Mercedes-AMG Has Finally Axed The C63’s V8 – For A Four-Pot Hybrid
The Mercedes-AMG C63 will exchange its glorious 4.0-litre V8 for a turbocharged and hybridised 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric setup when the next all-new version arrives, in what has to be the most dramatic drivetrain switcheroo we’ve yet seen from any of the major manufacturers.
A report in Autocar says the new, variable four-wheel drive machine is already in testing at AMG’s headquarters and will be good for over 500bhp. AMG will just have to hope that its future customers are more interested in electric drive capability than the noise and character that continues to define the brand’s very identity.
Advantages cited by the brand apparently include lighter weight than the V8 – although not by much, once the hybrid systems are added – and a lower centre of gravity for better overall handling. The real reason for the swap is lower emissions, of course. Mercedes is battling hard to reduce its fleet CO2 output before the EU imposes fines for non-compliance with incoming 2021 rules requiring an average of 95g/km.
This new C63 will use the same M139 four-pot that is in transverse service in the A45, but mounted longitudinally and with a significant amount of hybrid boosting. The engine alone develops 416bhp in the latest A-Class performance flagship, along with 369lb ft of torque. Versions of the electrified update will see service not just in the C63 and presumably a C63 S, but also in the ‘43’ sub-ranges thanks to a planned de-tune.
The hybrid setup will be based around a 48-volt integrated alternator-starter motor similar to the one used by the straight-six ‘53’ models, we understand. Mounted on the gearbox, it currently pumps 22bhp but 184bhp straight into the drive line. AMG is said to be cranking the power figure in particular right up for the future C63.
Power will travel through the familiar nine-speed torque converter already available. It is expected to use only a small hybrid battery and won’t have any exceptional electric-only driving capability, but it will use a potentially F1-derived advanced energy-recovery system that harvests otherwise wasted power from each wheel.
Arrival of the all-new and very different C63 is slated for 2022, so if you want a brand new one with a sledgehammer twin-turbo V8, now is the time to start saving – hard.
Comments
I don’t think anybody will like this, besides environmentalists however they will be shot by Mercedes enthusiasts when the news spreads
I like this. Anything that’s bad to Mercedes people is funny to me
damn looks like i’ve set off some snowflakes
Even climate people don’t care, they don’t drive.
What about automotive engineers who see this as a massive leap forward.
Most ‘enthusiasts’ couldn’t afford the car anyway
People said the same when the C63 went from a 6.2l N/A to a 4.0l biturbo V8. People also said the same when the DTM touring car series went from N/A V8s to turbo I4 engines, but fact is the cars are now lighter, faster and louder than ever before. I predict the same is going to happen with the C63.
Mercedes Headquarters are going to like it because it makes them a hell lot of money. Mercedes does not make this step because of environmentalists. They do it because of the money
The number of sales will definitely be very low on the next one then. I would guess 60-80% of all buyers have bought c63’s for the v8
True
Idk high percentage probably buy one just to flex.
What if I told you trees need carbon dioxide to breathe?
Shhh! You are not supposed to say that!
That dont make this much money! The new 63 is going to be more expensive and they can use the same 4 pot as the a class
nordschleife is perfect, lot of CO2 for a lot of tree around there :D
lol
Joe…
It’s like forcing to turn a hardcore carnivore into a herbivore. So disappointed…
Power figures on an AMG model don’t matter! Nobody buys an AMG for speed/handling etc…they buy one for the drama/noise. If you want handling and speed, you buy an M model….
I think that is a pretty sweeping assumption ..
First of all, nah, how do yo not get speed out of a 500hp V8?
And it’s because of the V8 that it has the drama/noise that it does
I am not against downsizing, in everyday cars I support it.
BUT NOT IN A SPORTS CAR!
Who had this idea?
If I would want a fast, yet economical car, I will definetly buy a Diesel.
Like the V6 400d in the E-Class.
This is a way better deal than a “downsized” “C63” AMG.
The purists after reading this be like:
Shut the front door
This is like losing a best friend. I’ve always dreamed of buying a C63 with a V8 when I earn some money. Now, I should go for used ones. This makes me cry.
Is the photo from a Model car or from a real AMG?