Automotive

Mercedes Benz E63 AMG – refined brutality

Mercedes Benz E63 AMG – refined brutality
Mercedes Benz E63 AMG
Mercedes Benz E63 AMG
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Mercedes Benz E63 AMG
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Mercedes Benz E63 AMG
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More power. Less fuel. That's the bare bones of the latest V8 equipped Mercedes AMG performance model – the E 63 AMG. The car's 5.5 liter biturbo V8 gives it a peak output of 386 kW (525 hp) and torque 
of 700 Nm – add on the optional AMG Performance package and it jumps to 410 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm. Acceleration is specced at zero to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds, top speed 
is 155 mph (250 km/h - electronically limited) and fuel consumption is down almost a quarter on its naturally aspirated predecessor at 24 mpg (9.8 liters per 100 kilometers). Needless to say, there's some impressive tech underlying these figures.

Here's what Mercedes has to say about the engine itself:

This eight-cylinder powerhouse, designated internally as the M 157, boasts a combination of innovative high-tech components: in addition to spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, these include a full aluminum crankcase, four-valve technology with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, generator management and a stop/start system.

The stop/start function or "Controlled Efficiency transmission mode" can be switched on and off via a button on the center console. As well as turning the engine off when the car is not moving, the system will also change gears "noticeably early" when engaged and uses braking energy recuperation to further boost fuel economy.

AMG's SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is joined by the three mode AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension which has an electronically controlled damping system that adjusts automatically to driving conditions. "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus" suspension modes can also be selected by the driver.

There's also a new electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, which features variable power assistance that adapts according to the suspension mode and, like the stop/start system, helps reduce fuel consumption because it only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered.

Safety-wise, new driving assistance systems have been added including Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. The former warns the driver if there is a risk in changing lanes and if another vehicle gets too close without the driver reacting, the system automatically brakes on the opposite side of the vehicle to avoid a collision.

The Active Lane Keeping Assist performs a similar function if the driver drifts out of a lane. As well as applying the brakes on the the opposite wheels, this system can also warn the driver by generating vibrations through the steering wheel.

The AMG Performance package brings with it an increase in the maximum charge pressure (from 1.0 to 1.3 bar), a carbon-fiber engine cover, AMG Performance steering wheel with black Alcantara in the grip area and red-painted brake callipers and. The Saloon gets a carbon fiber AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid and the electric rear window blind.

The three-spoke design AMG Performance steering wheel is flattened at both top and bottom for better control and the interior is also notable for the inclusion of a three-dimensional full-color TFT display in the center of the speedometer.

An Estate model of the E 63 AMG has also been announced, and doesn't give up much in terms of performance – 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds and the same electronically limited top speed.

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8 comments
8 comments
JF
The specs are off... The 2012 AMG has about 451hp with 443ft-lb of torque(600 Nm). I prefer the Cadillac CTS-V. 556hp and 551ft-lb torque.
Rocky Stefano
I like the CTS-V but the service record of those vehicles is abysmal at best
Muraculous
Come on Mercedes, give us a dual electric motor, all wheel drive, aluminum space frame, extended range electron-powered equivalent - you know it is possible. Drop in 50KW worth of batteries and a couple of aluminum/water fuel cells, keep the center of gravity low, pick up kinetic energy from the shocks, brakes (incl air brakes), seats, steering wheel, e-brake and pneumatic pressure from the tires (yes the tire monitor can collect energy). Jeeez, what\'s it going to take?
Denis Klanac
The Caddy looks butt ugly and rough next to this beast. AMG all the way for me!
tallos
What a great looking and performing vehicle..But what a shame the inside looks so grey and plastic!! British wood and leather still looks the best and i would always choose this option over something that looks so mass produced...
Sqidge
Brutality? To describe a killing machine. Mmmm. I guess you're right. (And before any bone heads jump down my throat, I have *personally *witnessed 3 pedestrians and two vehicle drivers killed by young immature (i.e. less than 25 yrs. old) males, all driving equipment that should have only been used on a racetrack,where everyone goes the same way. They might have been able to cope with that. Oh yeah, one more point. Pedestrians aren't usually killed instantly, they die about a week later. In agony.
Mr Stiffy
Yeah as the oceans increasingly acidify, and the dead zones increase, and the food chain collapses - the idiots churn out more shit, to help us drive ourselves into extinction with - ever faster...
Be a moron - buy a car.
Dinsdale Drummond
@JF the spec are correct