AMG plotting hardcore hybrids

If you thought hybrids were only for tree-hugging hippies, think again. Mercedes-AMG is working on a number of new hybrid powertrain and platform solutions to ensure its new-generation of tyre-frying bahn-stormers can meet emissions regulations.

Influential CEO of Mercedes-AMG, Tobias Moers, told motoring.com.au he was amped about the future of hybrid and electric performance cars.

Moers revealed the existence of a fast-moving project within Mercedes-AMG whose directive is to develop the next generation of flagship performance cars, a project that includes "Formula One guys".

The hands-on AMG boss conceded it would mean V8-powered vehicles like the AMG C 63 and AMG GT (or their successors) would be heavier, by virtue of adding electric motors and battery packs, but that they'll also be faster.

Much, much faster!

"As an engineer I'm excited by it. Because I know this is going to help us to increase power output. To give us better straight-line performance. But you always have to take care that it should be balanced regarding the overall dynamics of the car," Moers told motoring.com.au.

Moers argues that AMG vehicles have to retain racetrack capability but that "weight is still an issue with hybridisation and electrification".

But as ever-stricter emissions regulations force the hands of car makers all over the world, new solutions are required.

It's not yet clear how the Affalterbach company will employ hybrid tech in its vehicles, but the AMG chief says his company does not have its head in the sand when balancing performance and environmental respect.

"We are not able to shut our eyes for future demands so we work on electrification, hybridisation, and this is the bigger task for us, because we have three different layouts in place, east-west [A45 etc], GT [FR with transaxle] and C 63 [FR]. All different platforms and layouts," he explained.

The Mercedes-AMG chief hinted that the company was considering merging platforms to reduce development costs and complexity, the results of which could be very exciting.

"Maybe we combine layouts? We have gained something in the last few months," he revealed, "but it's not research, it's kind of like a combined team of a few people in a think tank talking with suppliers, what they're able to do, involvement of HPP, high performance powertrain, Formula one guys as well in that project."

With that in mind, might we see a KERS-style 'boost' mode in future AMGs whereby drivers can press a button or flick a switch for added powertrain performance increases for short periods of time, useful on race tracks with long straights?

"It's a fast moving project," he enthused but said production realities of the go-fast technology wouldn't be revealed for a few years.

"There's no need for it now, the next one or two years. But for 2020? Sure."

"When you have some hardware that you can use in cars to drive development [it's exciting], but it's nothing we can talk in detail about yet," Moers said.

Talk about a tease! What do you think, will hybridisation unlock new potential for high-end performance cars? Have your say in the comments below.