Mercedes-AMG E Performance will turn hybrids into rocketships

Mercedes-AMG on Tuesday unveiled its E Performance hybrid powertrains, which will mark one part of a two-prong strategy for developing electrified performance vehicles.

Available in both I4 and V8 flavors, the E Performance powertrain takes the traditional internal combustion engine and adds an electric drive unit on the rear axle, comprising an electric motor and a two-speed transmission, with the battery nestled just above the rest. 

AMG's E Performance electric motor is capable of producing up to 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque on its own, although output will depend on model.     

The E Performance motor can deliver this power straight to the wheels, bypassing the internal combustion engine's nine-speed automatic transmission in favor of its own electrically controlled two-speed.    

When the vehicle reaches roughly 87 mph, it'll switch over to that second gear to slow down the motor's rotation and increase its efficiency.     

When traction becomes an issue, the mechanical connection between the axles can temporarily divert some of that motive force up front. 

So what does a proper AMG E Performance vehicle look like on paper?    

Damned impressive, that's what.     

In conjunction with its V8 engine, AMG believes its hybrids will be capable of net output in excess of 804 hp and 738 lb-ft, with 60 mph arriving in less than 3 seconds.

Keep scrolling or clicking to check out even more pictures of the upcoming AMG E Performance hybrid powertrain.