An Eight-Cylinder Engine with Higher Output and Lower Fuel Consumption Than the V8 Twin-Turbo

AMG's new V8 engine, the "M152," produces a maximum output of 310 kW (422 hp) and a peak torque of 540 Nm. Compared to the "M157" (a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8) announced last year, which serves as the base for the "M152," fuel efficiency has been improved by approximately 30 percent. When installed in the SLK 55 AMG, it is said to achieve figures comparable to the previous 3.5-liter engine, at 8.5 L/100 km. This makes the SLK 55 AMG a top-class performer in fuel efficiency within its segment, with a reduction of 199 g/km in CO2 emissions. Improvements include the air intake duct, cylinder head, valve drive, oil circulation system, and crankcase.

Application of F1 Technology

The dramatic improvement in fuel efficiency was achieved through a new function called AMG Cylinder Management. This technology deactivates four of the eight cylinders, allowing the remaining four to generate sufficient torque of 230 Nm for driving. In the M152, cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 are turned off during low engine load. This is an application of the technology used in F1's V8 engines, which can deactivate two or four cylinders during low-speed cornering or safety car periods, despite their immense 750 hp output.

The new SLK 55 AMG equipped with this new engine is scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.

In the coming years, AMG aims to reach new heights in driving performance while continuing to improve the fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions of this new V8 engine.