Mercedes-AMG will send a clear message that it is adapting to modern demands with the upcoming third-generation C63 by forgoing its long-standing V8 power in favour of an advanced four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain that develops more than 500bhp.
The new C63 will be the first in a number of new AMG models earmarked to receive an electrified version of Mercedes’ new turbocharged 2.0-litre M139 engine when it goes on sale in early 2022.
The four-wheel-drive rival to the Audi RS4 and BMW M3 is already undergoing intensive development at AMG’s Affalterbach engineering headquarters. The first sighting of a camouflaged prototype shows off an evolutionary look in line with the recently facelifted E-Class, and suggests AMG will not tone down the saloon's aggressive styling as it downsizes the engine.
The potent four-cylinder engine kicks out a maximum of 416bhp and 369lb ft of torque in non-electrified form in the new A45 and its related siblings. The unit has already been engineered for longitudinal mounting as well as mild-hybrid electric boosting. It’s destined to be used in not only the next C63 but also, in a less heavily tuned form, in a follow-up to today’s turbocharged 3.0-litre V6-powered C43.
The new C63 will be offered in saloon, coupé and convertible bodystyles, with the next C43 likely to be sold in those three guises as well as an estate version.
Other AMG models set to run the new electrified driveline include successor models to today’s GLC 43 and GLC 63 SUVs, the GLC 43 Coupé and the GLC 63 Coupé.
Autocar has been told the M139 engine will adopt a 48V integrated starter motor similar to that already used by the turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder M256 unit, which powers the CLS 53 4Matic+ and other recent new AMG models.
In the CLS 53 4Matic+, the gearbox-mounted starter motor provides an additional 22bhp and 184lb ft of electric boosting. In the next C63, however, it is set to be tuned to provide significantly more power in combination with a similar torque loading.
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Well this takes Lexus approach...
...puts it on steroids! They were the kings of 'take a smaller engine, add a hybrid and reach the power out put of the next class above'. Take a 4 cylinder, add a hybrid and you get V6 power, with 4 cylinder fuel economy! Take a V6, add a hybrid and get V8 power, with V6 fuel economy; and so on. But take a high out put 4 cylinder, and a hybrid and super car V8 performance? That's a new trick! While there's nothing like the sound of a powerful V8, how many will give that up for the improved performance and handling and possible better fuel economy? I'm sure that for those who can drop this kind of money for a vehicle are not worried about fuel, but with BEV's around the corner (along with automakers making heavy investments in their creation), these may be the last days of the high out put ICE vehicles!
When high out put...
...4 cylinders are all you have...you take what you can get!
@wmb
I wouldnt say Lexus were the kings of anything.
Certainly in Europe they have achieved little in terms of sales....so as a blueprint for the future, Lexus is a poor business model.
wmb wrote:
Its not new Volvo have been doing it for a few years with their 400bhp PHEV models, and the 600bhp Polestar 1, makes AMGs figures seem fairly lame to be honest..
warm sauce-pudding
Having a Merzo with a 4-pot is like going to a brothel, in Arkansas, with your mum in-tow, hoping to meet a nice lass
Hope this