Mercedes and AMG just revealed what they call the "most powerful high-performance saloon in the luxury segment", a car that, according to the German brand, will set new standards in terms of driving dynamics, lightweight construction and efficiency. So what does this new S30 AMG have that makes it so special?
To start, it comes equipped with a 5.5-liter biturbo BlueDIRECT V8 engine that puts out 585PS (430kW or 577bhp) @5500rpm and 900Nm (664lb/ft) of torque @2250-3750rpm, connected to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission that drives the rear wheels. As an option, you can choose to have the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. This system has a torque distribution ratio of 33/67, meaning most power still goes to the rear wheels.
Another improvement over its predecessor is the reduction of 100kg (lbs) in the car's weight. This is achieve thanks to the systematic implementation of the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy. This strategy means Mercedes fitted the S63 AMG with 19- or 20-inch forged light-alloy wheels, a lightweight lithium-ion battery that replaces both the starter battery and the backup battery, a weight-optimized ceramic high-performance composite brake system, the roof and the front end of the body are made of aluminum and the spare wheel recess is made of carbon fiber.
Mercedes offers three different models of the S63 AMG. The S63 short wheelbase, S63 long wheelbase and S63 long wheelbase with the 4MATIC system. Depending on the model you can expect a combined fuel consumption of 10.1l/100km (27.97 UK mpg or 23.29 USA mpg) to 10.3l/100km (27.42 UK mpg or 22.84 USA mpg). The 0 to 100km/h (62mph) run is done in 4 seconds for the 4MATIC model, while the other two need 4.4 seconds.
Another difference between the all-wheel drive and the rear-wheel drive models is that the first comes with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension which is a full air suspension system, while the other two use an AMG sports suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL that recognizes road surface undulations and automatically adjusts the suspension.
The world premiere is schedule to happen at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with sales also starting in September. Prices for Germany start at €149,880.50 ($192,150 or £126,450) for the S63 AMG (short wheelbase) and €152,617.50 ($195,650 or £128,750).
Source: Mercedes
