Mercedes-Benz final week delivered a technique presentation confirming that it’s going to proceed to supply V-8 and V-12 engines for the foreseeable future—and within the case of the V-8, the automaker mentioned it plans to develop a completely new era with electrification.
Mercedes didn’t present additional particulars on the brand new V-8, however Autocar has realized from sources that the engine will function a mild-hybrid system and can debut later this 12 months within the new AMG CLE 63 earlier than making its manner into different AMG fashions.
One potential recipient may very well be an up to date model of the C 63, whose present iteration is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 in a plug-in hybrid configuration—although AMG boss Michael Schiebe has beforehand dominated this out.
Prototypes for the CLE 63 have been noticed a number of instances over the previous 12 months, together with in convertible type. The automotive is anticipated to go on sale within the U.S. as a 2026 mannequin.
In keeping with Autocar’s report, revealed on Feb. 24, the brand new V-8 shall be an evolution of AMG’s present twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. It should reportedly incorporate mild-hybrid expertise together with a flat-plane crankshaft. The latter permits for a smaller crankcase, aiding packaging effectivity, in addition to a better rev restrict. AMG beforehand employed a flat-plane crankshaft within the GT Black Collection launched in 2021.
Apparently, Autocar additionally reported that AMG could incorporate sound mills to copy the deeper, burbling engine observe of its present V-8. A flat-plane crankshaft design sometimes produces a higher-pitched sound, making synthetic enhancement a possible necessity.
Mercedes is not solely automaker that sees a vibrant future for the V-8. Porsche final fall mentioned it plans to proceed providing gasoline vehicles properly into the following decade, together with some with V-8 engines.
