Performance and Responsibility Mercedes-AMG and Sustainability

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Road to Sustainability:AMG Performance 2015 “AMG Performance 2015” is our strategy for the continuous reduction of fuel consumption and emissions. our goals are ambitious: We want to occupy the pole position in our segment – and to extend our lead. At the same time, we are making enormous investments in our factory in Affalterbach. With the permanent development of environmentally friendly processes and technologies, we are making progress along the path of sustainability – consistently and holistically.

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We have had a passion for motorsport ever since the day our company was founded 45 years ago – and a passion to make automobiles ever more powerful and efficient through the application of brilliant engineering. that’s what we mean by driving performance: constantly enhancing the enjoyment of sporty driving while pushing forward with innovative technologies in line with a responsible sustainability strategy. We have the clear ambition to be the leaders in our segment also in this regard. We already set the first milestone in the field of internal-combustion engines in 2010 with the AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine, one of the world’s most efficient V8 engines.

the next quantum leap is already reality. With our intensive development work, we are aided by technologies, knowledge and experience from nearly five decades of motorsport; and by our responsibilities to our customers and to the world in which we live.

Peak EfficiencyMaximum efficiency. the hunger for challenges. the aim to be the best: that applies in motorsport. And in the development of new drive concepts.

“How does one unite performance, driving pleasure and sustainability?” “With engineering.”

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Intelligent lightweight constructionthe raw body of the SlS AMG is a space frame structure constructed mostly of aluminum. due to the significant weight savings compared with a traditional steel construction, aluminum makes a major contribution to the car’s efficiency. Further weight reductions were achieved through the use of ceramic brake discs and forged wheel rims. Finally, the increased use of carbon fiber elements – in the area of the 9lb. drive shaft for example – led to additional weight savings.

Cylinder deactivationin the new SlK 55 AMG we introduce the new AMG 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with AMG Cylinder Management and set a benchmark for efficiency in the high-performance eight cylinder segment. Fuel saving measures including 4 cylinder deactivation at part-load operation, a stop-start function and generator energy recovery make a fuel consumption of just 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers attainable on the new European driving Cycle (nEdC).

E-mobilitythe development of the SlS AMG E-CEll is another example of the consistent implementation of the “AMG Performance 2015” strategy. this super sports car with battery-electric drive impressively proves that in the near future, it will be possible to lift social responsibility along with the core AMG brand value of performance onto a new level: With its locally emission-free, electric high-tech drive system, this gullwing model painted in fluorescent “AMG lumilectro magno” offers a level of driving dynamics similar to SlS AMG with a gasoline engine.

In four-cylinder operation, cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 are deactivated

AMG 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine

The world’s most fuel-efficient V8 engine

“building the world’s most fuel-efficient naturally aspirated V8 gasoline engine was already an ambitious development target, but ensuring that the efficiency-enhancing measures were in no way to be at the expense of performance or the emotional experience made the challenge bigger still. in simple terms: the driver has to be able to call upon the enormous power of the V8 at any time, to feel it immediately – and above all to hear it.”

telse tschamon, Project Manager Engine M 152 / M 157

The new AMG 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine: Economizes on fuel, not on power.

Works of art are often the result not only of one, but of many small revolutionary ideas that all build on the same concept. this also applies to the design of an engineering masterpiece like the AMG 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine: For example, the engine management system which operates at an impressive 150 MHz and is capable of switching the cylinder deactivation on or off within just 30 milliseconds as required – and imperceptibly for the car’s occupants. the inlet and exhaust valves, which remain closed when in four-cylinder opera-tion, are triggered by an electrical signal and hydraulic controls.

With the new 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, AMG’s development engineers have achieved an engineering masterpiece. due to the radical improvement of the cylinder deactiva-tion system, the V8 is a large step closer towards resolving the normal conflict of interests found in premier sector automobiles: namely, how to simultaneously increase both performance and efficiency. Performance-oriented driving pleasure can now also be compatible with environmental responsibility.

