Mercedes-AMG has unveiled details and photos of their latest product, the new S 63 AMG based on the new W222. Under the hood is an AMG 5.5 litre V8 twin-turbo engine like the one found in the E 63 AMG and E 63 AMG S-Model, but with even more power and torque - in the S-Class it does 585 horsepower and 900Nm.
Three models of the S63 AMG have been announced - a short wheelbase S63 AMG, a long wheelbase S63 AMG, and a long wheelbase S63 AMG 4MATIC with all wheel drive.
The AMG motor designated M157 uses direct injection with piezo injectors, an all aluminium crankcase, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, an air to water intercooler, a lightweight composite oil pan, active alternator management, as well as an automatic start/stop function. And true to AMG tradition, the engine assembly follows the 'one man, one engine' philosophy, where one person works on one engine and the AMG engine badge will bear the engine fitter's signature.
The engine is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission with 3 modes - C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport) and M (Manual). Auto start/stop is functional in C mode, and the car also starts in second gear on this mode to provide a more comfortable start-off. In S and M mode, things get sportier and the ECU also precisely retards ignition and injection under open throttle which results in faster and sportier sounding gearshifts.
The exhaust system has active flap management as well. In C transmission mode, flaps remain closed in most situations, keeping the engine sound more understated for a more comfortable ride. In S and M modes, the exhaust flaps open earlier and more spontaneously, resulting in a more traditional AMG engine sound.
Another unique part that the AMG W222 has over it's regular siblings is that the starter battery and backup battery have been replaced by a single 78 Ah lithium ion battery, which saves about 20kg of weight. Mercedes-Benz claims the S 63 AMG is the world's first volume produced car with this type of battery concept. The same battery was used in the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series as well.
The long wheelbase 4MATIC model splits torque between the front and rear axles at a ratio of 33 to 67 by default. The transfer case is integrated into the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission. The torque is transmitted from the power take-off via a propeller shaft to the front axle. Power transmission from the front axle differential to the front-left drive shaft is effected via an intermediate shaft which passes through an encapsulated shaft duct in the engine oil pan. The 4MATIC components weigh only 70kg.
Two different suspension systems are available with the S 63 AMG. The 4MATIC model is fitted with AMG RIDE CONTROL, which is based on the AIRMATIC air suspension system. The rear wheel drive model uses an AMG sports suspension with MAGIC BODY CONTROL, which is based on a hydraulic suspension system. You can read all about MAGIC BODY CONTROL in our previous story on the W222 S-Class.
The alloy wheels on the S-Class are forged now, which reduces weight while increases strength. Standard tyre size are 255/45R19 at the front on 8.5x19 wheels and 285/40R19 at the rear on 9.5x19 wheels. You can optionally upgrade to 20 inch wheels wrapped with 255/40R20 at the front on 8.5x20 wheels and 285/35R20 at the rear on 9.5x20 wheels.
Behind these alloys hide big AMG composite brakes, but you can upgrade to an optional AMG ceramic brake system which is 20% lighter. These ceramic brakes have 420mm diameter discs at the front and have the wordings AMG Carbon Ceramic on the brake calipers.
An an owner of an S 63 AMG, you'll undoubtedly spend most of your time in the interior, whether in the driver's seat or in the boss seat at the rear, so the interior has to have plenty of AMG touches as well. I'm surprised to see AMG has kept with the two-spoke steering wheel design, though they've replaced the classic Mercedes-Benz script at the bottom with their own badge. Looks like the sportier three-spoke design that we saw previously will be reserved for the CL replacement S-Class Coupe.
The analog clock in the middle of the dashboard has also been replaced by a special AMG version that bears the IWC logo, and features milled metal hands and metal appliques for the dial.
The high resolution full colour instrument panel also gets an AMG design, with the AMG logo in the 330km/h speedometer as well a the wordings V8 BITURBO in the rev counter. There's also an AMG menu, which AMG specific functions. Selecting 'Warm Up' in the menu brings up two round dials indicating the engine oil and transmission oil temperatures.
The S 63 AMG will make it's world debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2013, and will go on sale nearly immediately. The short wheelbase model goes for €149,880.50 and the S63 AMG 4MATIC long wheelbase will go for €152,617.50.
No comments:
Post a Comment