Mercedes-Benz may finally be listening to its enthusiasts. The brand has taken an important step toward bringing back V8 power to its performance lineup, and that could mean the return of proper Mercedes-AMG C63 and AMG E63 models.
The latest clue comes from the updated S-Class, specifically the Mercedes-Benz S580. It now features a new 4.0-litre V8 with a flat-plane crank, producing 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. A flat-plane crank reduces rotational mass, allowing the engine to rev more freely and deliver sharper performance.
While this engine is currently aimed at luxury duty, AMG engineers are watching closely. They want to ensure it meets the standards expected of an AMG car before adapting it for their own models.
Mercedes board member Mathias Geisen says, “One step after the other. First we have to make sure we have a very nice and sophisticated V-8, and of course we now look into market demand and have some plans of where else to use it.”
We’d like to be optimistic on this one and say that phase one of the return of the AMG C63 and E63 models is over. And the German brand has now moved into the next phase – one step closer to launching these beloved models.
Source: Road and Track
