The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine took away two top honors as part of the coveted “International Engine of the Year Awards 2010”: the high-revving naturally aspirated engine developing up to 386 kW/525 hp comfortably took top spot in the “Best Performance Engine” and “Above 4 litres” categories. This is the second year running that the eight-cylinder engine from AMG has beaten off the competition.
Bearing the internal designation M 156, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with its displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres produces between 336 kW (457 hp) and 386 kW (525 hp), develops up to 630 Nm of torque and features in various AMG models, including the C 63 AMG, the E 63 AMG and the SL 63 AMG. The basis for the agile power delivery is the consistent technology transfer from motorsport, which has been an inseparable part of the company philosophy at Mercedes-AMG for over four decades. The verdict of juror Jason Cammisa from Automobile Magazine (USA): “The absolute epitome of a German hot rod V8 engine!” Carl Cunanan, editor of C! Magazine (USA): For its fantastic engine sound alone it deserved first place!”
The great potential of the award-winning AMG V8 is also reflected in its character-packed, powerful evolution: the engine – dubbed the M 159 – for the SLS AMG super sports car is based on the M 156; in the gullwing the AMG high-revving naturally aspirated engine develops 420 kW (571 hp) and delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm. Another outstanding vehicle is the C 63 AMG with Performance Package Plus and maximum output of 358 kW (487 hp). The overhauled features inside the engine are responsible for the increase in output: the forged pistons adopted from the SLS AMG together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft make the engine three kilograms lighter. The reduced inertia enhances the agility of the eight-cylinder unit, which offers even more exhilarating responsiveness.
Mercedes-AMG beats off established rivals
The “International Engine of the Year Awards” rank among the most prestigious honours in the automotive sector and have been organised by specialist UK publisher, UKIP Media & Events, since 1999. An independent jury of 65 renowned motor journalists from 32 countries chooses the best engines of the year. Following on from the success in 2009, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine also managed to beat off prestigious rivals from Germany, Italy, the UK, USA and Japan this year, enabling Mercedes-AMG to demonstrate once again its consummate expertise in developing and producing exhilarating high-performance engines.
Friedrich Eichler, Head of Engine & Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG:
“Our renewed success this year in the two categories is testimony to the out-and-out positive test results for the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in all the media. The top spots also reflect the great enthusiasm of our customers.”
