The Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V12 will be retired after 18 years
Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will discontinue the Mercedes-AMG S 65. This was one of the last few cars that was powered by the brand's flagship motor, the 6.0 litre twin-turbo V12. This motor makes 630PS and an astonishing 1,000Nm. Powered as such, and mated to the older seven speed Mercedes torque convertor, the S 65 can get from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.2s and on to 250kmph. This increases to 300kmph with the optional AMG driver's package.
This decision comes as no surprise though. AMG bosses have told various news outlets in the past that the V12 will not be used in their car before, but will continue on other sub-brand offerings for some time, i.e. in the Mercedes-Maybach S650. But this comes as no surprise. The M279 designated engine has been around for a good part of 18 years. It still uses single overhead camshafts and three valves per cylinder, as inherited from the earlier M137 power plant. So its quite outdated when seen alongside the new 4.0 litre motor from AMG. This makes similar power outputs but is far more efficient and eco-friendly.
With new, much stricter, emission norms kicking in, it will be very difficult to make the V12 motor to meet these norms. The G 65 was dropped for this generation and the SL 65 has also been quietly discontinued. So effectively, the S 65 Final Edition, which will be seen at Geneva this year will be last of the manic V12 AMG motors that we have come to associate with the brand. The replacement will most likely be a variation of the V8, possibly with some electrical assistance, to match the torquey nature of the V12 and meet new regulations.