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AMG Boss Backs Hybrids Over Diesels

AMG Chairman Ola Källenius says that petrol-electric hybrids, not diesels, are a more appropriate eco-friendly option for performance cars, a viewpoint not shared by rivals Audi and BMW Källenius said to American auto news outlet&nbs


AMG Chairman Ola Källenius says that petrol-electric hybrids, not diesels, are a more appropriate eco-friendly option for performance cars, a viewpoint not shared by rivals Audi and BMW

Källenius said to American auto news outlet Edmunds that diesels weren't able to deliver the aggressiveness, linearity and sound of a petrol engine, and that performance diesels weren't in keeping with the AMG ethos.

But he was also quick to say that while hybrids are preferable to diesels in a performance context, there were currently no plans to introduce an AMG-developed hybrid model.

Instead, Mercedes-Benz's performance arm will concentrate on extracting more efficiency from its existing range of powerplants, particularly through the use of turbocharging.

The company's much-loved M156 6.2 litre naturally aspirated V8 is on its way out, with the new M157 5.5 litre biturbo V8 replacing it in all  "63 AMG" badged models bar the C63.

The 6.2 also powers the SLS AMG, albeit in a very different form to that used by the C 63 AMG.

AMG's new turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine is also a crucial part of the tuning house's future product portfolio, powering the upcoming A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG and putting out 265kW and 450Nm.

Downsizing engines, clearly, is not necessarily to the detriment of power.

Källenius also reaffirmed AMG's commitment to its 6.0 litre biturbo V12, which currently powers the CL 65 AMG, SL 65 AMG, G 65 AMG and the S 65 AMG

According to Källenius, the 6.0 litre V12 is fully compliant with Euro 6 emissions regulation and has at least five or six years left in its lifespan.

Thanks to a range of enhancements applied last year (including a start-stop capability), AMG is keen to keep the V12 in its portfolio for as long as possible.

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