How Two Engineers Turned AMG Into A Legend
About this episode
Matt de Lorenzo joins the In Wheel Time Podcast to discuss his new book, 'Mercedes AMG: Race-Bred Performance.' He shares the fascinating history of AMG, from its beginnings as a small tuning company founded by two engineers to its evolution into a performance powerhouse under Mercedes. The conversation covers key milestones, including their iconic 'Red Pig' race car and the eventual acquisition by Mercedes. The episode also touches on the unique engineering philosophy at AMG and the significance of their one-man, one-engine approach, making it a deep dive into automotive history and performance.
Two engineers walked away from the safe path and built an icon. That’s the spark behind AMG’s journey from late-night tuning to a seat at Mercedes’ top table, and author Matt DeLorenzo brings the full story to life with factory access, rare photos, and details that rarely leave the archives. We dive into the early moonlighting years, the audacious 300 SEL 6.8 “Red Pig” that shocked Spa in 1971, and how race wins turned a side hustle into the performance heartbeat of Mercedes-Benz.
Matt helps us connect the dots from privateer sedans to the Hammer era, where a V8-stuffed E-Class redefined fast luxury for the U.S. market. We talk about German touring car glory, the first co-developed C 36, and the strategic moves that led Mercedes to buy AMG outright. Inside Affalterbach, the one-man-one-engine philosophy still stands, with each builder signing their work. That culture of accountability and craft underpins halo cars from the SLS Gullwing to the AMG GT, proving AMG can design from a clean sheet, not only tune.
There’s a fascinating twist next door: HWA, Hans Werner Aufrecht’s outfit, building GT race cars a stone’s throw from AMG’s campus. It keeps competition central to the brand’s identity, reminding us that stopwatch data still shapes the street. We round out the show with a practical review of the 2025 Kia Telluride—trims, towing, real-world fuel economy—and a nod to Marco Andretti’s retirement, a closing chapter in a storied racing surname.
If you love motorsport history, engineering craft, and the stories behind badges that actually mean something, this one’s for you. Hit follow, share it with a fellow car nut, and leave a quick review to tell us your favorite AMG moment.
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Bmw M
"motorbooks and They had done a book on BMW M about three or four years ago done Yes, and they..."
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a sporty version of a regular BMW car that's made to be fast and fun to drive. It has a cool look and is loved by car fans for how it handles on the road.
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty design and powerful engine. This model gained a cult following due to its unique styling and driving dynamics, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Le Mans
"...the bad accident Le Mans..."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Cars race around a track, and it's known for being very challenging and exciting.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a prestigious endurance race held annually in France. It is one of the oldest and most famous automobile races in the world, known for its grueling length and the performance of the vehicles involved.
Mercedes 300 SE
"Melker and off-rack tuned up a 300 SE with a six-cylinder engine and showed their boss Rudy Ullenhout..."
The Mercedes 300 SE is a high-end car from the 1960s that was designed for luxury and performance. It had a powerful six-cylinder engine.
The Mercedes 300 SE is a luxury sedan that was part of the W112 series produced in the 1960s. It is known for its advanced engineering and comfort features.
Mercedes Grand Prix cars
"who worked on Mercedes Grand Prix cars in the 30s and in the 50s..."
Mercedes Grand Prix cars are race cars made by Mercedes-Benz, especially popular in the early 1900s. They were known for being very fast and well-designed.
Mercedes Grand Prix cars refer to the racing vehicles developed by Mercedes-Benz for competitive motorsport, particularly in the early 20th century. They are known for their engineering excellence and historical significance in racing.
tuning
"...the racers would come and say hey, could you do this for my road car? So they started doing tuning road cars as well..."
Tuning is when you change parts of a car to make it go faster or handle better. People do this to improve how their car performs or looks.
Tuning refers to modifying a vehicle to enhance its performance, handling, or appearance. This can involve adjustments to the engine, suspension, and other components to meet specific performance goals or personal preferences.
V8 engine
"...But their big breakthrough came through in 1971 a couple years earlier Mercedes had put a V..."
A V8 engine is a type of engine with eight cylinders that helps cars go faster and perform better. It's shaped like a 'V' and is used in many powerful cars.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in two banks of four, forming a 'V' shape. This design is known for providing high power and performance, making it popular in sports and luxury cars.
Mercedes-Benz SEL
"the SEL which was essentially their s-class the the V8 came from the big"
The Mercedes-Benz SEL is a high-end car known for being very comfortable and having a lot of features. It often has a strong V8 engine, which makes it powerful.
The Mercedes-Benz SEL is a luxury sedan that was part of the S-Class lineup, known for its comfort and advanced features. It often came equipped with powerful engines, including V8 options.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"the first V8 engine in the SEL which was essentially their s-class the the V8 came from the big 600 limo and"
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a high-end luxury car that's really comfortable and packed with the latest technology. When they added a powerful V8 engine to one of its models, it showed how serious they were about making a strong and luxurious car.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. The introduction of the V8 engine in the S-Class SEL marked a significant evolution in its powertrain, linking it to the more powerful 600 limousine model, which showcased Mercedes' engineering prowess.
