This is very interesting. I too read the Autoweek article and was intrigued by what was revealed in this info. This might be a little long winded but I have several random thoughts on this topic.
As most know, AMG was originally a separate tuner (although I understand Mercedes trained etc) who did such a good job at aftermarket add ons to MB production coupes and sedans that MB acquired them and integrated their methods and products into what is now literallythe entire Mercedes line.
As I am currentlly negotiating the acquisiton of an AMG S55, (which is the S Class 500 model with an upgraded engine, suspension, wheels and tires, aero body parts,interior upgrades and special badging) I like the idea of a super high performance daily driver which also offers incredible creature comforts. The cost is pretty significant but currantly is not that much more than the ACR option.
Hence, the DC paradox: If the ACR is already the "high performance" special edition (of course respecting all Vipers are high performance by design) what does the AMG/Viper edition add or offer?? Even more performance? Stainless steel cupholders and better floor mats? I would hazard a guess that it would be a package of engine mods and some neat logo addons. However, this now poses interesting production problems. As I understand the AMG production process, the subject "stock" MB vehicle is removed from the production line and shipped to the AMG works who redo the engine completely (various internal mods, blueprinting etc )as well as the suspension changes etc. The car is then shipped back to Mercedes and then put into their order/delivery system.
Query: Will the AMG/Viper start at CAAP and go somewhere to get the additional treatment? Unlikely, but who knows, under US methods, maybe they could give a corner of Caap to the AMG team. Far from being an expert on the car manufacturing industry, I cannot believe that governmet requirements regarding crash testing, emissions and fuel consumption would allow a customer to add huge amounts of horsepower by simply checking off an option sheet, especially when our favorite cars have such a prodigious amount of power already. I guess they could add an engine option that would have an increase in performance ( at AMG Levels that is) but I seem to recall that Dodge did not increse the ACR output in order to save the costs of resubmitting the engine for new certifications.
Pure speculation, but I would love to hear more from Steve Ferguson, Jon B. Joe Houss or whomever might have some informed thoughts on how the AMG team/version might be effectuated.
PS I'll go on record now that I will get in line to order a 700 HP AMG Viper that is LeMans ready with upgraded interior, Bose Beta stereo, DVD, multiple cupholders and a color coordinated California Brush and Ice Scraper, Parktronic and power washer for my rear license plate all for an additonal 10K!!! It still is cheaper than buying a GTSR from Oreca.
