In an era of increasing environmental and fuel economy concerns, it would seem the age of the V12 engine is quickly coming to an end.
Mercedes’ research and development boss has a different opinion as he recently told The Drive “I don’t see that going away quickly.”
While V12-powered models only make up a tiny fraction of the company’s sales, Ola Källenius said “In some markets for some customers, that V12 is still the ultimate, and that’s what they want… so we will cater to that clientele with a very capable V12 for the foreseeable future.”
Källenius went on to say some customers refuse to drive anything less than a vehicle powered by a V12 engine. In particular, he told the story of one AMG owner who has purchased 35 different models with the company’s V12 powertrain. There’s no word about what’s in their collection but the company offers the massive engine in everything from the S-Class to the insane G65 AMG.
The enthusiastic following means the company will ensure their V12 engines meet all the necessary regulations regardless of what they are. Källenius added “How long that segment has legs, I don’t know, but we have no plans to give up on it.”
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