So far the biggest news of AMG's 45th anniversary is the release of the A45 AMG. This gives the clearest indication yet of AMG's makeover as Mercedes' in-house tuning arm readies itself for its future strategy dubbed 'AMG Performance 50' for its 50th birthday. The new top-of-the-range A-Class model marks the start of a new chapter for the performance brand that is looking to tackle the compact class. Further, the model offensive will expand the range from 22 to around 30 vehicles.

In the family portrait photo, eight models are under wraps. Three are hatchback sized, so the A45 AMG and perhaps a B-Class AMG, a small crossover (GLA AMG?), two small coupes, one of which could be the SLC, a large sedan most likely the new S-class and lastly another coupe, maybe the CLA. In addition to the new performance compact car, the upcoming SLS AMG GT and GL 63 AMG will start the offensive, which will also comprise of more efficient powertrains, the development of lightweight construction techniques, further AMG models with AWD, and the extension of model lines such as the S63 & S65 AMG, and CL63 & 65 AMG.