AMG GT - Mechanically similar to AM.

[Jon39]

I recently heard from a 'little birdie', that AML drive-line engineers completed a project for Mercedes-Benz.

No more details were mentioned (quite rightly), but I did wonder if this might explain why the mechanical configuration (enthused about by M-B marketing), is identical to 12 year old Aston Martins.

[JohnG1]

How many AML powertrain engineers are left at Gaydon?

During the Bez era a huge number of AML engineering staff decamped - lots joined JLR, some McLaren, others set up shop on their own.

I would be pretty surprised if Mercedes need to bring in AML engineers - to do what? Since the V/H chassis was the work of Lotus wasn't it? The transaxle assembly is Graziano or ZF. The torque tube is a lump of aluminium alloy. Since Mercedes own AMG I am not sure what the AML powertrain engineers could teach them?

It's a nice story and I wish it is true. But I would be surprised...

[mikey k]

AM & Merc have been using the torque tubes made by Caparo for years

[JohnG1]

mikey k said:

AM & Merc have been using the torque tubes made by Caparo for years

There's a post on here about DB9 development that links to - I think - an IMechE presentation by some AML engineers. That discusses the design of the torque tube. It didn't look like something that would be beyond the abilities of the people who managed to make the 7.3 48v V12 for Pagani...

[mikey k]

JohnG1 said:

mikey k said:

AM & Merc have been using the torque tubes made by Caparo for years

There's a post on here about DB9 development that links to - I think - an IMechE presentation by some AML engineers. That discusses the design of the torque tube. It didn't look like something that would be beyond the abilities of the people who managed to make the 7.3 48v V12 for Pagani...

Possibly not
My point was it's not AM or Merc tech, its Caparo
As the box is Graziano etc
So I'm unsure how AML engineers would "teach" AMG engineers something on components they didn't design

[JohnG1]

mikey k said:

Possibly not
My point was it's not AM or Merc tech, its Caparo
As the box is Graziano etc
So I'm unsure how AML engineers would "teach" AMG engineers something on components they didn't design

Have a look at the DB9 document to which I referred earlier - the AML engineering team were involved in the design of the component - establishing what strength of material was needed and working to reduce NVH due to the harmonics of the various rotating components. So, I think AML folks back during DB9 development did have creative input. I don't doubt that another firm makes the part, but that document suggests that AML created some of the IP.