Closing the valves of the switched-off cylinders (2, 3, 5 and 8) has two positive effects: Firstly, a reduction in the load-cycle of the valve-train and utilization of the gas-spring effect. but also the four cylinders that continue, operate at higher loads to compensate and thereby operate at higher levels of efficiency. through the precise improvement and harmonious coordination of all these mechanical, electronic and hydraulic details, the technical masterpiece of cylinder deactivation has been perfected. this engine therefore genuinely deserves the title of “future oriented.”

An engineering masterpiece: AMG cylinder management

Cylinder deactivation with the new AMG 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine

the fundamental advantage of cylinder deactivation is that it significantly reduces fuel consumption in part-load operation, while providing the usual performance in full-load operation. in urban traffic or on country roads, large engines usually operate at below 2000 rpm and at torque levels of less than 200 nm. in such situations, the engine management system of the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 would automatically switch over to four-cylinder operation. in this mode, just four cylinders deliver optimal performance to meet the relatively modest requirements.

only when the performance requirement exceeds the limits of four cylinder mode are all eight cylinders activated and the full engine power made available. to ensure that the driver and occupants are just as comfortable in four- or eight-cylinder operation, the engine uses speed-adaptive torsional vibration dampers. these are part of the AMG SPEEdSHiFt PluS 7-speed automatic transmission and are specially designed for four-cylinder operation. the usual, strong AMG sound experience is also maintained: An exhaust flap regulates the exhaust-gas flows and ensures that the typical AMG sound is to be heard irrespective of the cylinder operating mode. Even though the switchover is unnoticeable, the driver can still decide not to use cylinder deactivation: When “Sport” driving mode is selected, cylinder deactivation is switched off.

in addition to cylinder deactivation with AMG cylinder management, numerous other efficiency-enhancing technologies are in use with the AMG 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine – for example, the state-of-the-art design of the engine with direct fuel injection and a high compression ratio of 12.6:1 improve combustion efficiency.

Furthermore, features such as the special honing of cylinder liners and optimized ventilation drilling in the crankcase reduce frictional losses and thus increase efficiency.

not just engine efficiency improvements have been made, but ancillary component impro- vements as well. these include an efficiency-optimized torque-converter transmission, generator management with energy recovery and also many functions contained within the Controlled Efficiency driving mode. this mode incorporates amongst other things the stop-start function, which is active in addition to cylinder deactivation.

the rationality of a four-cylinder, the emotion of an eight-cylinder.

Highly compressed: further efficiency highlights of the new AMG 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine.

High-pressure injector with piezo actuators allowing variable injection pressure between 80 and 200 bar and multiple injection.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission

Torque and power curves of the AMG 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine

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Engine speed [1000/min]

Power [kW] Torque [Nm]

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Intelligent lightweight construction: the most efficient way of boosting performance

Space frame

the space frame developed by AMG for the SlS AMG is a masterpiece of design and lightweight construction, and results in considerable weight savings. this space frame also achieves high levels of torsional and flexural stiffness.

Ceramic brake discs and forged wheel rims

the use of ceramic brake discs and forged wheels results in another substantial weight advantage. the reduction in the weight of unsprung components also improves the quality of contact between the tires and the road surface, to the advantage of handling and roadholding.

Carbon fiber

in the SlS AMG, the transaxle shafts, engine covering and interior parts are made of carbon fiber. With the SlS AMG E-CEll, carbon fiber is applied even more extensively. the battery box integrated into the SlS AMG E-CEll is constructed as a zero-intrusion cell made of carbon fiber, due to its low weight and extremely high tensile and structural stiffness.

From the smallest screw to the body-in-white to the outer panels, from aluminum to carbon to titanium; intelligent lightweight construction begins in the earliest phase of an AMG’s design and leads directly to the future of efficient automobiles in the high-performance segment.

