Mercedes-AMG has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive performance, and their latest masterpiece, the AMG 4.0-liter V8 Mercedes Biturbo engine, is a testament to this dedication. This groundbreaking engine sits at the heart of the new Mercedes-AMG GT, embodying a fusion of raw power, intelligent lightweight design, and impressive efficiency. Delivering up to a staggering 503 horsepower and a peak torque of 479 lb-ft, this mercedes biturbo V8 promises a driving experience sculpted by motorsport DNA. This new engine proudly continues the legacy of AMG’s V8 heritage, a lineage that began in 1967 with the M100 engine in the iconic 300 SEL 6.8 AMG racing car, while pioneering innovative features for the future of high-performance engines.
Powerful V8 engines have become synonymous with AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz. Affalterbach, Germany, is the birthplace of these innovative and exhilarating engines, where Mercedes-AMG GmbH takes full responsibility for both their development and meticulous production.
Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, aptly stated, “V8 engines are fundamental to the AMG philosophy and the brand’s unwavering commitment to ‘Driving Performance’. The V8 mercedes biturbo engine designed for our new GT is engineered to thrill our discerning customers.”
Christian Enderle, Head of Engine and Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG, added, “With the unveiling of the new AMG 4.0-liter V8 mercedes biturbo, we are proud to present a thrilling and potent sports car engine. Through a series of advanced engineering measures, this engine also marks a significant leap forward in efficiency.”
The Innovative ‘Hot Inside V’ and Dry Sump Lubrication System
The AMG V8 mercedes biturbo engine distinguishes itself with a revolutionary design: the twin turbochargers are strategically positioned not outside the cylinder banks, but nestled within the V configuration – a layout engineers refer to as ‘hot inside V’. This ingenious configuration yields several key advantages, including a more compact engine footprint, optimized responsiveness, and reduced exhaust gas emissions. Furthermore, the integration of dry sump lubrication enables a lower engine installation, effectively lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. This lowered center of gravity is crucial for achieving exceptional lateral acceleration and enhanced handling dynamics. The M178, AMG’s internal designation for this engine, proudly holds the distinction of being the world’s first sports car engine to combine the ‘hot inside V’ configuration with dry sump lubrication. Adding to its impressive credentials, the new AMG V8 boasts a dry weight of just 460 lbs, making it the lightest engine in its competitive class.
| 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 |
| Max Output | 503hp (375 kW) @ 6250 rpm |
| Output 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 | 17.4psi |
| Engine Weight (Dry) | 460 lbs |
Motorsport-Inspired Performance and Superior Power Delivery
The AMG M178 mercedes biturbo engine is engineered to deliver a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. It is characterized by its exceptional power delivery and performance that draws heavily from motorsport engineering. The engine produces an emotionally charged and instantly recognizable AMG V8 sound, coupled with lightning-fast response and robust pulling power throughout the rev range. The torque curve is meticulously tuned for optimal driveability, with the peak torque of 479 lb-ft readily available across a broad spectrum from 1750 to 4750 rpm.
Sharing a technological lineage with the formidable AMG 2.0-liter turbo engine found in the CLA45 AMG and GLA45 AMG – currently the world’s most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine – this V8 mercedes biturbo engine, despite its larger 3982 cc displacement, shares the same bore/stroke ratio. This shared design philosophy ensures exceptional high-revving capabilities in both engine families. Fuel mixture formation is managed by third-generation direct petrol injection utilizing piezo injectors, contributing to the remarkable efficiency and fuel economy of this AMG 4.0-liter V8 mercedes biturbo engine.
Advanced Materials and Technologies: NANOSLIDE®, Spectacle Honing, and More
The aluminum crankcase of the mercedes biturbo engine is produced using sand casting technology and features a closed deck design. This construction method provides exceptional strength and rigidity while minimizing weight. The cylinder bore surfaces are treated with NANOSLIDE® technology, a Daimler innovation that renders them twice as hard as conventional cast-iron linings.
NANOSLIDE® technology, pioneered by Daimler starting in 2000 and implemented in over 200,000 engines since 2006, was first used in an AMG V8 engine – the highly successful predecessor to this new 4.0-liter mercedes biturbo. The application of this award-winning technology has expanded significantly, and it is now also utilized in the Mercedes F1 V6 turbo engine since the 2014 race season, showcasing its performance benefits in the highest echelons of motorsport.
‘Spectacle honing’ is another innovative technique employed to minimize friction and enhance fuel efficiency. In this sophisticated process, the cylinder liners undergo mechanical surface treatment after being bolted into place. A specialized jig, resembling spectacles, is attached to the crankcase, mimicking the cylinder head’s position during final assembly. This approach accounts for and eliminates potential cylinder distortion that may occur during assembly, leading to improved durability and reduced oil consumption. The new AMG V8 mercedes biturbo engine also features forged aluminum pistons, engineered for lightweight design and high strength. Low-friction piston rings further contribute to reduced fuel and oil consumption.
