We've seen the real possibility of the Chrysler ME412 going into production within the next 2 years. This Ultra Supercar utilizes an AMG engineered Quad-Turbo, 6.5L V-12 producing 850HP/850ft-lbs TQ MAX. Are we witnessing a precursor to a similar engine variant going into our SL AMGs in the near future?

This could be the true "SL65" that takes a great leap forward just as the current SL65 does compared to the current SL55. I've mentioned, who would have fathomed a 6.0L V12TT in an AMG showing up within less than 2 model years of the SL55 introduction producing the 604HP/738ft-lbs TQ MAX? MB has already stated that they are following the future of Turbos and letting go of Kompressors. AMG enthusiasts/owners appear to have an appealing future ahead. Don't you think?

I'm not sure if I'd like that. Sure I'm all for more power, but in the end, I might as well be driving my Lexus.

I think this post goes hand in hand with the light-weight models posts throughout the board. I don't want more then 1,000ft-lb torque, I want a faster manumatic transmission. I don't want 600hp, I want 600lbs shaved off. I don't want a 100,000$ car which has a lower reliability then a stupid 15,000$ Honda

Mercedes is still the only company that makes half-*** looking cars, please just make them better handling.

You know as much as I do that we want the best of both worlds (lose weight, gain HP or just lose weight to get greater performance!)

What performance junkie doesn't love this news???

Can you imagine, a simple call to Renntech or Kleemann, or ???, and you are over 1000 HP, most likely around 1100 hp. Gawd, if DC builds such cars, I hope they don't screw things up with "just enough strength" transmission to limit engine output! They need a tranny that can handle at least 30%+ more than the engine comes with.

These sure are good times to have cash flow...

lost in weight = no safety feature which is a huge part of MB
lost in weight = super road noise which a lot of people dislike
lost in weight = no spare/power seats and extras

Especially so that you can buy another car just for the twisties.

God knows, with that much torque the cars should be able to tow.. garages full of S2000's.

Cars these days are pretty safe. Saying you need a 5000+ lbs car for safety is overly excessive.

Elimination of road noise doesn't mean weight, Dynamatt or Raammat works wonders without adding all that extra weight.

Extras that work? Or Extras that are already kabillion dollar options? Mercedes is seriously scamming us. If they offered a kick *** product, I'd be happy to be scammed, but right now.. there's a Toyota in my future

firstkill, less weight is actually safer. OK perhaps extra crash protection brings weight, but MB need to start using more exotic materials for their higher end cars at least, even if its just aluminium, (BMW will have magnesium on some of their 3 series cars), so that they can retain safety, road noise, extras and such, while having a faster car that handles better, and is less heavy on fuel , tyres etc. The trend also continues, if they can lose weight, they can sacrifice power, which will allow them to have more efficient, faster and lightweight drivetrain components, notably the transmission. Look at what BMW and M do, instead of adding more power, they add acarbon fibre roof and interior to save weight.

A quad-turbo V12 will not fit in a front-engined car...

What do you think the G55 is for :p

Bilal, AMG could package/design a smaller quad-turbo V12 to fit. We already have a 6.0L V12TT version fitting.

Anyways, I would prefer less weight for greater all-around performance. We gain in handling, braking, less weight and stress load required on all systems/components, etc..

One funny aspect of MBs. Has anyone noticed that MB still utilizes an enormous amount of old-school stamped-steel technology (hood, fenderwells, etc,)? This may be a major factor why they are significantly heavier though more crashworthy (based on mass) than their Japanese counterparts.

Dave, a smaller displacement quad-turbo V12, could possibly fit, but I seriously doubt it. The 65 engine is brimmed to the limit in the engine bay.


As for weight, I said it ages ago, MB's use old-school steel, its the safest, easiest and cheapest. A lot of the MB budget goes into testing and development of new technologies and for car testing, the result is very little attention given to new materials. Who knows, maybe with a bigge budget, we could see lighter MB's in the future, with still 600bhp?