Mercedes-AMG Says V12 Will Be Axed While V8 Soldiers On

Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that its big V12 engine will soon be killed off but that its V8s will live on thanks to electrification.

AMG boss Tobias Moers told Go Auto at the Paris Auto Show that the V12 will die when production of the current S65 ends.

“So we are going to move the S65 out of our portfolio,” he said.

Fortunately, AMG’s twin-turbo V8 isn’t going anywhere, meaning enthusiasts will still be able to get their AMG fix.

“The V8 is a pretty efficient engine. In combination with an electrified powertrain, it could be a longer lifecycle than what everybody thinks,” Moers said.

AMG models will get more power and become more efficient.

The first application of AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 aided by electrification is expected to come in a new range-topping AMG GT 4-Door model. Reports assert that AMG will employ an electric motor with more than 134 hp to work in conjunction with its V8. This could result in a super-sedan with in excess of 800 hp, a frankly unthinkable figure just a few years ago.

Changing topic, Moers said that due to the ever-increasing pace of the industry, it’s hard to know how long its V8 will stick around for.

“Nobody in the industry is able to predict the V8 engine ends, say, in 2028 – that’s impossible.

“It is all about how clever are you as a company, to put the money in. And it should not be a bet – it should be a well-prepared strategy,” he said.

With this in mind, AMG doesn’t believe its worthwhile having a 10-year plan and strategy. Instead, it’s not looking beyond five years into the future and is continually adjusting strategies and targets throughout the year.