Mercedes-AMG continues its legacy of performance engineering with the revolutionary AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. This powerplant is not merely an engine; it’s a statement – a fusion of raw power, intelligent design, and a commitment to driving exhilaration. Born in Affalterbach, this engine stands as the beating heart of the Mercedes-AMG GT and embodies the brand’s relentless pursuit of “Driving Performance.” This innovative eight-cylinder marvel redefines the standards for power delivery, lightweight construction, and efficiency in the high-performance automotive world. Boasting up to 503 horsepower and a staggering 479 lb-ft of torque, this Mercedes Biturbo V8 engine delivers motorsport-inspired thrills directly to the streets. It’s a testament to AMG’s heritage, tracing back to the iconic V8 engines of the past, while pioneering the technology of tomorrow.
Powerful V8 engines are synonymous with AMG, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz. Affalterbach is the crucible where these exceptional engines are conceived and meticulously crafted. Mercedes-AMG GmbH takes full ownership of both the development and production of this groundbreaking mercedes biturbo v8, underscoring their expertise and dedication.
Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, aptly stated, “V8 engines are fundamental to the AMG philosophy and our unwavering commitment to ‘Driving Performance’. The mercedes biturbo v8 engine for our new GT is engineered to ignite passion in our customers.”
Christian Enderle, Head of Engine and Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG, highlights the engine’s advancements: “With the new AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo, we are proud to present an electrifying and potent sports car engine. Through meticulous engineering, we’ve achieved a significant leap forward in efficiency as well.”
Hot Inside V and Dry Sump Lubrication: A Masterstroke of Engineering
The AMG mercedes biturbo v8 engine distinguishes itself through its innovative “hot inside V” configuration. Unlike conventional designs, the two turbochargers are nestled within the V-shape of the cylinder banks, rather than positioned externally. This ingenious arrangement yields a remarkably compact engine, optimizes responsiveness, and minimizes exhaust gas emissions. Furthermore, the integration of dry sump lubrication allows for a lower engine placement within the vehicle. This crucial design element lowers the center of gravity, enhancing handling and enabling exceptional lateral acceleration capabilities. The M178, AMG’s internal designation for this engine, proudly holds the title of the world’s first sports car engine to combine the “hot inside V” architecture with dry sump lubrication. Weighing in at a mere 460 lbs, this mercedes biturbo v8 also claims the crown as the lightest engine in its competitive class.
Image showing the Mercedes-AMG M178 V8 biturbo engine, highlighting its compact design and advanced engineering.
AMG M178 V8 Engine: Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| 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 | 503 hp (375 kW) @ 6250 rpm |
| Power per Liter | 126.3 hp/liter (94.2 kW/liter) |
| Max. Torque | 479 lb-ft @ 1750 – 4750 rpm |
| Torque per Liter | 120.4 lb-ft/liter |
| Max. Engine Speed | 7200 rpm |
| Max. Charge Pressure | 17.4 psi |
| Engine Weight (Dry) | 460 lbs |
Motorsport DNA: Power Delivery and Performance
The AMG M178 mercedes biturbo v8 engine is engineered to deliver exhilarating power and performance inspired by the racetrack. It produces the signature, emotionally charged AMG V8 sound, coupled with instantaneous throttle response and formidable pulling power. The engine’s torque curve is optimized for exceptional driveability, with peak torque readily available across a broad rev range from 1750 to 4750 rpm.
Sharing technological DNA with the AMG 2.0-liter turbo engine found in models like the CLA45 AMG and GLA45 AMG, this mercedes biturbo v8 boasts a similar bore/stroke ratio, ensuring high-revving capabilities. Fuel mixture formation is managed by third-generation direct petrol injection utilizing piezo injectors, resulting in a highly efficient and fuel-conscious AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine.
NANOSLIDE® Cylinder Bore Technology: Durability and Efficiency
The aluminum crankcase of the mercedes biturbo v8 is crafted using sand casting and features a closed deck design. This construction ensures exceptional strength while minimizing weight. The cylinder bores are treated with NANOSLIDE® technology, rendering them twice as hard as conventional cast-iron linings.
Image illustrating NANOSLIDE cylinder bore technology within the Mercedes-AMG V8 engine, emphasizing its hardness and smooth surface.
Developed by Daimler since 2000 and implemented in over 200,000 engines since 2006, NANOSLIDE® technology was first used in an AMG V8 engine – the predecessor to this new 4.0-liter biturbo. Its application has expanded significantly, now even featuring in the Mercedes F1 V6 turbo engine since the 2014 race season.
“Spectacle honing,” another friction-reducing technique, further enhances efficiency. This intricate process involves mechanically treating the cylinder liners after they are bolted into place. A “spectacle” jig is used in place of the cylinder head during honing, accounting for and eliminating any cylinder distortion that might occur during final assembly. This meticulous approach improves both engine durability and reduces oil consumption in the mercedes biturbo v8. Forged aluminum pistons, lightweight and robust, are used in conjunction with low-friction piston rings to minimize fuel and oil consumption.
