“Ferocity and finesse merge in a breathtakingly addictive package”
Brian Cowan, motoring journalist
For some, an engine can transcend its role as an automotive power device and become a living, breathing thing. For those people, the Mercedes-AMG 6.2-litre V8 was devised. And in this case, AMG has created an angry, snarling monster.
Technology has been stretched to its limits to create the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 engine in its class, with up to 525bhp and 630Nm of torque, depending on application – enough to ensure acceleration from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in a mere 4.6 seconds.
In fact, Mercedes has put this AMG unit to good use. The powerplant is available in various states of tune, ranging from 451bhp in the CLK up to 518bhp in the CL, and is built in the AMG engine shop on the ‘one man, one engine’ principle, with one technician being responsible for hand-assembling a complete engine.
What makes the engine unusual is that motorsport DNA has made it a high-revving, large-displacement beast, due to its lightweight, rigid closed-deck crankcase and its cylinder walls with revolutionary LDS coating, as well as valve gear with bucket-type tappets in the cylinder heads for high engine speeds. Together with the variable intake manifold with two integrated throttle flaps, the flow-optimised intake and exhaust ducts ensure perfect cylinder charging and a high output. In short, it has a 7,200rpm redline for those brave enough to go for it.
Not convinced? Just consider the weapons-grade engines that AMG defeated to win this prize. Two of BMW’s mighty M engines failed to meet the AMG in the judges’ eyes, with both a V8 and a V10 falling behind, Porsche’s 3.8-litre flat-six and Jaguar’s supercharged V8 faltered, and Ferrari’s V12 didn’t even come close. Still not convinced? Just listen to one being driven in anger.
Christophe Congrega from L’Automobile Magazine tried one and lived to say, “This is an incredible engine – my neck hurt during the second day of testing!”
Results
1. Mercedes-AMG 6.2-litre (CLK, S, SL, CL, CLS, ML) 109
2. BMW 5-litre V10 (M5, M6) 90
3. Jaguar 5-litre V8 Supercharged (XF, XK) 90
4. Porsche 3.8-litre flat six (GT3) 78
5. BMW 4-litre V8 (M3) 78
6. Ferrari 6-litre V12 (599 GTB) 77
