The V8 continues to live, but with a little more electric assistance.
The Mercedes AMG V12 engine has been a force to reckon with. Six liters, two turbochargers and 621 horses – all these points to one thing: A legendary engine in a road-going vehicle. Tobias Moers , AMG chief, stated earlier this year that the Mercedes-AMG brand is losing the V12 engine. Although it’s easy to hear the truth before, it can be just as painful to hear it again. Talk about consistency.
Moers reaffirmed his April statement regarding the fate of the bizarre V12 engine, speaking to Australia’s GoAuto at the Paris Motor Show. It appears that the nameplate will be replaced by the V12’s death.
Moers stated, “So we’re going to remove the S65 from our portfolio.”
Moers’s greatest hope is for a hybrid V8 that will extend the life span of the twin-turbo engines. According to the AMG chief, hybrid technology is being developed to improve the performance and efficiency of the 4.0-liter V8 in new AMG models.
Moers sees the V8 also as an efficient powerplant. Moers pointed out that the brand had already reduced the 6.3L V8 from 5.5L to 4.0L in order to meet fuel efficiency and emission requirements.
He said, “In combination with electrified powertrains, it could have a longer lifespan than what everyone thinks.”
This plan is intact so Mercedes-AMG should continue to use its V8 with an electrified powertrain. This new tech will soon be available in AMG sedans, SUVs and sports cars.