E-performance: the SLS AMG E-CELL

Electrifying agility

the SlS AMG E-CEll offers optimum conditions for agility because the different requirements of a purely electric drive system were already taken into consideration in the design phase of this gullwing super sports car. by placing the high-voltage battery very low in the car, it was possible to achieve a lower center of gravity as well as a balanced weight distribution. in addition, the use of electric motors close to the car’s wheels has a crucial advantage compared with wheel-hub motors: it reduces the weight of unsprung components, which significantly improves handling and roadholding.

Powerful high-voltage batteries

324 lithium-ion-polymer cells provide a possible maximum load of 480 kilowatts; this is uniquely high for a car battery. the liquid-cooled 400-volt module-form battery has an energy content of 48 kilowatt hours and a capacity of 40 amp hours. A technical precondition for this enormous power is the intelligent parallel switching of the individual battery modules, which also enhances safety, reliability and durability. the car’s impressive range is further increased by kinetic energy recovery on braking.

High-tech electric drive

Four synchronous electric motors with a maximum power output of 392 kW/533 hp and a maximum torque of 880 nm accelerate the SlS AMG E-CEll from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, which is almost as fast as the SlS AMG. the linear power delivery of the electric drive system is a completely new and fascinating driving experience. Power delivery is almost immediate and the maximum torque of the electric motors is available virtually from a standstill.

Key figures

MAXiMuM PoWER 392 kW/533 hp

MAXiMuM toRQuE 880 nm

0–100 KM/H 4,0 s

noMinAl CAPACity 40 Ah (at 400 V)

EnERGy ContEnt 3 x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

Power electronics

Power electronics

Electric motors/gearbox

High-voltage batteries

Push-rod strut

Electric motors/gearbox

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We always aim to be the benchmark.

”We take social responsibility seriously. With our ‘AMG Performance 2015’ strategy, we will continuously reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models while further boosting the core AMG brand value of performance in the coming years.”

interview with ola Källenius, CEo of Mercedes-AMG GmbH

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“We can’t live in this world without thinking seriously about how to use our resources as efficiently as possible.”

The new brand claim – “Driving Performance” – combines two key aspects: enjoying sporty driving and pushing forward with innovative technologies in the high-performance segment. Which role is played here by sustainability and efficiency?

ola Källenius: this topic plays a very important role with our brand claim of “driving Performance.” on the one hand, the claim highlights the unique AMG driving experience; on the other hand, it demonstrates that we want to be the innovator and leader in our segment. Efficiency is one of our key brand values. it is our declared goal to be the efficiency leader with each of our products in its respective vehicle segment.

That’s very ambitious.

ola Källenius: With our “Performance 2015” strategy, we formulated clear targets in 2008: Reducing Co2 emissions by 30% by 2012, with a further reduction of 20% to follow by 2015. in this respect, we are very clearly striving to achieve a benchmark position.

What’s your assessment from today’s perspective: Will AMG achieve these targets?

ola Källenius: We are well on the way and can already demonstrate impressive results: the new E 63 AMG with its 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine is currently the world’s most efficient high-performance sedan. Fuel consumption of 9.8 liters per 100 kilometers in combination with 557 horsepower with the performance package – that’s the benchmark. it’s the same with the SlK 55 AMG with fuel consumption of 8.4 l/100 km and 421 hp. With this car, we have reached the mark of 195 grams of Co2 per kilometer. one important aspect is the passion and creativity of our engineers and our entire team in Affalterbach. Another aspect is that great determination is required to achieve such ambitious targets. As a technology-driven engineering company, we invest a lot of time and money in these areas. the topic of efficiency enhancement has top priority at AMG.

Do you see any further significant potential for economy with the traditional internal-combustion engine?

ola Källenius: Absolutely. there is definitely more economy potential. We will make further progress in the areas of engines and transmissions in the coming years, but areas such as lightweight construction, aerodynamics and many other aspects of the entire automobile also offer important possibilities to continuously improve performance and fuel consumption.

