It's time for Mercedes-Benz's naturally aspirated 6.3-liter 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 biturbo engine that's more powerful yet significantly more fuel efficient.
Showcased here on a cosmetically upgraded and sported-up S63 AMG sedan that pays tribute to the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the new 5.5-liter V8 features direct injection with spray-guided combustion and twin turbocharging.
In standard form, the V8 biturbo engine develops a peak output of 544HP and maximum torque of 800Nm or 590 lb-ft. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these figures are increased to 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft.
In comparison, AMG's outgoing naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 churns out 525HP and 630Nm or 465 lb/ft 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 tech, the new 5.5 V8 bit-turbo will allow the upcoming 2011 S63 AMG to return a combined fuel consumption of 10.5lt/100km or 22.4 mpg US which represents a saving of more than 25 percent compared to the current S63 AMG (14.4 lt/100km).
Likewise, CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced at 246 grams per kilometre, or 28.5 percent lower than for the previous model.
At the same time the S 63 AMG with the new bi-turbocharged V8 propels the high-performance saloon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph. 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 or 186mph.
The current S63 AMG reaches 100 km/h (62mph) from standstill in 4.6 seconds and while the S65 AMG with a 6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine producing 612HP and 1000Nm or 737 lb/ft, accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 sec.
The new 5.5 V8 bi-turbo engine will have its debut on the 2011MY S63 AMG sedan later this year and will show up on more AMG models shortly after.
