This is the all-new M178 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine which will debut in the upcoming C63 AMG and AMG GT models.
A high-tech masterpiece which draws heavily on motorsport development, AMG’s new bi-turbo V8 delivers 375kW at 6250rpm and peak torque of 650Nm between 1750rpm – 4750rpm.
It runs dry sump lubrication and the two turbochargers aren’t mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks – rather they’re situated inside the V configuration – called the ‘hot inside V’.
Dry sump lubrication allows the engine to be installed 55mm lower to move the centre of gravity closer to the road and the ‘inside hot V’ aides smaller overall packaging, enhances throttle response and reduces exhaust gas emissions.
The external oil tank houses 12-litres of oil and circulates nine litres when the engine is running – pumping up to 250-litres per minute – and a separate oil cooler is mounted at the front
A dry weight of just 209kgs means AMG’s M178 is the lightest engine in its segment.
In fact the new V8 is part of the family which includes the turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine we know from the A 45 AMG, CLA 45 AMG and GLA 45 AMG – the same bore/stroke ratio delivering the high-revving ability which is synonymous with the current generation of AMG powerplants.
The aluminium crankcase is a closed deck design and is produced using sand casting technology – for reduced weight and the strength needed for high injection pressures up to 130 bar.
And, like the four-cylinder engine, the bi-turbo V8 comes with a tuned exhaust system with flaps which open under hard acceleration – for maximum efficiency and a suitably dynamic exhaust note.
