs and dreams, you can count on nothing less than the best.

Written By: Kevin Steward