Dry Sump Lubrication: Mastering Lateral Dynamics
The dry sump lubrication system in the mercedes biturbo v8 eliminates the need for a conventional oil pan. This allows the engine to be positioned 2.2 inches lower in the spaceframe, significantly lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. This is critical for a high-performance sports car designed for exceptional lateral dynamics. Beyond improved agility, dry sump lubrication ensures consistent and direct oil extraction from the crankcases, guaranteeing optimal engine lubrication even under extreme lateral forces experienced during high-speed cornering.
The M178 dry sump system employs a suction pump, a pressure pump, and an external oil tank with a 12-liter capacity. A total of nine liters of engine oil circulate throughout the system. The suction pump extracts oil from the crankcases, cylinder heads, and valve body assembly, delivering it to the external oil tank at a rate of up to 250 liters per minute. The oil remains in the external tank for a mere five seconds before being recirculated back into the engine. This efficient oil management further enhances engine performance. The pressure oil pump operates on-demand, adjusting to engine rpm, temperature, and load, optimizing efficiency. Lightweight plastic is utilized for the oil pan bottom section and oil tank, reinforcing the commitment to lightweight construction in this mercedes biturbo v8.
Advanced Cylinder Heads and Direct Injection
The cylinder heads of the AMG 4.0-liter mercedes biturbo v8 are constructed from a zirconium alloy, chosen for its superior temperature resistance and thermal conductivity. Four overhead camshafts control 32 valves in total. Camshaft adjustment on both the intake and exhaust sides optimizes engine response and refines gas cycles across various operating conditions. Optimized valve springs and low-friction valve gear with cam followers contribute to further fuel efficiency gains.
Image showcasing the cylinder head of the Mercedes-AMG V8 engine, highlighting its complex valve train and advanced materials.
The combination of biturbocharging and direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion elevates thermodynamic efficiency, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions in the mercedes biturbo v8. High-precision piezo injectors deliver fuel at high pressure directly into the eight combustion chambers. Multiple injections, precisely controlled, ensure a homogeneous air-fuel mixture. Fuel delivery is electronically managed, with fully variable fuel pressure ranging from 1450psi to 2900psi.
Biturbocharging with Hot Inside V: Response and Efficiency
In a departure from traditional layouts, the two exhaust gas turbochargers in the new M178 mercedes biturbo v8 are positioned within the “hot inside V” configuration. This strategic placement results in a significantly more compact V8 engine, optimizing weight distribution between the front and rear axles and enabling a lower engine installation. The “hot inside V” design also enhances airflow to the turbochargers. Electronically controlled blow-off valves ensure immediate and direct engine response. The turbochargers reach a maximum speed of 186,000 rpm and deliver a peak charge pressure of 17.4psi. For combustion, the turbocharged engine receives 2.3 times more oxygen atoms compared to a naturally aspirated engine. Close-coupled firewall catalytic converters made of thin-walled ceramic material, positioned downstream of the turbochargers, ensure rapid emission control response. Combined with two metal underfloor catalytic converters, the M178 mercedes biturbo v8 achieves effective emissions management.
Sports Exhaust System: A Symphony of Sound
For Mercedes-AMG, engine sound is a crucial element, embodying excitement, emotional appeal, and brand recognition. The new GT, powered by the mercedes biturbo v8, features a sports exhaust system with fully variable exhaust flaps. This innovative system allows drivers to tailor the engine’s sound profile. Depending on the selected driving mode, the mercedes biturbo v8 can deliver a refined and comfortable experience for long journeys or unleash a more aggressive, motorsport-inspired roar. The M178 engine possesses a unique tonal signature, distinctly AMG yet differentiated from other high-performance vehicles.
Exhaust flaps on both sides of the rear silencer are variably actuated based on transmission mode, driver input, and engine speed. At low loads and rpm, the flaps remain closed, directing exhaust gases through a longer, more muffled path, resulting in a subdued and refined sound. During acceleration, the flaps progressively open, allowing some exhaust gases to take the quieter route while most take a more direct path. Under full load and at higher engine speeds, both flaps fully open, unleashing the powerful and unmistakable AMG V8 sound, leaving no doubt about the performance potential of this 503hp mercedes biturbo v8.
Advanced Cooling Systems: Maintaining Peak Performance
To ensure optimal power output even in high ambient temperatures, Mercedes-AMG utilizes indirect air/water intercooling for the mercedes biturbo v8. The charge air cooler has a dedicated low-temperature water circuit. Optimized airflow through the intercooler keeps intake air temperatures at a maximum of 356 degrees Fahrenheit. The low-temperature cooler and its water circuit effectively cool the compressed intake air from the turbochargers before it enters the combustion chambers, maintaining consistently low intake temperatures even under full load. A large radiator at the front of the car controls the water temperature in the low-temperature circuit. Extremely short charge-air ducts contribute to optimal responsiveness.
