It’s time for Mercedes-Benz’s naturally aspirated 6,3-litre V8, that powered an array of AMG models over the years including the S63 AMG, to give its place to a newly developed AMG 5,5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, which is more powerful more fuel efficient.
Showcased under the bonnet of this S63 AMG in racing livery – which pays hommage to the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG – the new 5,5-litre V8 features direct injection with spray-guided combustion and twin-turbocharging.
In standard form, the V8 bi-turbo engine develops a peak output of 400 kW and maximum torque of 800 N.m. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these figures are increased to 420 kW and 900 N.m. In comparison, AMG’s outgoing naturally aspirated 6,3-litre V8 churns out 386 kW and 630 N.m of torque.
To the surprise of no one, the new turbocharged V8 is not only more powerful but also cleaner and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Helped by a seven-speed automatic transmission and Merc’s Start-Stop technology, the new V8 bi-turbo will allow the upcoming 2011 S63 AMG to return a combined fuel consumption of 10.5 l/100km, which represents a saving of more than 25 percent compared to the current S63 AMG at 14.4 l/100km. Likewise, CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced at 246 g/km, or 28.5 percent lower than the previous model.
At the same time, the S63 AMG with the new bi-turbocharged V8, propels the high-performance saloon from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The 100 km/h mark is reached in just 4.4 seconds with the AMG Performance package, with the top speed increased to an electronically limited 300 km/h. By comparsion the current S63 AMG reaches 100 km/h from standstill in 4.6 seconds and while the S65 AMG with a 6,0-litre biturbo V12 engine (with 450 kW and 1 000 N.m), accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 sec.
The new 5.5 V8 bi-turbo engine will have its debut on the 2011 S63 AMG sedan later this year and will filter through to other AMG models shortly thereafter.
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