Mercedes-Benz AMG Celebrates 45 Years, Teases Future Models

It seems that almost every luxury automaker has some sort of in-house tuning division pumping out high-performance models, but none - not even BMW's M division - can boast 45 years worth of celebration like Mercedes-Benz's AMG. Introduced in 1967, the AMG line has definitely hit its stride in recent years with amazing cars like the SLS AMG Gullwing or the C63 AMG Coupe, but the company promises at least eight new models as teased by this image. In addition flat-out performance, AMG also states that it will be focusing on lighter vehicles, all-wheel drive systems and advanced technologies such as the electric powertrain used on the SLS AMG E-Cell. Of course, all of the new Mercedes-Benz AMG models will conform to the new AMG Performance 50" strategy that aims at improving sales growth globally while simultaneously reducing fleet emissions - both a difficult task for a performance brand.

Aside from the eight cloaked vehicles in the picture, the biggest news was the confirmation of the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG. Not only is this car a celebration of AMG's 45 years, it is also the first attempt the tuning company will make at a high-performance compact. In this picture, we're guessing that the A45 AMG is shown at the far right next to the AMG version of the new GLA-Class compact crossover and a subcompact B-Class AMG model shown at far left. These new compact models are also likely to share some or all of the powertrain components with the A45 AMG. The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four which will be paired to an AMG seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and it will be one of many new AMG models to offer all-wheel drive. The new A45 AMG will debut in the first quarter next year likely as a 2014 model year with Mercedes-Benz hoping it will help the brand attract a younger buyer between the ages of 30 and 45 years old.

In this zoomed-in picture, we see what looks to be the upcoming SLC-Class Coupe on the left alongside what could be our first glimpse at the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Little is known about either of these cars, but what we do know is that they will each be downsized versions of two of Mercedes-Benz's sexiest models. Slotting in below the SLS AMG supercar, the SLC-Class Coupe will finally give Mercedes-Benz a car to go up against the Porsche 911. Likewise, the CLA-Class is a smaller version of the CLS-Class featuring a similar "four-door coupe" design and riding on the same platform of what could be the next-generation C-Class sedan.

Finally, this last up-close look at AMG's picture shows what we think are a redesigned S-Class AMG, the sleek CLS Shooting Break AMG and the E-Class AMG Coupe (from left to right at the top of this picture). With the current S-Class having been around since 2005, this new AMG model could give us our first look at the next-generation of Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan. With only a single version shown (versus two for the current S-Class in the main picture), either the S63 or the V-12-powered S65 might not make it to the party. The Shooting Break version of the CLS-Class first showed up in 2010 as a look at what is now the current CLS-Class, but recent spy pictures have shown this car driving around ready for production. This picture shows the signature sloping roofline consistent with both the CLS and a shooting break design - this design element is essentially a sporty-looking station wagon, and this added utility definitely works well with the CLS-Class chic lines. Rounding off our guesses for these shrouded, AMG-badged cars is what we think might be the coupe version of the E63 AMG which is currently only offered in sedan and station wagon guise.

While it's hard to tell what any of these cars actually are, we look forward to seeing them all debut over the next few years as AMG ramps up for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2017.