Mercedes-Benz ’ AMG division has officially taken the wraps off its new 5.5L biturbo V8. Essentially marking the end of large displacement engines at the Mercedes tuning shop, the new 5.5L will bow later this year and will eventually spread throughout most of AMG’s lineup.
A key part of Mercedes’ “AMG Performance 2015” strategy, the new 5.5L biturbo V8 will make its market debut in the 2011 S63 AMG later this year. In S63 AMG guise, the new V8 will generate 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, all while delivering 22.4mpg. Mercedes says the 2011 S63 AMG will accelerate from 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds, continuing on to a top speed of 186 when equipped with the AMG Performance package.
The 5.5L was designed with performance and fuel-economy in mind, and marks many firsts for the AMG brand. The mill features direct-injection, spray-guided combustion, piezo-electric injectors and automatic start/stop. The engine is backed by an efficient seven-speed gearbox, further aiding in overall fuel economy.
Mercedes has yet to announce what other vehicles are earmarked for the 5.5L engine, be we suspect pretty much every current offering with AMG’s 6.2L V8 will eventually make the transition.