With the SLS AMG E-CELL, AMG has also taken the first step in the direction of alternative drive systems. What is to be expected here in the future, more electrification perhaps?

ola Källenius: With the SlS AMG E-CEll, we have set a genuine exclamation mark in the segment of super sports cars. We aim to build the most advanced, most fascinating and most powerful electric sports car. With this ultra-high-tech project, we are accumulating expertise that we will need in the future. Electrification will certainly play a role, also in the high-performance segment. For each model series, we will decide in which form it makes sense. Know-how is important, and the development of the SlS AMG E-CEll is an enormous help in this respect.

With these developments, are you also benefiting from your motorsport experience?

ola Källenius: our brand is closely connected with motorsport. it is true that technologies are developed there which are later applied in the volume segments. in this respect, AMG is something like the technological spearhead, because for obvious reasons, it is usually the higher priced automobiles that are the first to be fitted with such technologies. Cylinder deactivation on the new 5.5-liter engine originally comes from Formula 1. And with the development of the high-power battery for the SlS AMG E-CEll, we are working together with the engineers who developed the KERS system for Mercedes-benz, just to give you a couple of examples.

Do you feel that the issue of sustainability now plays a stronger role for customers?

ola Källenius: the main reasons to buy an AMG of course are its performance and exclusivity. but customers also expect us to deliver efficiency. our customers are technophiles and want the best technology available. And today, a high-tech product needs to demonstrate state-of-the-art efficiency. We know that our customers have a pronounced environmental awareness. our goal is to combine driving pleasure with environmental awareness and sustainability. that’s why we’ve decided to carry out the successful driving events of the AMG driving Academy on a Co2-neutral basis.*

Do you have comparable targets in the area of sustainability also for the production process in Affalterbach?

ola Källenius: definitely. the “daimler Green Strategy” is a holistic strategy. its focus is not only on products, but also on the production process: on minimizing emissions, on the energy balance and on recyclability. in this area, together with our facility management we have already optimized a lot at our site here in Affalter-bach; this is a process of continuous improvement. let me give you two examples: We have introduced returnable packaging, allowing us to eliminate a large proportion of packaging waste. in addition, we are consistently implementing the din En 16001 energy-management standard in Affalterbach. We are working on a detailed roadmap for the factory which is similar to the strategy for our products.

One last question: what does sustainability mean to you personally?

ola Källenius: We cannot live in this world without thinking seriously about how to use our resources as efficiently as possible. that’s my firm conviction – and it applies to the entire daimler Group. it’s something i experience every day. the topic of sustainability is very demanding and requires high investments. but i am quite sure: not only is it logical and important for the environment – it’s also the better business model in the medium and long term.

“Combining driving pleasure with environmental awareness – we do a lot to achieve that.”

We will make further progress in the areas of engines and transmissions in the coming years. With the SlS AMG E-CEll, we aim to build the most advanced and most powerful electric sports car. And with our “Performance 2015” strategy, we intend to reduce Co2 emissions by 20% by 2015. And we have decided to carry out the successful driving events of the AMG driving Academy on a Co2-neutral basis.

*CO2-neutral driving events: As a first step, the so-called carbon footprint will be calculated. That includes all the direct and indirect activities required to carry out an event, and calculates the greenhouse gases that are produced by those activities. On the basis of this calculation, the carbon-dioxide emissions will be offset by climate projects that reduce emissions by the same amount. This procedure will be examined and certified by a recognized institute or organization.

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Affalterbach, Old German for „Apple tree by the stream“

Environmental protection at the Affalterbach factory We think in processes. that’s why we place emphasis on sustainable business operations along the entire value chain.

