But a power hike and it’s still a V8. Just with 2 turbos strapped to it!
Development on the C63 AMG variant of the new Mercedes-Benz C-class is entering its final stages ahead of its world debut at the LA motor show in November.
The new C63 is set to go on sale in the UK early next year, powered by a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with close to 500 bhp.
The hot saloon will be the first in a quartet of C63 AMG models planned over the next two years. Estate, coupé and convertible variants are all in the pipeline.
The car’s direct-injection petrol V8 is a new development. It plays a crucial role in AMG’s future engine strategy by sharing a modular architecture with the A45 AMG’s turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit, including its 90 mm cylinder bore space and 7 mm cylinder wall thickness.
The outgoing C63’s naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine is good for 451 bhp in standard guise. However, its more advanced replacement is expected to have around 480 bhp.
The appearance of forced induction in AMG’s C-class performance saloon for the first time should also help to extend its torque reserves beyond the 443 lb ft of its predecessor.
The C63 AMG will be rear-drive only, stopping a recent trend of AMG models being offered with all-wheel drive as well as rear-wheel drive.
“There will be no four- wheel drive on the C63,” AMG boss Tobias Moers told Autocar at the recent Detroit motor show. “You should never say never, but for the foreseeable future, we will not offer it on the C63 AMG, either as standard or as an option.”
Meanwhile, AMG has announced that 2013 was the most successful year in the firm’s history with a total of 32,200 sales, thanks in part to the success of the four-cylinder A45 and CLA45.
In announcing sales figures for the first time, AMG also confirmed that the soon-to-be-discontinued SLS AMG had achieved over 10,000 sales worldwide since its addition to the line-up in 2010.
The SLS will be replaced by the GT AMG, which will be revealed later this year.