Mercedes-Benz 600
"the V8 came from the big 600 limo and"
The Mercedes-Benz 600 is a very fancy car that was made a long time ago and was often used by important people. It has a powerful V8 engine and is known for being very luxurious.
The Mercedes-Benz 600 is a luxury vehicle that was produced from the 1960s to the 1980s, often used by heads of state and celebrities. It featured a V8 engine and was known for its opulence.
24-hour race
"tried to race it in 69 at spot the 24-hour race But at the last minute the board told them to withdraw the car"
A 24-hour race is a car race that lasts for a whole day. Cars drive around a track for 24 hours straight, and it's really tough for both the cars and the drivers.
The 24-hour race refers to endurance racing events where cars compete continuously for 24 hours. These races test the durability and performance of vehicles and are a significant challenge for drivers and teams.
Chevrolet Camaro
"the car sitting on the pole by the way for the race was a V8 Camaro Wow"
The Chevrolet Camaro is a well-known American sports car that is fast and looks cool. It's been popular for many years and is loved by car fans.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and sporty design. It has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts since its introduction in the 1960s.
Ford Capri
"Did eventually a Ford Capri one and they came in second and won their class and that"
The Ford Capri is a sporty car that Ford made between 1969 and 1986. It was popular in Europe and is known for its good looks and fun driving experience.
The Ford Capri was a popular sports coupe produced by Ford from 1969 to 1986, known for its stylish design and performance. It was aimed at the European market and became a symbol of the '70s car culture.
G-Class
"they did a little work on the g-wagon in the late 70s when that came out"
The G-Class, or G-Wagon, is a fancy SUV from Mercedes-Benz that started being made in the late 1970s. It's known for being tough and good for off-road driving.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, commonly known as the G-Wagon, is a luxury SUV that was first introduced in the late 1970s, known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities.
Alpina
"you had companies like alpina schitzer Hartman all these others still around for for four capris and opals and and bmw's"
Alpina is a company that makes faster and more luxurious versions of BMW cars, making them special and unique.
Alpina is a manufacturer known for producing high-performance versions of BMW vehicles, often focusing on luxury and refinement.
Schitzer
"you had companies like alpina schitzer Hartman all these others still around for for four capris and opals and and bmw's"
Schitzer is a company that modifies BMW cars to make them perform better and look cooler.
Schitzer, often referred to as AC Schnitzer, is a tuning company that specializes in modifying BMW vehicles to enhance performance and aesthetics.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"AMG released a car called the hammer Which was a e-class with a big v8 engine in it And that's what really kind of put them on the map in the performance circles in the us"
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a nice luxury car that sits between the smaller C-Class and the bigger S-Class. The AMG Hammer was a special version of this car that had a really strong engine, and it helped make Mercedes-AMG famous for fast cars.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a mid-size luxury sedan that has been a staple in the brand's lineup for decades. The AMG Hammer, a high-performance version of the E-Class with a powerful V8 engine, played a crucial role in establishing Mercedes-AMG's reputation in the performance car market, especially in the United States.
Mercedes-Benz C36
"And then they actually developed their first car together, The c36 in 1994"
The C36 is a sportier version of the regular C-Class made by Mercedes-Benz. It was designed for better performance and handling, making it fun to drive.
The Mercedes-Benz C36 is a performance-oriented version of the C-Class, developed in collaboration with AMG. It features a powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension, making it a notable model in the performance segment.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
"...sls uh gullwing From 2011 That was uh amg's first Built from the ground up amg exclusive car"
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a fast sports car known for its unique doors that open upwards like wings. It was made by a special division of Mercedes-Benz called AMG and first came out in 2011.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a high-performance sports car that was produced by AMG, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz. Launched in 2011, it features a distinctive gullwing door design and was built from the ground up as an exclusive model.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
"amg exclusive car And now they have the amg gt, which is the successor to that that car truly am..."
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a fancy sports car that's built for speed and style. It's the newer version of earlier AMG cars and is known for being really powerful and looking great.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a high-performance sports car that represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-AMG's engineering and design. As a successor to the previous AMG models, the GT combines sleek styling with powerful performance, making it a standout in the luxury sports car segment.
Mercedes-Benz SLS
"I've had the great experience of being able to drive the sls."
The Mercedes-Benz SLS is a stylish sports car with unique doors that open upwards. It's known for being very fast and luxurious.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a luxury sports car known for its distinctive gullwing doors and powerful V8 engine. It was produced from 2010 to 2015 and is celebrated for its performance and design.
Mercedes-Benz GTS
"they had lent me one of the gts to drive."
The Mercedes-Benz GTS is a sportier version of the AMG GT, made for people who love fast driving and want a more exciting experience.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GTS is a high-performance variant of the AMG GT, offering enhanced power and handling characteristics. It is designed for driving enthusiasts who seek a more track-focused experience.
Indy 500
"...get jeff's motor minute here it is marco andretti former indy 500 poll winner announces his retirement..."
The Indy 500 is a famous car race that takes place every year in Indianapolis. It's known for being one of the biggest and most important races in the world.
The Indy 500, or Indianapolis 500, is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is part of the IndyCar Series and features open-wheel cars racing over 500 miles.
Andretti
"...marco andretti is the son of michael andretti and grandson of mario andretti..."
The Andretti family is well-known in car racing, with many members being successful drivers. They have a long history in motorsports, especially in races like the Indy 500.
Andretti is a prominent name in motorsports, particularly in American racing. The family has produced several successful drivers, including Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, and Marco Andretti, all of whom have made significant contributions to racing history.
IndyCar Series
"Person is a veteran of 253 starts at the ntt indy series Car racing including 20 starts at the indianapolis 500"
The IndyCar Series is a type of car racing that takes place on different kinds of tracks. One of the biggest races in this series is called the Indianapolis 500, which is very famous.
The IndyCar Series is a premier open-wheel racing series in North America, featuring high-speed races on various tracks, including ovals and road courses. It is known for its iconic race, the Indianapolis 500, which is one of the most prestigious events in motorsport.
Indianapolis 500
"Car racing including 20 starts at the indianapolis 500 Marco andretti won two indy races in the poll position for the 2020 indianapolis 500"
The Indianapolis 500 is a famous car race that happens every year at a big track in Indianapolis. It's known for having fast cars and a lot of people watching.
The Indianapolis 500, often referred to as the Indy 500, is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in motorsport, known for its high speeds and large crowds.
NASCAR
"Andretti also believes uh briefly ventured into nascar making 11 starts at the arca manard series Eight starts in the nascar craftsman truck series or one start in nascar extended series"
NASCAR is a type of car racing in the United States where cars that look like regular cars race on tracks. It's very popular and has different types of races, including truck races.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport organization in the United States that sanctions stock car racing events. It features various series, including the Cup Series and the Craftsman Truck Series.
Craftsman Truck Series
"Eight starts in the nascar craftsman truck series or one start in nascar extended series Marco will always be tied to indianapolis"
The Craftsman Truck Series is a type of NASCAR race where drivers race pickup trucks instead of regular cars. It's a fun and exciting series that allows different kinds of vehicles to compete.
The Craftsman Truck Series is a NASCAR-sanctioned series that features pickup trucks racing on various tracks. It provides a platform for drivers to showcase their skills in a different type of vehicle compared to traditional stock cars.
V6
"...sx prestige x pro v6 all-wheel drive..."
A V6 engine is a car engine with six cylinders that are shaped like a 'V'. It's popular because it gives a good mix of power and fuel efficiency.
A V6 engine is a type of internal combustion engine that has six cylinders arranged in a V configuration. It is known for providing a good balance of power and efficiency.
Chevrolet Suburban
"...this is a standard SUV. So it competes up there with the Chevy Suburban this is a big SUV seats including the driver seven..."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV that can fit up to seven people. It's great for families or anyone who needs a lot of room for passengers and luggage.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and seating capacity, making it a popular choice for families and those needing extra cargo space.
Kia
"...with that familiar Kia pinched grill"
Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes various types of vehicles, including SUVs and sedans. They are known for offering good value for money.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars, often with a focus on value and warranty coverage.
sunshade
"...It does have a hockey stick rear lighting configuration back there... With a sunshade over the back glass all of the manufacturers seem to be doing that sunshade thing..."
A sunshade is something that blocks sunlight from coming into the car, especially at the back window. It helps keep the inside cooler and protects the seats from sun damage.
A sunshade is a feature in vehicles that helps block sunlight from entering the cabin, often found on rear windows. It can improve comfort for passengers and protect interior materials from UV damage.
dual exhaust tips
"...with a sunshade over the back glass all of the manufacturers seem to be doing that sunshade thing... dual exhaust tips... Maybe you can see it in this picture. Yep. Yep. There they are..."
Dual exhaust tips are two pipes at the back of a car that let out exhaust gases. They can make the car look sportier and sometimes help it run better.
Dual exhaust tips refer to two separate exhaust outlets on a vehicle, which can enhance performance and provide a sportier look. They are often found on performance-oriented cars to improve exhaust flow and sound.
roof rack
"I said no, did you have one without a roof rack? They all come with roof rack roof racks mine actually has a style rack on it, but mine's different"
A roof rack is a frame on top of a car that helps you carry things like luggage or bikes. It makes it easier to transport extra stuff when you're traveling.
A roof rack is a set of bars secured to the roof of a vehicle that allows for the transportation of various items, such as luggage, bicycles, or kayaks. It enhances a vehicle's cargo capacity and is often used for outdoor activities.
Subaru Ascent
"the subaru ascent The mars go away the subaru ascent um"
The Subaru Ascent is a big family SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff. It's great for driving in different weather because it has all-wheel drive, which helps with traction.
The Subaru Ascent is a mid-size SUV that offers three rows of seating, making it a practical choice for families. Known for its all-wheel drive and safety features, the Ascent is designed to handle various driving conditions while providing ample space and comfort.
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