Mercedes-AMG is preparing to phase out the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain in the present C63 and GLC63, Autocar has reported.
A senior source inside the firm has told the publication that future petrol-powered AMG models will feature either an updated version of the present-day inline-six engine, or an all-new V8 engine using a flat-plane crankshaft, the latter alike that utilized in the AMG GT Black Series.
“Technically, the four-cylinder [engine] is some of the advanced drivetrains available in a production automobile. It’s also right up there on performance. But despite this, it didn’t resonate with our traditional customers. We’ve recognised that,” the source told Autocar.
In the intervening time, the two.0 litre engine will proceed to be in production before it’s eventually replaced, the publication was told.
Previously, Mercedes-AMG told the publication that the W206 C63 facelift will feature a six-cylinder PHEV powertrain, and this is predicted to be a development of the M256M 3.0 litre turbocharged unit that makes 449 PS and 560 Nm within the CLE53.
Among the many predominant reasons for the shift away from 2.0 litre powertrain is the high cost of re-engineering the four-cylinder unit to comply with upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, in response to Autocar. “There’s little doubt about its potential – that is some of the sophisticated engines we’ve ever built – however the investment to make it EU7-compliant could be very high,” the source told the publication.
Meanwhile, AMG stays committed to a dual-drivetrain strategy, Mercedes-Benz chief technical officer Markus Schäfer said, in response to the report. “AMG will proceed with a dual strategy – two pillars. The electrical pillar will grow significantly. However the second pillar – [electrified] internal-combustion engines – will even remain,” Schäfer said.
“AMG and Mercedes are working together on a brand-new V8 engine. That engine will support upcoming emissions regulations. [In terms of larger engines] there’ll still be six- and eight-cylinder units, all electrified with either 48V systems or full hybrid set-ups,” he added.
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This Article First Appeared At paultan.org