Malmsheim, Germany –AMG is the name of a mechanical magician – Mercedes-Benz’s engine-maker, to be exact. This subsidiary in its own right is in charge of breathing monster power into the production cars of the Stuttgart automaker, creating high-performance machines. The S 63 is one of them. We recently got the chance to briefly test drive the newest version of it around Stuttgart, Germany.
The number 63 doesn’t reflect engine size – at least, not exactly. The twin-turbo V8 slumbering beneath the sedan’s elongated hood displaces 5.5 litres. But according to AMG’s specialists, the new engine delivers as much power as the 6.3-litre model it’s replacing. What’s more, it does so on 25% less fuel! Therein lies the magic.
Mercedes reminded us that with its 518-head stable, the naturally aspirated, 6.2-litre engine allowed the 2010 S 63 to charge from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. It also consumed quite a bit of fuel, 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres on average for the long-wheelbase S 63 (the only version available in Canada).
But the mill behind the 2011 S 63 kicks out 544 ponies and makes for a more athletically inclined two-ton sedan, shaving one tenth of a second off the 0-100 dash. The biggest accomplishment, though, is at the pump: the S 63 won’t need to stop there quite so often. In fact, according to the manufacturer, this twin-turbo sips just 10.5 litres of premium gas per 100 kilometres on average.
And as if that weren’t enough, AMG is serving up a Performance version of the new S 63, equipped with a gutsier version of the same V8. This one generates 571 hp and shaves another tenth of a second off the 0-100, dropping it to a mere 4.4 seconds. That’s just four measly tenths away than what the new Ferrari California can pull off!
A true gem
And like all the other AMG engines, this new twin-turbo V8 is handcrafted according to the engine-maker’s sacrosanct principle of “one man, one engine.” This philosophy is designed to ensure the highest standards of quality and turns the engines into little mechanical gems that receive the signature of their maker.
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| For 2011, the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG benefits from a new, more powerful and more fuel-efficient twin-turbo V8. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
The number 63 doesn’t reflect engine size – at least, not exactly. The twin-turbo V8 slumbering beneath the sedan’s elongated hood displaces 5.5 litres. But according to AMG’s specialists, the new engine delivers as much power as the 6.3-litre model it’s replacing. What’s more, it does so on 25% less fuel! Therein lies the magic.
Mercedes reminded us that with its 518-head stable, the naturally aspirated, 6.2-litre engine allowed the 2010 S 63 to charge from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. It also consumed quite a bit of fuel, 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres on average for the long-wheelbase S 63 (the only version available in Canada).
But the mill behind the 2011 S 63 kicks out 544 ponies and makes for a more athletically inclined two-ton sedan, shaving one tenth of a second off the 0-100 dash. The biggest accomplishment, though, is at the pump: the S 63 won’t need to stop there quite so often. In fact, according to the manufacturer, this twin-turbo sips just 10.5 litres of premium gas per 100 kilometres on average.
And as if that weren’t enough, AMG is serving up a Performance version of the new S 63, equipped with a gutsier version of the same V8. This one generates 571 hp and shaves another tenth of a second off the 0-100, dropping it to a mere 4.4 seconds. That’s just four measly tenths away than what the new Ferrari California can pull off!
A true gem
And like all the other AMG engines, this new twin-turbo V8 is handcrafted according to the engine-maker’s sacrosanct principle of “one man, one engine.” This philosophy is designed to ensure the highest standards of quality and turns the engines into little mechanical gems that receive the signature of their maker.
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| AMG is serving up two versions of its new twin-turbo V8, producing 544 and 571 hp respectively. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |