Mercedes E63 AMG W211

The E63 AMG is the most powerful E-Class Mercedes has ever produced, but more importantly, it marks the end of an era and the passing of Mercedes' glorious single-cam, three-valve, supercharged V8s. The seven-speed automatic developed in 2005 (a world first before Lexus introduced an eight-speed) has gradually been phased in across the board, replacing the old five-speed, but this brought some new challenges for AMG. In particular, the seven-speed is unable to handle the 516 lb-ft of torque of the 5.4L supercharged V8, or for that matter anything approaching the five-speed's monstrous 796 lb-ft capacity.The solution is AMG's first all new engine under Mercedes ownership: the normally-aspirated M156. Sharing little with other Mercedes-Benz engine families – bore spacing, block design, and other features are unique – the M156 features dual-cams, 4-valves-per-cylinder, all-aluminium construction, a variable intake manifold made of magnesium, variable camshafts, and the use of a special low-friction cylinder wall coating called twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS). The result is an M5-beating 507-hp, and the necessary reduction in torque, which now stands at 465 lb-ft. Rest assured, the E63 is in fact comfortably quicker than the E55, and should nicely out-drag the M5 as well. The seven-speed is brilliant too, and complements the new V8 well. European customers also have the option of delimiting their bolides, which is a boon because at 155-mph the E63 is barely trying.Further modifications include a revised front air dam, a quad-exhaust and larger composite brakes using six-piston calipers on the front axle. Chassis-wise, the 63 is a repeat of the 55. This is a big, fast, supremely capable car, but not a nimble one. Heavy, dull steering, the lack of need for manual gear shifting, and an intrusive stability control make the E63 feel its two tons, though it is perhaps a good sporting alternative to, say, the Brabus E V12. Perhaps more than ever, the new 6.2L V8 emphasizes the AMG E-Class' role as a serious engine-car. It's available as a wagon too! - by Traian Popescu

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