SLS AMG

What’s So Great About The AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo Engine

Words John Clark | July 25, 2014
The innovative eight-cylinder unit stands out for its sublime power delivery, the purposeful lightweight construction, as well as its high efficiency and environmental compatibility
Words John Clark July 25, 2014

Mercedes-AMG presents a new technological masterpiece: the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is a new development at the sporting heart of the new Mercedes-AMG GT car. This innovative eight-cylinder unit stands out for its sublime power delivery, the purposeful lightweight construction, as well as its high efficiency and environmental compatibility. With peak power of up to 375 kW (510 hp) and maximum torque of up to 650 Nm the new AMG V8 delivers motorsport-inspired performance. The new sports car engine follows in an impressive V8 tradition that started in 1967 with the M100 in the legendary 300 SEL 6.8 AMG racing car and continues with trendsetting features of the future.

AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo Engine

AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo Engine

Powerful V8 engines have long been a core competence at AMG, the performance brand from Mercedes-Benz. Innovative and exciting high-performance engines come out of the location in Affalterbach. On this occasion, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is entirely responsible for both development and production.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “V8 engines are an integral part of the AMG philosophy and the brand’s commitment to ‘Driving Performance’. The V8 biturbo engine for our new GT is going to delight our customers!”

Christian Enderle, Head of Engine and Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG: “The new AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo sees us presenting an exciting and powerful sports car engine which, thanks to a number of measures, also represents the next step in efficiency.”

AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo Engine

AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo Engine

First sports car engine with ‘hot inside V’ and dry sump lubrication

The new AMG V8 engine has two turbochargers which are not mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks but rather inside the V configuration – experts call it a ‘hot inside V’. The benefits are a compact engine design, an optimum response and low exhaust gas emissions. Dry sump lubrication allows the engine to be installed lower, which moves the centre of gravity closer to the road and forms the basis for high lateral acceleration. The M178 (in-house designation) from AMG is thus the world’s first sports car engine with hot inside V and dry sump lubrication. With a dry weight of 209 kg the new AMG V8 is also the lightest engine in its competitive segment.

The new AMG M178 V8 engine at a glance:

Cylinder arrangement V8
Cylinder angle 90°
Valves per cylinder 4
Displacement 3982 cc
Bore x stroke 83.0 x 92.0 mm
Cylinder spacing 90 mm
Compression ratio 10.5 : 1
Output 375 kW (510 hp) at 6250 rpm
Output per litre 94.2 kW/litre
128 hp/litre
Max. torque 650 Nm at 1750 – 4750 rpm
Torque per litre 163.2 Nm/litre
Maximum engine speed 7200 rpm
Maximum charge pressure 1.2 bar
Peak pressure 130 bar
Engine weight (dry) 209 kg
Emissions standard Euro 6