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| Mercedes SL 63 AMG |
Rumored in 2009 and confirmed in 2010, AMG developed the M157, a 5.5-litre V8 with direct fuel injection and twin turbochargers. Power is rated at 400 kW (544 PS / 536 bhp) at 5,500rpm with a peak torque of 800Nm (590 lb-ft) made between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm. An even more powerful version with the AMG Performance Package will produce 420 kW (571 PS / 563 bhp) and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. Both engines will be mated to Mercedes-Benz's 7-speed MCT transmission.[20][21][22] The 2011 CL 63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited), while cars with the AMG Performance package can make the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) (also electronically limited).[23]
Unlike the M156 naturally aspirated 6.2 L V8 which was developed entirely within AMG, the M157 is based upon the M278 that will be found in the regular Mercedes-Benz S-Class and CL-Class.[24] The M157 boasts 25% better fuel economy (10.5 litres per 100 kilometres versus 14.4 L/100 km in the European driving cycle) over the M156, meaning it will avoid the US Gas Guzzler Tax for the first time ever, despite having up to 47 horsepower more. The M157's increased torque from both the regular version and performance package means the engine can be shifted into a taller gear sooner, keeping engine revs and fuel consumption to a minimum. The new M157 will have an engine start/stop mode and is lightweight at 204 kg. [20][21][22] The M157 is said to be ideal for powering full-size sedans such as the S-Class, but the older M156 will continue to be produced as its more precise throttle response is still well suited to smaller sportier models such as the C-Class.[19]
5.5 L V8 BiTurbo models will carry the "63" model designation, shared with the 6.2L V8 models.[25] Visually, the 2011 S63 AMG is differentiated from the 2010 model (itself facelifted over the 2009 S63) by the more angular design of the chromed dual exhaust tips, which also sport embossed AMG logos, as well as new forged wheels.[26] For the CL63 AMG, the new M157 engine coincides with the facelift of the CL-Class for the 2011 model year.