The AMG SPEEDSHIFT® 5-speed automatic transmission with Touchshift combines all the advantages of a manual transmission with the benefits of an automatic, putting you completely in control.

Race-bred Braking Power

AMG develops its own high-performance brakes, unique from standard series Mercedes-Benz models. Utilizing the extensive racing and testing experiences of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, the braking systems are developed to equal the output of an AMG engine.

AMG brakes are equipped with larger diameter rotors as part of a high-performance four-wheel disc system. Braking calipers are also enlarged with multiple front and rear pistons depending on the AMG model. An example of AMG’s high performance braking system can be found on the SL 55 AMG model which features 14.2 diameter front rotors, 8 piston front calipers, 4 piston rear calipers, and 4- wheel ventilation. As a designation of their high-performance capability, many AMG brake calipers are decorated with the AMG logo.

Further changes to the braking system include higher capacity brake ventilation augmented by directional air cooling via the AMG front spoiler. Additional improvements include the reprogramming of the active safety and stability control systems. Both are calibrated to function with the increased braking power and handling of an AMG.

Control Means Safety

The suspension of an AMG-Mercedes has to live up to the performance of its lightning-quick engine - a requirement fulfilled by the stiffer AMG hydraulic shock absorbers and specially developed sport springs.

The Power Behind the Performance

Supercharging is a method of generating a significant increase in horsepower without adding a corresponding increase in engine displacement. AMG has modified and adopted this technology for its newest generation of V6 and V8 Kompressor engines.

AMG has developed a special Lysholm (helical) supercharger for its 3.2-liter AMG V6 and 5.5-liter V8 engines. The Lysholm supercharger is based on a two rotor helical design intermeshing an aluminum rotor and Teflon-coated alloy rotor. With less than 0.1 inch clearance between rotors, this upercharger produces 30% more boost pressure than standard superchargers.

Driven through an electromechanical clutch, which engages automatically, as power is needed, the AMG supercharger operates at a maximum boost of 12.8 psi over 20,000 rpm. This boost enables the AMG V6 engine to deliver a specific output of over 100 hp per liter. Intake air is cooled through an integral air-water intercooler mounted beneath the supercharger in the base of the engine's crankcase. The water in the intercooler is circulated through a special AMG electrical pump system.

Formula 1 Racing Inspire

From the beginning, AMG has pioneered the development of high-performance automatic transmissions. Our latest version is a heavily modified, driver-adapted 5-speed automatic.

Known as SpeedShift™, the considerable power of an AMG engine is delivered through a driver-adapted 5-speed combining the convenience of an automatic with the dynamic action and control of a manual transmission.

AMG SpeedShift performs 35% faster, more responsive gear changes, can automatically perform double-downshifts under heavy braking, will hold a specific gear through hard cornering, and automatically selects the optimum gear to ensure maximum acceleration when overtaking others.

A lighter torque converter that locks in all forward gears is another innovative feature of SpeedShift.

Fingertip manual mode, a Formula 1 style shifting system, is one more feature found on many of AMG's SpeedShift transmissions.