AMG teases future models

AMG is planning to launch a total of eight new models over the next five years, and this picture shows all of them next to the current range, hidden under sheets.

The range explosion was announced at an AMG event to celebrate the 45th aniverssary of Mercedes' official performance arm. Branded "AMG Performance 50" the plan is to grow the range and raise sales from 20,000 units to 30,000 units a year by the time AMG turns 50.

Last week we brought you all the details on Mercedes' new Audi RS3 fighter, the four-wheel drive A45 AMG, which you can read about here. Other forthcoming members of the small-car family which are likely to get the AMG treatment include a new small SUV and the 'baby CLS' previewed by the CSC concept in Beijing.

The S-Class AMG family, which already includes the S63, S65, CL63 and CL65 has also been singled out as a growth area over the coming years. A new S-Class is due next year along with a replacement for the CL-Class called the S-Class Coupe. For the first time convertible and shooting brake bodystyles are expected to be added to the range, and are likely to spawn AMG variants, too.

The car we're all waiting for though is the sub-SLS sports car, the SLC, which is scheduled for a debut in 2014. On top of that, an extreme SLS Black Series is expected to break cover this year, along with a AMG version of the CLS shooting brake.