In the automotive space, it is very common to hear terms like AMG, or M, or hear someone say how different their car is from the regular C-class, 5 series, etc. Today we shall look at these letters, what they stand for, what they mean, and just how different they are from the regular offerings by various automakers.
Since the 1960s, automakers had begun letting their racing heritage spill over into production models. This trend has birthed some of the most exciting road-legal cars that one could take on track immediately.
These vehicles vary from compact hatchbacks to sedans, luxury sedans, and even Large SUVs.
At the very heart of this is the following automakers:
1. BMW M: The Ultimate Driving Machines
BMW themselves describe “m” as “the most powerful letter in the alphabet”. The M division began life in 1972, seeking to push boundaries and offer a new and unparalleled driving experience.
Each car bearing the M name is designed around a tuned high-performance engine with superb power figures and exhaust sounds to match.
These cars are created to be a double-edged sword, conquering life both on the track and on the streets as daily driveable cars. This feat is achieved by pairing the potent engine with an upgraded chassis and the very best suspension one can design.
Driving and sounding the part are not all. BMW further makes sure all its M cars look the part. M cars come with aggressive styling packages and aerodynamic body kits that make an m car the complete package.
2. Mercedes AMG: Driving Performance
If BMW M is the benchmark for driving dynamics, then Mercedes-AMG is the epitome of brute force and luxury born from a racing heritage that dates back to the 1960s.Mercedes-AMG cars are characterized by their thunderous engines, each handcrafted by a single technician, proudly bearing a signature plaque. Power is just one aspect of the Mercedes-AMG experience. What truly sets these machines apart is their ability to blend performance with luxury seamlessly.
Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG produces more than only road cars. The division’s history in motorsports is demonstrated by its participation in several racing series, such as Formula 1 and GT3, where AMG-badged vehicles compete at the highest levels, further refining the brand’s technological innovation and engineering prowess.
3. Audi Sport (S) and RennSport (RS): Subtle Beast
Performance versions of Audi are known as S(Sport) or RS models (RennSport), which is just Racing Sport translated. These cars have the most luxurious interiors available inside them, along with some of Audi’s best technological advancements combining Audis most powerful engines with their most luxurious features.
4. Porsche GT Division: Aggressive
Porsche is already well-known for its high-performance vehicles, but the GT division pushes the envelope. Automobiles with a track concentration, such as the Porsche 911 GT3 and GT2 RS, are designed to provide only the most thrilling driving experience. Porsche GT cars offer an unparalleled driving experience thanks to its race-inspired technology, lightweight construction, and aerodynamic improvements.
5. Hyundai N-Line: A New Challenger Emerges
Hyundai’s N division is a relative newcomer to the performance scene, but it has quickly made a name for itself with offerings like the Hyundai i30 N and Veloster N. It is led by Albert Biermann – the same man behind BMW’s ‘M’ division. Hyundai N offers an enticing blend of performance, price, and daily usability, allowing the South Korean automaker to compete with established companies in the performance market.
6. Toyota TRD and Gazoo Racing (GR): Ultimate Ruggedness
Toyota has taken a different approach to performance divisions. Toyota Racing Development, TRD, is the Toyota offroad-based performance division while Gazoo racing is more track-focused. A key point to note is that Toyota has said that they have no intention of dropping one in favor of the other. Therefore we shall expect to see both badges in their respective glory.
7. Ford RS: Rallye Sport
The European performance division of Ford, known as Team RS (the initials RS stand for Rallye Sport), has been producing highly modified performance vehicles since its founding in 1963. Despite their moniker, they are involved in the production of the popular ST range in addition to the models with the ‘RS’ badge.
8. Nissan NISMO: King Of The Tracks
Nismo has been around for a while, but Nissan is far more picky about which cars should carry the name, so their performance models aren’t as accessible as those made by competitors like AMG. You’ve probably seen Nismo versions of the 370Z and GTR over the last few years, but you can also order a Juke in Nismo trim!
All in all, the next time you see a car from any of these special divisions, smile, wave, and acknowledge you are in the presence of something special. More often than not, the aero packages, exhaust notes, and upgraded brakes will be a dead giveaway long before you can read the badge.
However, for those who change badges on regular cars to make them seem like something they aren’t, shame on you!
