Mercedes-AMG's V12 About To Die, V8 Will Live Longer Than Expected

Unsurprisingly, AMG's monstrous twin-turbo V12 is not long for this world, but hybrid tech is set to prolong the life of its V8 sibling
Mercedes-AMG's V12 About To Die, V8 Will Live Longer Than Expected

V12 engines are fast becoming an endangered species. These glorious big 12-bangers are dropping like flies, and it’s looking like the Mercedes-AMG’s 6.0-litre twin-turbo unit is the next one we’ll be pressing X to pay respects for.

Speaking to Australian publication Go Auto, AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed that after the current S65 is taken “out of our portfolio,” production of the 622bhp, 737lb ft engine will cease.

It’s a pity, but the prognosis for the company’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is much more promising, and it’s all thanks to hybrid technology. “The V8 is a pretty efficient engine…In combination with an electrified powertrain, it could be a longer lifecycle than what everybody thinks.”

The future of AMG's 4.0-litre V8 is brighter than you'd think
The future of AMG's 4.0-litre V8 is brighter than you'd think

As for how long it has, Moers reckons it’s too difficult to say, given how quickly automotive technology is moving right now. “Nobody in the industry is able to predict the V8 engine ends, say, in 2028 – that’s impossible,” he concluded.

AMG has previously admitted that the Mercedes sub-brand will inevitably go electric at some point, but hopefully, we’ll be hearing rumbly V8 noises from these cars for a little while yet.

Comments

TheMindGarage

I’m not hugely bothered. I was never a big fan of the Merc V12 (at least the 6-litre twin-turbo one). Heavy and barely more powerful than the V8 so only really has its place in the S-class where smoothness is king. Definitely hope the V8 stays as long as it can - it’s one heck of a versatile engine.

10/08/2018 - 20:57 |
0 | 0

but the torque. or just the sheer insanity of the thing…
v8s are so mundane and common… the v12 has that totally ridiculous and unnecessary, but at the same time it adds an exciting and hilarious flair to whatever it’s in. True to AMG ethos.

10/09/2018 - 02:39 |
4 | 0
Dante Verna

Hold on, what’s Pagani going to do now? You can’t really have a sub-6-liter Huayra.

10/08/2018 - 21:49 |
3 | 0
Chewbacca_buddy (McLaren squad)(VW GTI Clubsport)(McLaren 60

In reply to by Dante Verna

They’ll still probably make it for Pagani for the time being

10/09/2018 - 02:28 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

Farewell, SL65. You will be sorely missed.

10/09/2018 - 02:13 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

It was a bit excessive anyways

10/09/2018 - 04:39 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

so sad,so sad,its a sad sad situation and its getting more and more absurd

10/09/2018 - 08:32 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

Would it be wise to buy an S65 now.

10/09/2018 - 14:34 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

I thought they were going to continue making the V12 engine for the Maybach S Class. RIP

10/09/2018 - 17:09 |
0 | 0
Basith Penna-Hakkim

No replacement for displacement!
Long live the V12!

10/10/2018 - 00:17 |
0 | 0

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