AMG working on new 4.0L V8

AMG may be working up a new, small-displacement V8 for the C63. Autocar reports the Mercedes-Benz performance house aims to replace the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 found in the brawny C-Class with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. Autocar cites unnamed sources as saying the new V8 is built on the same modular bones as the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine headed for the A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG. Both engines share bore spacing and individual cylinder displacement as well as other specifics.

Drivers won't see a cut in power with the move, however. The report says the forced-induction 4.0-liter will deliver 450 horsepower – just under the 451 hp served up by the current C63 AMG. What's more, the engine will likely be capable of generating up to 600 horsepower. That means it could go on to supplant even the turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 in the SLK55 AMG. While AMG hasn't outright confirmed the 4.0-liter powerplant, Mercedes-Benz AMG CEO Ola Kallenius has made it clear his organization will continue to focus on downsizing engine options in the future.

News Source: Autocar