Mercedes-AMG Turning to Hybrids by 2020
Mercedes-AMG models will have hybrid powertrains by the end of the decade.
According to the German automaker’s head of research and development, Thomas Weber, hybrid AMG performance cars could be on sale by 2020 due to increasing pressure on the performance sub-brand to reduce CO2 output of its model lineup.
Currently, Mercedes offers a few hybrid models including the S400 and E400 as well as the new S-Class Plug-in hybrid, and is adding many more at a rapid pace, with plans of launching at least 10 new plug-in hybrids by 2017.
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Up until now, AMG has been hesitant to use hybrid powertrains because the company isn’t so sure its buyers are ready. “We haven’t done it so far, because right now the customer wouldn’t buy it,” said Weber in an interview with Autocar. “AMG customers tell us they want the sportiest performance option available in any given sector of the performance market. We don’t know when they will be ready for hybrid.”
Weber did confirm that the automaker has been planning for some time now for the inevitable switch to hybrid powertrains, or at the very least, offering them in the AMG lineup to help meet strict emissions standards. The good news is, AMG can easily reach into Mercedes-Benz’s bin of existing hybrid technology to find a simple e-boost solution that will increase performance and regenerative energy through braking.
[Source: Autocar]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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