(continued from above)
518-Horsepower V8 for the S63 AMG
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S63
AMG is powered by a new 5.5-liter biturbo V8 that features twin turbo-chargers,
direct fuel injection, multi-spark ignition and an ECO Stop/Start function.
Compared to the new 4.6-liter biturbo, the S63 AMG powerplant makes use of more
displacement (a larger cylinder bore and longer crankshaft stroke), higher
turbocharger boost (14.2 lbs. boost vs. 12.9 lbs. boost), and slightly lower
compression (10.0:1 vs. 10.5:1).
In comparison to its predecessor,
reduced displacement is more than offset by the power boost of its twin
turbochargers - one for each bank of cylinders. Identified inside the company as
the M157, the new AMG twin-turbo V8 produces 536 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of
torque and can accelerate from 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds. With the optional AMG
Performance Package, these figures increase to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft, and the
0-60 time drops to 4.3 seconds.
Even with its high performance, the S63
AMG is more fuel efficient, thanks in part to an innovative ECO Stop/Start
system. When the AMG model stops in "D" or "N" with the brake pedal depressed in
"Controlled Efficiency" transmission mode, the engine is automatically turned
off to save fuel. As soon as the driver releases the brake, the engine computer
decides which piston is in the best position for first ignition, and the direct
fuel injection and multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to re-start the
engine almost instantly. With estimated fuel economy figures of 15 mpg city and
22 mpg highway, the Gas Guzzler Tax no longer applies to the S63 AMG.
MCT Sports Transmission
The high-performance 2012 Mercedes-Benz S63
AMG Sedan also features a cutting-edge AMG transmission. With a start-up clutch
that replaces the torque converter, the new seven-speed MCT sports transmission
provides the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience
of an automatic, offering impressive versatility and even faster shift times.
Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps the transmission
respond instantaneously and dynamically, with no slip.
SPLITVIEW
Dual-Content
Viewscreen
The 2012 S-Class sedans are also available with an
innovative SPLITVIEW dual-content viewscreen, which allows the driver and front
passenger to view two different programs on the same screen at the same time.
For example, the driver can be viewing the navigation system, while on the very
same display screen, the passenger (looking from a different angle) is watching
a movie.
Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG: Review (2/2)