AMG next to turn to diesel engines

Power to the diesel! That’s the message from Mercedes, as bosses prepare to follow Audi into the high-performance oil-burning market.

Auto Express can reveal the firm is closer than ever to launching an AMG-badged diesel model. With Audi unveiling its R8 V12 TDI concept at the Detroit Motor Show and Ferrari taking the wraps off its Biofuel F430 prototype (see Page 20), the pressure is on for Mercedes’ performance division to follow suit.

Powerful V8 diesel engines are likely to be used to create models with more than 700Nm of torque and greater long-distance cruising efficiency than petrol alternatives. Company chiefs remain tight-lipped about the oil-burning AMG plans, but bosses in Detroit did confirm that in addition to the revised SLK, which was unveiled at the US expo, a further five models will be facelifted in 2008.

Next up is the SL, which is due an extensive makeover. The M-Class premium SUV and CLS coupé are also to benefit from a new look. More significant are the changes planned for the A and B-Class. On top of styl­ing tweaks, they will be boosted by the addition of an ultra-efficient four-cylinder diesel engine with start/stop technology.