V8 comeback

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【Summary】Mercedes-AMG is reportedly planning to bring back the V8 engine in its C63 sports sedan due to slow sales of the new four-cylinder model. The company is said to be preparing to install the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine in the C63 as early as 2026. While Mercedes has not confirmed this, it has previously mentioned updating the V8 engine to meet emissions regulations. The V8 engine is still being used in other AMG models and may require hybrid assistance in the future.

FutureCar Staff Aug 15, 2023 4:56 PM PT

Mercedes-AMG is set to make a surprising comeback with its V8-powered C63 sports sedan, abandoning the smaller and more fuel-efficient engine that was recently introduced. According to reports from European media outlets, the underwhelming sales of the new four-cylinder C63 have prompted a reconsideration of the company's strategy, leading to preparations for a bold change. It is rumored that Mercedes-AMG plans to equip the hero sports sedan with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine as early as 2026, even though the new C63 has not yet been released in Australian showrooms.

The new C63 currently boasts a Formula 1-inspired 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, supplemented by electric motor boost, which delivers an impressive 500kW of power and 1020Nm of torque. Despite these impressive figures, it seems that AMG buyers are not particularly enthusiastic about the idea of a four-cylinder C63 after years of experiencing the power of V8 engines.

Mercedes has neither confirmed nor denied the speculation from European media, but the company has previously mentioned its plans to update the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine to comply with the forthcoming EU7 emissions regulations, ensuring its continued use across various models. Although the V8 engine was removed from the C63, it is still being utilized in several AMG models, including the S63, SL63, and G63. However, to meet the new regulations, the V8 engine will likely require some form of hybrid assistance in the future. AMG has already demonstrated this solution with the recent introduction of the GT 63 S E Performance, which combines the 4.0-liter V8 with an electric motor to produce 620kW and 1400Nm of torque.

It remains to be seen whether such a hybrid system can be accommodated within the smaller body of the C63. Nevertheless, Mercedes-AMG appears to have recognized that there is still a demand for V8 engines, despite the stricter emissions regulations and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles.