The Mercedes-Benz AMG Twin-Turbo V8 Keeps an Eye on Ferrari

The Italian sportscar
maker from Maranello,
Italy, Ferrari, has been
racking up some very
impressive engine num-
bers in the mid 500 hp
and beyond! AMG, the
Mercedes tuner, seems
to be keeping an eye on
Ferrari.

AMG has developed its
second all in-house V8
engine. But rather than
the 6.2-liter that AMG

will be putting in the Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing, the new engine is a 5.5-liter
twin-turbo V8 known internally as the M157.

The engine puts out 536 hp at 5500 rpm and 590 ft. lb. of torque from
2000 - 4500 rpm. And with the AMG Performance Package delivering
increased boost, the engine is capable of delivering 563 hp at 5500 rpm
and 664 ft. lb. of torque from 2500 - 3750 rpm (Ferrari equaling numbers
indeed).

The twin-turbo V8 does not just increase the engine's horsepower,
but also its efficiency. The engine accomplishes its 'green' objective
as it reduces fuel consumption by 25 percent despite the large increase
in torque over the larger 6.2-liter powerplant. Also, assisting with the
efficiency gains is the AMG Speedshift MCT-7 transmission and the
start and stop function that shuts the engine off at stoplights.

The new twin-turbo V8 engine will make its debut in the 2011 S63
AMG late this year after which it will move down to several AMG
models, including the new Mercedes SL for 2012. However, do not
expect the engine in the SLS AMG Gullwing that due to be released
in 2011. That car will have the naturally aspired 6.2-liter dry-sump
V8 hammer.

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.