Mercedes-Benz‘s luxury performance brand, AMG, has opened a dedicated showroom for the first time.

The AMG brand, sold for over 45 years by Mercedes-Benz dealerships, opened its first ever outpost in Beijing, China, this week, describing the move as ‘breaking new ground’.

Mercedes-Benz has released the first teaser image of the 2012 ML63 AMG ahead of its official world debut this week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The 2012 ML63 features a significantly greener powertrain, with fuel consumption of 16 mpg (14.7 l/100km), up a third from its predecessor.

It will feature a powerful 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine, with an increased power of 518 hp, which rises to 550 hp when combined with the AMG Performance Package.

Mercedes-AMG is planning a smaller and cheaper version of the SLS supercar, which will take on cars like the Porsche 911 and the Jaguar C-X16.

In an interview with Auto Express the development director of performance division AMG, Cristoph Jung, said there is room for an AMG model below the SLS.

Jung also said that the success of the SLS Gullwing – which has now sold 5,000 models since 2009 – had paved the way for a second AMG model.

Ducati is to show a new motorbike inspired by the Mercedes-Benz AMG line at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.

The Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition is the flagship model of the 2012 Diavel family and has been co-inspired by AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance racing brand.

Based upon the Diavel Carbon, the new model features AMG’s signature wheel styling and an AMG-style sport exhaust system with engraved end-caps, the finishing touch to the hand-built matte black carbon-fibre body work.

High functionality, fine materials and impressive style characterise the new AMG Selection 2011 of first-class accessories.

The products are available in a business line for the office and commercial environment and a casual range for sport and leisure.

The collection includes items such as a functional laptop trolley suitcase in leather/nylon with variable interior compartments for clothes, a laptop and cable compartment plus wheels with AMG styling.

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it is to launch a roadster version of its SLS AMG performance car, releasing initial — disguised — images of the vehicle.

The SLS AMG Roadster, a non-identical twin of the ‘Gullwing’ SLS AMG Coupé which made its debut in late 2009, will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, and testing is already underway ahead of the market launch.

Mercedes-Benz says that the new model was designed in parallel with the SLS AMG Coupé and therefore shares many of its features, including the performance engine.