Dry Sump Lubrication: Ensuring Performance Under Extreme G-Forces
The implementation of dry sump lubrication in the mercedes biturbo engine eliminates the need for a conventional oil pan. This allows the engine to be positioned a further 2.2 inches lower within the spaceframe. The resulting lower center of gravity is particularly advantageous for a high-performance sports car designed to handle extreme lateral dynamics, enhancing agility and cornering prowess. Beyond improved handling, dry sump lubrication ensures consistent and direct oil extraction from the crankcases, guaranteeing optimal engine lubrication even under high speeds and intense lateral loads experienced during aggressive driving.
The M178 dry sump lubrication system utilizes a suction pump, a pressure pump, and an external oil tank with a substantial 12-liter (12.8 quarts) capacity. The system circulates a total of nine liters of engine oil. The oil suction pump efficiently extracts oil directly from the crankcases, cylinder heads, and valve body assembly, delivering it to the external oil tank at a rate of up to 250 liters (264 quarts) per minute. The lubricant resides in the external tank for a mere five seconds before being recirculated back into the high-performance engine. This efficient oil scavenging further enhances engine efficiency. The pressure oil pump is controlled on-demand, adapting to engine rpm, temperature, and load characteristics stored within the control unit. The oil pan bottom section and oil tank are constructed from plastic, demonstrating a commitment to lightweight engineering.
Advanced Cylinder Head Design and Direct Injection
The cylinder heads of the AMG 4.0-liter V8 mercedes biturbo engine are crafted from a zirconium alloy, chosen for its exceptional temperature resistance and thermal conductivity. Four overhead camshafts control a total of 32 valves. Camshaft adjustment on both the intake and exhaust sides optimizes engine response and refines the gas cycle across various operating conditions. Optimized valve springs and low-friction valve gear with cam followers further contribute to fuel efficiency gains.
Direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion, coupled with biturbo charging, maximizes thermodynamic efficiency, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower exhaust gas emissions. High-speed, precision piezo injectors spray fuel at high pressure directly into the eight combustion chambers. Multiple injection events occur on demand, ensuring a homogenous and optimized fuel/air mixture for efficient combustion. Fuel delivery is electronically controlled and fully variable, with fuel pressure ranging from -1450psi to 2,900psi.
‘Hot Inside V’ Biturbocharging System for Enhanced Responsiveness
The biturbo charging system in the new M178 engine deviates from conventional designs by positioning both exhaust gas turbochargers within the ‘hot inside V’ configuration, rather than externally to the cylinder banks. This strategic placement results in a significantly more compact V8 engine, contributing to optimal weight distribution between the front and rear axles and a lower engine installation position. The ‘hot inside V’ design also optimizes the flow of fresh air to both turbochargers. Electronically controlled blow-off valves ensure remarkably immediate and direct engine response. The system achieves a maximum charge pressure of 17.4psi, and the turbochargers are capable of reaching speeds of up to 186,000 revolutions per minute. For combustion, the turbocharged engine forces 2.3 times more oxygen atoms into the cylinders compared to a naturally aspirated engine. Two firewall catalytic converters, constructed from thin-walled ceramic material and positioned downstream of the turbochargers, achieve rapid activation due to their close-coupled configuration. Combined with two metal, underfloor catalytic converters, the M178 system ensures effective emission control.
Sports Exhaust System with Variable Exhaust Flaps: Tailoring the Sound
For Mercedes-AMG, the emotional sound of the engine is a critical aspect of the driving experience. The new GT mercedes biturbo is equipped with a sports exhaust system featuring fully variable exhaust flaps. This innovative system empowers the driver to modulate the engine sound, choosing between a comfort-focused and relaxed tone for long journeys or a more evocative, motorsport-inspired sound. The M178 engine has its own distinct tonal signature, clearly identifying it as part of the AMG family while differentiating it from other high-performance vehicles.
An exhaust flap is located on each side of the rear silencer, with actuation controlled by a sophisticated logic system that responds to the selected transmission mode, driver power demand, and engine speed. At low loads and engine speeds, the flaps remain closed, directing exhaust gases through a longer path and an additional damping element, resulting in a pleasantly subdued engine sound and effective suppression of unwanted frequencies. When the driver accelerates, the flaps progressively open, allowing a portion of the exhaust gases to follow the longer, dampened path, while the majority takes a shorter route. Under full load and at higher engine speeds, both flaps are fully opened, unleashing the powerful and iconic AMG V8 sound, leaving no doubt about the 503hp eight-cylinder biturbo engine’s performance potential.
Advanced Cooling Systems for Optimal Performance
Mercedes-AMG employs indirect air/water intercooling to ensure optimal power output even in high ambient temperatures. The charge air cooler utilizes a separate, low-temperature water circuit. Thanks to an optimized flow profile within the intercooler, the maximum intake air temperature is kept to 356 degrees Fahrenheit. The low-temperature cooler and its dedicated water circuit effectively cool the intake air compressed by the turbochargers before it enters the combustion chambers, maintaining consistently low intake temperatures even under sustained full load. A large radiator positioned at the front of the car ensures controlled cooling of the water circulating in the low-temperature circuit. Extremely short charge-air ducting further enhances engine responsiveness.
