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Touted as the benchmark for performance and efficiency, the E63 AMG is now even more powerful and efficient.
Those familiar with the 2012 CLS63 AMG will find this new engine can produce either 518 hp or 550 hp, together with an impressive reduction in fuel consumption - 22 percent less based on the European driving cycle.
Also responsible for improved fuel economy is the newly developed electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system which only draws power during steering wheel movements. The 2012MY E63 AMG goes on-sale in the U.S. this Fall.
According to the news release, the eight-cylinder powerhouse, designated internally as the M157, boasts a combination of innovative high-tech components such as spray-guided direct gasoline injection with piezo injectors, a full aluminum crankcase, four-valve technology with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, generator management and an Eco Stop/Start system.
With a displacement of 5,461 cc the eight-cylinder engine develops a peak output of 518 hp and torque of 516 lb-ft. In conjunction with the optional AMG Performance Package, these figures increase to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft. Both variants of the E63 AMG achieve exceptional performance: acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 4.4 and 4.3 seconds respectively and the top speed is 155 mph or 186 mph with the AMG Performance Package (electronically limited).
The improvements in output and torque that comes with the AMG Performance Package can be attributed primarily to an increase in the maximum boost pressure from 14.5 to 18.8 psi. Visible differentiation is provided by a carbon fiber engine cover, AMG Performance steering wheel with black Alcantara side grips, red-painted brake calipers and a carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler.
7-Speed Transmission Key to Fuel Management
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission helps save fuel. In fact, it plays a major role in the car's exemplary consumption figures.
For example, in place of a conventional torque converter, the MCT uses a compact wet start-up clutch. The 2012 E63 AMG also features a ECO Stop/Start function which is active in the Controlled Efficiency ("C") transmission mode and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle comes to a stop. The ECO Stop/Start function can be activated or deactivated using the ECO button on the center console.
When in transmission mode "C", the vehicle will always start-off in second gear. The system will also shift earlier and avoid high engine speeds. The demand-driven fuel pump and generator use braking energy during deceleration to further add to fuel economy.
Even with these improvements, performance is not compromised thanks to transmission modes "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual) which enhance the car's agility with shorter response times, higher engine speeds and sharper gear changes. Together, they harness the full potential of the new AMG V8 biturbo engine.
In all three transmission modes, not only is the ECO Stop/Start system deactivated but the engine management system partially suppresses the cylinders at full load. This carefully managed interruption to ignition and injection results in faster gear changes and an exhilarating exhaust note - all aided by automatic rev-matching during shifts.
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension
The 2012 E63 AMG features the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with a specially designed front axle: the track has been widened by 2.2 inches and includes independent wheel carriers for increased negative camber at the front to improve grip during performance driving. Further features include steel suspension struts on the front axle and air suspension struts on the rear axle, with an automatic level control system and an electronically controlled damping system, which automatically adjusts the damping characteristics depending on driving conditions and reduces body roll. All this combines to provide lightning-quick adjustment between optimum driving comfort and the best possible agility. The driver can switch between the three suspension modes of "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus" at the touch of a button.
New Steering System
The 2012 E63 AMG is also features a new electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system with a more direct ratio of 14:1 and variable power assistance that adapts according to the suspension mode. The new steering provides extremely agile handling through bends while also helping to reduce fuel consumption since the power assistance system only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered.
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Disclosure: Frank Sherosky, creator of auto sector charts for TN and author of "Awaken Your Speculator Mind" does not hold any stock or option positions in this equity at this time.
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About the Author: After 39 years in the auto industry as a design engineer, Frank Sherosky now trades stocks and writes articles, books and ebooks via authorfrank.com, but may be contacted here by email: [email protected]
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