24% less powerful but infinitely more exciting: the new Mercedes-AMG C63 finally gets its legendary V8 back

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The latest generation of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S has caused quite a stir with its plug-in hybrid four-cylinder engine.

Okay, it’s more powerful on paper. But it still struggles to win over purists who miss the roar of the V8. An Austrian company, Vuk Manufaktur, decided to address this by installing a twin-turbo V8 under the hood of the C63 S. A radical transformation that could inspire others.

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A return to roots with a twin-turbo V8

Mercedes AMG’s decision to ditch the V8 in favor of a four-cylinder hybrid engine hasn’t sat well with everyone. With 671 hp, the power was there, but the character and sound left a lot to be desired. Even back when the legendary 6.2L naturally aspirated V8 was replaced by the twin-turbo V8, many critics voiced their concerns. But switching to a four-cylinder without even going through a V6… That was too much for Vuk Manufaktur, which took up the challenge of bringing the V8 back to the W206. For two years, its engineers stripped the hybrid C63 to remove all the electrical components, including the three auxiliary motors. The result? A sedan with a strong character, reminiscent of the classic AMG models.

Mercedes AMG’s decision to ditch the V8 in favor of a four-cylinder hybrid engine hasn’t sat well with everyone.
Mercedes AMG’s decision to ditch the V8 in favor of a four-cylinder hybrid engine hasn’t sat well with everyone.

A setup that sounds just right

Although Vuk Manufaktur didn’t specify the exact model of the V8 installed, it’s likely the famous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, already used in many AMG models and even in the Aston Martin Vantage. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, it completely changes the behavior of the C63. Gone are the compromises imposed by hybridization; this modified version regains the responsiveness and sound that harkens back to AMG’s golden days. For enthusiasts, this engine swap brings the C63 back to its status as a beloved German muscle car.

It’s likely the famous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, already used in many AMG models.
It’s likely the famous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, already used in many AMG models.

An interesting but uncertain alternative

While Vuk Manufaktur’s initiative shows that it’s technically possible to reintroduce a V8 into the new C63, it remains to be seen if this project can be turned into a small series production. No official announcement has been made regarding a potential market release, but it’s clear that there’s genuine interest from enthusiasts. Meanwhile, BMW continues to sell its M3 with a turbo six-cylinder, while Mercedes sticks to its hybrid choice for the C63. A strategic choice that could be questioned if the demand for this engine swap proves to be strong, and especially if sales don’t meet expectations.

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This article explores the engine swap carried out by Vuk Manufaktur to bring back the twin-turbo V8 character to the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. It highlights the technical challenges of this conversion, the impact on performance, and the questions surrounding potential commercialization. An ambitious project that could reignite the debate on the future of AMG powertrains.

Images: © Mercedes-AMG

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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