Mercedes-AMG Sport models teased ahead of 2015 Detroit auto show

A teaser image from Mercedes-AMG suggests the first cars in the AMG Sport range will include the all-new coupe-styled SUV - which was originally believed to be called the MLC, but could now be known as the GLE Coupe (seen below in Concept Coupe guise) - as well as a new take on the C-Class, hotly tipped to be the new C450 Sport.

The company has confirmed the two new models will debut in Detroit and that the sporty new variants will assist AMG in doubling its global sales by 2017. According to the company, Mercedes-AMG will do so by offering buyers performance-focused models that aren't quite the full AMG experience by means of making "the AMG brand and its technology more accessible".

According to the company, the AMG Sport models will offer "enhanced performance and technical refinements", and will "fill the gap between the AMG Sports package for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the classic AMG models, thereby underpinning the brand's growth strategy on a sustained basis".

As CarAdvice has previously reported, the hardware changes are set to include pumped up engines, including a raunchier version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that is seen in the C400. The C450 is expected to push out 272kW thanks to an increase in boost and other mechanical modifications, a handy jump over the C400′s 245kW output. Torque figures remain unknown, but it is expected the C450 will push out at least 500Nm, while the C400 boasts 480Nm.

As we've previously told you, the Mercedes-AMG C450 Sport (if that's how it will be named) is likely to be priced at about $120,000 when it arrives in Australia in 2015 to compete with the likes of the Audi S4 and BMW 335i.

The styling changes are set to be noticeable, too, with the above images pointing out the clear differences between the C450 (above) and range-topping C63, including the diamond grille finish and different mesh inlays. As the image at the top of this story suggests, new wheel and tyre packages will also be offered, and while we've not yet seen official images of the rear of the C450, these spy images suggest there'll be a unique rear bumper treatment and badges.

Mercedes-AMG has stated that the new line of models will be offered with all-wheel drive as standard in selected markets, while other changes are set to include "special chassis components and brake systems from the classic AMG models".

The addition of the new models could be a boon for buyers, but it's a double-edged sword for the performance arm of Mercedes, with the company stating the "introduction of the Sport models in 2015 will make an additional significant contribution towards lowering the fuel consumption of the AMG fleet".

Stay tuned for more on the new models from Mercedes-AMG as further information comes to hand.

Read more about the Mercedes Concept Coupe here.