Engine coolant is managed using a highly efficient cross-flow principle, and a three-phase thermostat accelerates coolant warm-up. The water pump is driven by a timing chain rather than a conventional poly-V-belt, simplifying the belt drive system and reducing clamping force. This results in reduced drive power losses. With a rated flow of 111 gallons per minute, the water pump circulates the equivalent of more than two full bathtubs of water every minute.
An external engine oil cooler, integrated into the front apron of the Mercedes-AMG GT, contributes to the V8 engine’s thermal management. A two-stage, controlled oil pump regulates engine oil circulation, varying flow rate based on engine load and speed, optimizing fuel economy. At high engine speeds, over 1.0 quart of engine oil per second flows through the oil lines and ducts. Weight reduction is achieved through the extensive use of aluminum for numerous oil and water lines.
Sophisticated solutions extend to the engine’s periphery, including:
- Separate cooling-air flow for the exhaust gas turbochargers under high thermal load.
- Active engine mounts for a balance of exceptional lateral dynamics and ride comfort.
- Efficient auxiliary units powered by two short, low-friction belts with four grooves. Intelligent positioning of auxiliary units minimizes belt forces on the crankshaft.
- A two-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum effectively dampens torsional vibrations in the driveline for a smoother ride.
- ECO start/stop function and alternator management to enhance fuel efficiency.
Rigorous Testing and “One Man, One Engine” Philosophy
In Affalterbach, nine state-of-the-art test stations are dedicated to dynamically testing AMG engines exceeding 630hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. These advanced facilities can simulate a wide spectrum of road and environmental conditions, replicating virtually any conceivable operating scenario. From cold and hot starts to mountain passes, stop-and-go traffic, and high-speed laps on the Nürburgring North Loop, the engines are pushed to their limits. Computer-controlled systems can even simulate variations in intake air temperature and density.
Detailed bench tests are conducted to validate the performance of all engine components and peripheral units. Comprehensive measurement data is systematically compared and evaluated using reproducible test methods. Functional tests are complemented by rigorous endurance testing. To ensure the highest quality standards throughout their operational lifespan, new AMG engines undergo thousands of hours of endurance testing.
Simultaneously, the initial test engines undergo intensive real-world trials. Mercedes-AMG’s standardized test program encompasses all climatic zones and diverse route profiles, ranging from the frigid conditions of northern Sweden to the extreme heat of Death Valley (USA), from high-speed circuits in Nardo (Italy) and Papenburg to the demanding Nürburgring North Loop and stop-and-go city traffic. This comprehensive program rigorously evaluates the day-to-day practicality, reliability, and long-term durability of each new engine generation.
The AMG 4.0-liter V8 mercedes biturbo engine is meticulously handcrafted in Affalterbach based on the “one man, one engine” principle. In the AMG engine shop, highly skilled technicians assemble these high-performance engines by hand, adhering to the most stringent quality standards. The technician’s signature on the AMG engine plate serves as a testament to this exclusive engine production method and signifies the highest levels of quality and technology transfer from motorsport – from Formula 1 and DTM to customer sport activities in the SLS AMG GT3.
A Legacy of AMG V8 Power
Powerful eight-cylinder engines are deeply ingrained in the history of Mercedes-AMG. Founded in 1967, the company made a significant impact with the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, which achieved a remarkable second place overall and a class victory at the 1971 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). This AMG racing saloon was based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, powered by the M100 V8 engine. Producing 246hp at 4000 rpm and reaching a top speed of 136mph, this luxury saloon was the fastest production car in Germany at the time. Classic tuning and an enlarged displacement from 6330 to 6835 cc boosted output to 422hp at 5500 rpm and torque from 368 to 448 lb-ft.
Another pivotal engine in AMG’s history was the M117, their first eight-cylinder unit featuring a four-valve-per-cylinder design. With a 5.6-liter displacement, 355hp, and 376 lb-ft of torque, this V8 propelled the 300 CE 5.6 AMG to a top speed of 188mph. In 1987, this made the coupé the fastest German production car, earning it the revered nickname “The Hammer” among American AMG enthusiasts.
The supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 of 2001 marked another milestone in AMG engine development. The M113 K delivered up to 574hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 in the SLR McLaren (2003) was even more potent, with the M155 generating up to 641hp and 604 lb-ft of torque.
In 2005, the naturally aspirated, high-revving AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine, known as the M156, debuted, producing up to 517hp and 465 lb-ft depending on the model. Exclusively reserved for the SLS AMG, the M159 engine, also a 6.3-liter V8, achieved a maximum output of 563hp and peak torque of 479 lb-ft. In the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, the M159 reached an astounding 622hp.
The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo M157 engine delivers between 517hp and 577hp, depending on the model, and a maximum torque ranging from 516 to 664 lb-ft. The M157 is widely recognized as the most efficient engine in its output and displacement class, paving the way for the advancements seen in the new 4.0-liter mercedes biturbo engine and solidifying AMG’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of V8 engine technology.
