If the only difference is a detune PCM or filter and exhaust design.... then it is safe to say Chip, Headers, intake and exhaust will put out huge gains 40-60rwhp.

Yes, you are correct.

from the topgear review:

what is involved to tune out 130hp? That must be one lazy software tune stock.

I think they're talking about "tuning" as AMG could do in future versions. It should be relatively easy to get to the 525 (DIN) HP of the S63 with improved breathing and ECU. The next 55 HP would take internal work, maybe cams, maybe throttle bodies, maybe other changes. I'm sure we'll see a lot more over time. A twin-turbo version can easily produce 700 HP, and the rumors persist that this is ultimately the plan for the SLC. But that will likely require strengthening the engine, while the AMG engineers seemed to say that they can get 580 without worrying about that. I suspect that's what "tuning" meant in the context of that discussion.

Actually, no one knows yet I guess, but according to R&T, the 6.2 AMG V-8 is capable of 700 hp in (presumably) a N/A set-up:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=5629

"The SLC engine is well known and respected for its performance — the 6.2-liter AMG V-8. In the SLC, it will be modified to pump out 700 bhp. Even more punch will arrive when a twin-turbo version makes its debut later."

Yikes

I'll believe it when I see it. To get 700 HP from 6.2 N/A, they'd have to increase the revs considerably. I can maybe see a car like the SLC having an 8,500 RPM engine, but not an AMG. Those letters will always mean low-end torque.

Agreed that it sounds high - who knows, maybe the "standard" SLC will be a S/C 6.2 V-8, and the higher-end version (SLC Black Series perhaps?) will be the bi-turbo 6.2 V-8... I guess we'll see, when it arrives.

As for revs, factory redline on the N/A 6.2 V-8 is 7200, and max power isn't until 6800 - granted, it's not an 8500 screamer, but 7200 isn't too shabby for a V-8

FWIW, it *is* an AMG, you know. It will have some version of the 6.2 V-8, which is the first-ever engine that AMG has designed from scratch (all prior have been tuned M-B engines). And, even though it'll be built by HWA (same "A" as "AMG"), it'll be badged as an AMG (similiar to the CLK GTR and CLK DTM cars - both HWA, but badged as AMG)

700 from that 63? Me too, i'll belive it when i see it....

i work at a highline exotic used dealership we had
an CL65 Renntech that 700HP

That car is a twin turbo V12. We are talking about a naturally aspirated 6.2 V8 engine.

Since you can't trust half of what most magazines say, I think the 700hp figure is for a twin turbo version of the 6.2 V8. 580hp is definitely attainable with the proper tuning and bolt-ons. It'll be one quick car, thats for sure!