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Three power levels will reportedly be available with the new Mercedes-Benz flat-plane-crank petrol V8, with one reserved for 'go crazy' AMG-spec.
Mercedes-Benz is set to forge ahead with petrol-powered V8s, confirming new versions of the ubiquitous 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged powertrain will soon become available in three states of tune.
In a conversation with MotorTrend, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said the new engine will be built in various forms: "The Mercedes-Benz [version], the AMG [version], and the ‘go crazy’ AMG [version]."
Mercedes-Benz says they are committed to petrol engines, with its new V8 tipped to be one of the most power-dense engines in the world.
AMG CEO Michael Scheib, when also speaking to the online publication, said that "we've already seen the mild version: it's the 4.0-litre twin-turbo flat-crank engine that debuted in the revised S-Class earlier this year".
It is reported that the flat-plane crank has been used to make the engine more efficient, but could open the door to more power in higher spec variants, while the AMG CEO also said the brand is cutting its engine offerings from ten to just four.
An AMG version of that engine has been tipped to power the new Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Coupe. While not yet confirmed, the aforementioned "go crazy" variant could be powering the upcoming CLE 63 Mythos, a part of the brand's line of ultra-exclusive cars.
The same engine already produces 390kW and 750Nm in the S-Class, with the German brand claiming to have solved typical flat-plane-crank engine shortcomings like noise and vibrations for its most luxurious sedan.
The new specs are likely to achieve more power than before, which previously proved capable of 609kW in the Aston Martin Valhalla.
It has been rumoured that next-generation versions of the Mercedes-AMG C63 will ditch the four-cylinder engine in favour of something bigger, but whether the V8 returns to the C-Class is still to be confirmed.
The new V8 is due to arrive by the end of 2026 in overseas markets.
Matt Adams recently graduated from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, a perfect place to go to uni if you are a Bathurst 1000 and general racing diehard. During this time, he worked at the university's community radio station and newsroom, where he found his love for news and presenting. Matt also enjoys driving his '3 on the tree' 1962 Holden EJ station wagon around with his family, but still hasn't figured out how to double shuffle yet.
