Future Mercs to use the new AMG twin-turbo V8

Mercedes-Benz's performance wing AMG will replace all the existing V8 powertrains with the new 4.0-litre V8 engine. The 4.0-litre V8 currently does duty on recent models like the AMG C63 and the flagship AMG GT. “The engine will replace our 5.5-litre engine,” said Tobias Moers, the head of AMG.

Non-AMG products will also get the new V8 engines as Mercedes-Benz will build its own version on a standard production line. And as is already seen on the new GT and C63, AMG cars will also lose Mercedes' badging and will be branded by a Mercedes-AMG badge.

Moers has also completely ruled out the prospect of an AMG hypercar in the foreseeable future, saying, “You’d have to ask Porsche or Ferrari about the business case, but it is important for us not to overestimate our own brand. AMG is not at the level to do that. Not yet at least.” He also said the company is not working on any Black Series product, but denied the sub-brand had been put on indefinite hold. “We have so much incredible stuff coming through the normal product lines, we can’t think about anything else right now,” he said.

There will be no diesel-powered AMGs or any all-wheel drive version of the GT too, though from now on every new rear-drive AMG car will receive a limited-slip differential as standard.