Mercedes-Benz will launch the first in a new line of performance vehicles at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, a new report says.
According to Automotive News (sub. required), the C450 AMG will launch a planned line of mid-level AMG models. First hinted at earlier this year, the new model will bridge the gap between the C400 and the full-bore AMG C-Class that’s waiting in the wings.
As previously reported, the C450 AMG will use a tuned version of the C400’s 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 with an estimated output of 367 horsepower. Some styling and chassis changes will also be part of the package, but they won’t be as aggressive as what’s found in uncut AMG models.
Related: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class first drive
Mercedes will reportedly apply this “AMG Sport” concept to the CLA-Class and E-Class, as well as the GLK-Class crossover, one of the only current Mercedes models without an AMG variant.
Meanwhile, enthusiasts will probably continue to hold out for the real C-Class AMG model. After transitioning to the new-for-2015 C-Class platform, it retain the old car’s C63 AMG name, but may trade the outgoing model’s V8 for a V6.
