First speculated upon sometime last year, Mercedes-Benz has finally confirmed and introduced its latest engine – a new lightweight 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Its intended use for now is to power AMG models and the new engine is set to power the S63 AMG beginning mid-2010.
Codenamed M157, the new 5.5-liter replaces Mercedes’ current 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 that has been powering such models like the C 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, S 63 AMG and the CL 63 AMG.
For the new M157, power is rated at 536bhp at 5,500rpm and peak torque stands at a massive 800Nm (590lb-ft) that has been made available at a lowly 2000rpm and 4,500rpm. The same 204kg engine with the AMG Performance Package will produce 563bhp and 900Nm (664lb-ft) of torque. Both engines will be mated to Merc’s 7-speed MCT transmission which helps improve average fuel consumption.
According to Autocar, another engine will also make its debut soon, a smaller 4.6-liter version that also sports two turbo’s will be used for the new CLS and S-Class models later this year.
Below is the official press release from Mercedes, read on for more information.