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Energy monitoring

Rainwater utilizationthere’s no doubt about it: our reserves of drinking water are becoming increasingly scarce. it is therefore all the more important not to waste this valuable resource. in order to protect and maintain a healthy ecosystem, we installed our first underground rainwater cisterns in 2002. With every new building, we added another cistern. the rainwater flows from the roofs and into the storage system through a filter, and is then taken to where it is needed by a suction pump.

this allows us to collect 100 cubic meters of water and to use it as process water for flush-ing toilets and to water the lawns and plants. A useful side effect is that the rainwater has a low limestone content and is ideal for watering the garden. Compressed-air

managementon three floors, approximately 100 AMG engines are assembled each day for various models and thousands of screws are tightened by the engine builders using pneumatic tools. Each individual mechanic takes responsibility for his or her engines – in line with our philosophy of “one Man – one Engine” – and we take responsibility for reduced energy consumption. through the development of new technologies and the use of a performance-optimized control system, we have been able to significantly improve the control and production of compressed air. the system selects the most favorable combination of compressors of various sizes for the current requirement for com-pressed air. At the same time, compressed air is produced as needed in relation to our production times. the compressors are switched off during the night and at the weekends. the advantage of this system is that only the amount of energy is provided in our engine factory that is actually needed. in this way, we save approximately 35 tons of Co2 each year.

Thermal management

if one wants to reduce energy consumption on a sustained basis, one first has to measure it systematically. With the help of energy monitoring, we can quickly identify any weaknesses of our major energy consumers and eliminate them in the long term. Every day, our new engine test benches are subject to extreme demands. that’s not only necessary to guarantee optimum engine functions and durability for our customers, but ultimately it’s also essential for the development engineering of new engines. Measured in relation to the total energy requirement of the test benches with extremely robust asynchronous motors, which generate electricity

Pursuing a modern environmental policy primarily means conserving resources. that’s why we started developing our heating and cooling facilities in 2009. in the grounds of our factory, we constructed a cogeneration plant for heat and power fueled by natural gas, which operates in combination with a multistage gas-fired boiler. Piping systems, several kilometers long, were installed above and below ground to connect the buildings’ various heating systems with each other in a network, allowing them to be switched on one by one as and when required.

independently, we have succeeded in covering approximately 20% of our total consumption – for more than ten years now. other major consumers of energy such as compressors, cooling units and server rooms are permanently analyzed and optimized. that not only keeps their energy consumption transparent, it also allows specific potential for energy savings to be identified, to which we can react accordingly. in almost all rooms and buildings, we work with an intelligent lighting system as well. depending on external light levels, interior illumination is adjusted to an appropriate predetermined level.

forecast for Co2 savings in the next ten years

Co2 reduction through optimized compressed-air management

storage capacity for process water

*in relation to the total electricity requirement.

Self-generated electricity*

We have also put a second, smaller cogeneration plant into operation to provide heat and power to a separate part of the plant. the fact that these enormous investments are worthwhile can be seen from the forecasts: A reduction in Co2 emissions of 120 tons per annum is anticipated. We also make use of cold out-door temperatures to support our cooling systems, yielding potential Co2 savings of 66 tons per annum.

use of outdoor temperature for cooling purposes*

*annual reduction in Co2 emissions.

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Human Resources

it characterizes our culture and our basic values – transparency, respect, passion and discipline. it makes AMG different from the rest. in reality, it means that we see more in our employees than just their performance at work; namely, people with personality, abilities and needs. We believe that our responsibility goes beyond the working environment and that work and private life should be in harmony. that’s why we invest not only in the development of technologies for the future, but also in the development of our employees. So we place priority on holistic HR management offering diverse solutions – such as junior management programs, child care and further training and qualification.

Holistic is sustainable. this conviction drives our thoughts, our actions and our human-resources management.

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Mercedes-Benz and AMG are registered trademarks of Daimler AG, Stuttgart, Germany.

Mercedes - AMG GmbHDaimlerstr. 171563 AffalterbachGermanywww.mercedes-amg.com