Next Mercedes-AMG C63 Rumored to Ditch V8 for Hybrid Turbo-four
Next C63 is coming soon, and that means more power and better handling but at what cost?
As much as we absolutely love the current Mercedes-AMG C63 and its voluptuous V8 power, deep down, we know the end is nigh. After all, every manufacturer on the planet has been slowly but steadily ditching naturally-aspirated V8s for forced-induction four and six-cylinder powerplants. And even though these newfangled powerplants offer up plenty of performance, they just don’t sound or feel the same. Sadly, it appears that one of our favorite V8-powered sedans, the Mercedes-AMG C63, might be losing its soul as well.
That is, if this recent report from Autocar turns out to be true. Granted, AMG boss Tobias Moers told us a year ago that the next-gen C63 would utilize a mild hybrid powertrain. But now, Autocar reports that the electrified drivetrain will also utilize Mercedes’ new M139 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine when it goes on sale in 2022. In all fairness, the mill produces a healthy 416 hp in the CLA45 S and AMG’s various other compact machines.
That isn’t the end of the story for the new C63, however. The addition of a mild hybrid system, similar to the AMG 53 series, is said to boost horsepower to over 500. Autocar reports that the new setup will at least match the existing C63’s 503 hp and exceed the current torque rating of 516 lb-ft. The hybrid system consists of a 48-volt electric motor-generator that replaces the starter motor and alternator. It’s also capable of providing extra boost on demand.
Another benefit of running this setup is that weight distribution should be greatly improved over the current, nose-heavy C63. Sending power through a 9-speed torque-converter MCT Speedshift gearbox to all four wheels, it’ll also undoubtedly be quick. Autocar reports that the mild-hybrid system has been developed to produce upwards of 553 lb-ft of torque as well, which would be a significant 37 lb-ft increase over the current model.
This new drivetrain setup is also lighter, and sits lower in the car than the outgoing V8. Thus, it seems like a win-win. Except, of course, for us dinosaurs who just love V8s. And this is just the start, as the next-gen GLC 43 and 63 will reportedly run this drivetrain as well. Yes, the future appears to be on its way. So for now, enjoy your tail-happy, deep bellowing Mercedes AMG machines while you still can.
Photos: Mercedes-AMG
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