Engine coolant is managed using an efficient cross-flow principle and a three-phase thermostat for faster warm-up. The water pump, driven by a timing chain rather than a traditional poly-V-belt, simplifies the belt drive system and reduces drive power losses. With a flow rate of 111 gallons per minute, the water pump circulates a volume equivalent to over two full bathtubs of coolant each minute.
An external engine oil cooler in the front apron of the Mercedes-AMG GT aids in heat management for the mercedes biturbo v8. A two-stage, controlled oil pump regulates oil circulation, varying flow rate based on engine load and speed, enhancing fuel economy. At high engine speeds, over one quart of engine oil per second flows through the oil lines. Lightweight aluminum is used for numerous oil and water lines to minimize weight.
Sophisticated peripheral systems further enhance the engine:
- Separate cooling-air flow for the exhaust gas turbochargers under high thermal stress.
- Active engine mounts for superior lateral dynamics without compromising comfort.
- Efficient auxiliary units powered by two short, low-friction belts.
- Dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum to dampen torsional vibrations for a smoother ride.
- ECO start/stop function and alternator management for fuel efficiency.
Rigorous Testing: Ensuring Uncompromising Quality
In Affalterbach, nine high-tech test stations rigorously evaluate AMG engines, including those exceeding 630hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, under dynamic conditions. These facilities simulate a vast spectrum of road and environmental scenarios, replicating virtually any driving condition imaginable. From cold starts to mountain passes, stop-and-go traffic to high-speed laps on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the engines are pushed to their limits. Even varying intake air temperatures and densities are computer-controlled.
Image depicting an AMG engine test bench, showcasing the advanced technology used for rigorous engine testing and quality assurance.
Detailed bench tests validate the performance of all engine components, with data systematically compared and evaluated using reproducible methods. Functional tests are complemented by endurance testing, with new AMG engines undergoing thousands of hours of endurance trials to ensure exceptional quality throughout their lifespan.
Simultaneously, prototype engines undergo intensive real-world testing across diverse climates and terrains. The standardized AMG test program encompasses climatic zones ranging from the frigid conditions of northern Sweden to the extreme heat of Death Valley, USA, and demanding routes like the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Nardo high-speed circuit, and congested city traffic. This comprehensive program ensures the day-to-day practicality, reliability, and long-term durability of each new generation of mercedes biturbo v8 engine.
“One Man, One Engine”: The Art of Hand-Built Excellence
The AMG 4.0-liter mercedes biturbo v8 engine is meticulously hand-assembled in Affalterbach following the revered “one man, one engine” principle. In the AMG engine shop, highly skilled technicians build these high-performance engines by hand, adhering to the strictest quality standards. The technician’s signature on the AMG engine plate serves as a testament to this exclusive production method, guaranteeing peak quality and the direct transfer of technology from motorsport – from Formula 1 and DTM to customer racing in the SLS AMG GT3.
Image illustrating the “One Man, One Engine” philosophy at AMG, showcasing a technician assembling a Mercedes-AMG V8 engine by hand.
A Rich Heritage of AMG V8 Power
Powerful eight-cylinder engines are deeply ingrained in Mercedes-AMG’s history. Founded in 1967, AMG made a resounding statement with the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, which achieved a class victory and second place overall at the 1971 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. This racing legend was based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, powered by the M100 V8 engine.
Another pivotal engine in AMG’s lineage was the M117, their first eight-cylinder engine with a four-valve-per-cylinder design. In 5.6-liter form, it propelled the 300 CE 5.6 AMG to a top speed of 188mph in 1987, earning it the title of the fastest German production car and the iconic nickname “The Hammer” among American AMG enthusiasts.
The supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 of 2001, the M113 K, delivered up to 574hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, marking another milestone. The supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 in the SLR McLaren (M155) of 2003 was even more potent, generating up to 641hp and 604 lb-ft of torque.
2005 saw the debut of the naturally aspirated, high-revving AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine, the M156, producing up to 517hp and 465 lb-ft depending on the model. Exclusively for the SLS AMG, the M159 variant of the 6.3-liter engine reached 563hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, culminating in a staggering 622hp in the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series.
The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo M157 engine, delivering between 517hp and 577hp and 516 to 664 lb-ft of torque, is recognized as the most efficient engine in its power and displacement class.
The new AMG 4.0-liter mercedes biturbo v8 engine builds upon this illustrious legacy, embodying the pinnacle of AMG’s engine development expertise and solidifying its position as a leader in high-performance automotive engineering. This engine is more than just a component; it is the heart and soul of the driving experience, promising unmatched power, precision, and the unmistakable thrill of a true AMG.
