Next-Generation AMG Could Include Hybrids
Mercedes has announced that they will be changing up the AMG class. They are working overtime trying to balance out high output with low emissions in an effective way. This means that we can expect to see more turbo, less displacement, and maybe even a hybrid.
Mercedes will be throwing out the 6.2 liter V8 engine and introducing the new 5.0 liter, twin turbo, V8 which will be designed to push out 570 horsepower and 665 pound-ft of torque. The output is said to hit 700 horsepower and 885 pound-ft of torque instead of the 612 horsepower V12 mil.
Forced induction is only part of the equation, as AMG is looking to a new hybrid-equipped V8, dubbed BluePower, that will either come with the X-Trac Flybrid system or a 100-hp electric motor integrated into the transmission. There’s also talk that AMG will be releasing its own plug-in hybrid by 2012 and that diesels will continue to become an important part of the brand.
The other issue with which AMG has to contend is Mercedes’ own turbocharged offerings. Future M-Bs will be sporting turbo’d V8s displacing 4.0-, 4.6- and 5.5-liters, with outputs ranging from 355 to 544 hp. And what of the upcoming AMG supercar? Car says that the gullwing super coupe, codenamed C197, will debut in March of 2010 and be powered by the same 6.2-liter V8 (likely the last application of that engine) while sending all that energy through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.