km : Automotive News

2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Debuts With New Motor, Classy Bang & Olufsen Audio

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz turbocharging trend continues this week with the announcement of the S63 AMG, which is essentially a CL63 AMG with more doors and, with it, more space. Unfortunately, being sensible does sometimes have its drawbacks, so acceleration versus the CL drops a bit, from 4.2 seconds to 4.4. Yeah, sorry guys, that is pretty depressing for those of you who really need four doors.

Thanks to the joys of turbocharger tuning, the S63's 5.5-liter biturbo V8 actually comes in two flavors. There's the basic version, which produces 544 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, launching the car from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and then there's a second, angrier version with 571 hp and a whopping 664 lb-ft. The upgrade drops a tenth off the 0-60 time and also raises the top speed from 155 mph to 186. The boost is part of the AMG Performance Package, and while US pricing is yet to be announced, the upgrade costs 7900 euros before VAT in Germany.

A transmission upgrade is also part of the new-and-improved 2011 S63, as it drops a typical automatic transmission in exchange for the SL63's Speedshift MCT seven-speed. While still technically an automatic, a wet clutch replaces the torque converter for face-slapping shifts and also better fuel efficiency. Combined with the new direct-injection turbo motor, the changes are good for an amazing 25 percent increase in fuel economy versus the outgoing car.

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You might also notice flipping through our photo gallery that the S63 AMG's front brakes are as outrageous as the car's power numbers. The new system uses a double floating caliper brake and to show it off, features the AMG script in two different locations. They promise bite that's as good as the first impression implies.

The car also features a few minor updates like the V8 biturbo badges on the fenders, new LED lights, and a slight freshening. Inside, a sexy-looking Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system features 15 speakers including four stylish acoustic lens tweeters. Total output is 1200 watts.

While the S63 AMG should satisfy the needs of any sane person out there, we can't go without mentioning that the S65 AMG and its twin-turbo V12 returns for 2011, now producing 630 hp to keep it above the plebes in the 63s. It also goes on sale in September.

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