If you like the size, simplicity and sound of the normally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 found throughout the current Mercedes-Benz AMG lineup, better buy one soon, cuz it's about to get the ax.
Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the board at Daimler AG Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, told Inside Line that the current engine will be replaced by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 starting late next year. No horsepower numbers were discussed, but given the current trend toward more usable, more environmentally friendly horsepower, don't expect numbers much higher than those for the current engines.
AMG vehicles won't be the only Mercedes models getting turbocharged next year. According to Dr. Weber, all 2011 Mercedes-Benz models with V8 engines will be turbocharged. Again, no specifics were discussed, but look for standard Mercedes-Benz vehicles to get a twin-turbo V8 in the 4.5- to 5.0-liter range.
Expect to see the official announcement at the 2010 Paris Auto Show next September.
sgude says:
01:02 PM, 12/14/09
Turbo M cars and now turbo AMGs. Well, since AMG had supercharged cars before, I guess it isn't as big a stretch as turbo Ms. But still, it appears the Germans have fully embraced turbos, and not just for their diesels.
fuhteng says:
01:07 PM, 12/14/09
I don't get it. You want X hp, it takes Y amount of fuel. Sure, the ecoboost V6 from Ford gives the same mpg as the sissy V6, and a lot more power, but I'm just not seeing how 1 mpg makes a difference, particularly when the engine is going to be more complicated and expensive.
sgude says:
01:23 PM, 12/14/09
So true, fuhteng. More power, no matter how you get it, tends to have its price, whether it is the required use of premium fuel or more gas mileage. My BS meter is at full tilt with the Ecoboost engines and whether they achieve better mpg during daily driving than a regular V6. On a cruise, sure, but not during around-town driving.
audisport says:
10:40 AM, 12/15/09
Love that picture.