Twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with know-how from motorsport

This exclusive performance is made possible by the 5980-cc V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG. The engine's credentials are outstanding: maximum output of 612 hp is maintained from 4750 to 5100 rpm, while the maximum torque of 1000 Nm can be called on from 2000 to 4000 rpm. Even as low as 1000 rpm, the AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers 420 lbs-ft of torque to the crankshaft, while 553 lbs-ft is on tap at 1500 rpm.

2006 Mercedes S-Class AMG (S63/S65)

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2006 Mercedes S-Class AMG (S63/S65)
  • Horsepower: 604@4800
  • Torque: 4000
  • Transmission: 7 speed automatic

Engine

This exclusive performance is made possible by the 5980-cc V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG. The engine's credentials are outstanding: maximum output of 612 hp is maintained from 4750 to 5100 rpm, while the maximum torque of 1000 Nm can be called on from 2000 to 4000 rpm. Even as low as 1000 rpm, the AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers 420 lbs-ft of torque to the crankshaft, while 553 lbs-ft is on tap at 1500 rpm.

When designing and building the V12 engine the AMG designers drew on the vast know-how amassed over many years of motorsport involvement. The AMG V12 engine has a precision-balanced crankshaft made out of high-strength materials, forged pistons made out of special material which is extremely resistant to temperature and pressure, a more effective oil-spray cooling system with a separate individual nozzle for each piston plus larger piston pins. The main and big-end bearings are also made out of improved materials to compensate for peak temperatures and pressures more effectively. The charge cycle in the cylinder heads benefits from optimised combustion chambers and longer opening times of the intake valves. A modified oil pump ensures that all lubrication points are supplied with oil - even in highly demanding conditions. An engine oil cooler is integrated into the AMG front apron, with an additional engine coolant radiator located in the wheel arch.

The charge-air cooler has also been redesigned with a low-temperature radiator in the front of the vehicle that is around 70 percent larger. The system works on the principle of the air/water heat exchanger for particularly effective cooling of the intake air (which has been compressed by the turbochargers) before it enters the combustion chambers. The increased surface area of the low-temperature radiator provides a 25 percent reduction in intake temperature and guarantees high power and torque output under all operating conditions and regardless of the outside temperature, even when the engine is operating at full load. The housings of the compressor and turbine in both turbochargers as well as the turbine and compressor wheels have been enlarged to cope with the maximum charge pressure of 1.5 bar.

The electronically controlled fuel supply with newly developed components operates with a variable system pressure between 3.6 and 5.0 bar. Depending on the power requirements and outside temperature, the fuel pressure is variably controlled almost instantly. The engine management system translates the command from the accelerator within milliseconds, delivering an extremely fast response from the engine in all load situations.

The AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chrome tailpipes in the new V12 design provides the telltale AMG twelve-cylinder vocals on the new S 65 AMG. The new tri-metallic coating used in the catalytic converters provides a faster response from a cold start, improved emission control as well as longer life. The ultra-powerful twelve-cylinder unit takes the specific requirements of the U.S. market such as LEV II, “On-Board Diagnosis II” and oxygen sensor diagnosis in its stride.

The special position of the AMG V12 engine was singled out at the “International Engine of the Year Awards 2004”: in the “Best Performance Engine” category the jury chose the 450-kW/612-hp AMG engine as the winner, beating off a field of 70 renowned competitors from Europe, the USA and Japan. In the AMG engine manufacturing facility, each engine is traditionally hand-built according to the “One man, one engine” philosophy. That means that each complete AMG V12 engine is assembled from start to finish by a single technician - documented with the technician's signature on the AMG engine plate.

Mercedes S63 AMG

4 cylinders and nearly 100hp separate the S63 AMG from the S55, even though the stopwatch shows only a few tenths advantage for the heavier car. Based on the 5.8L V12 used in the S600 and CL600, the S63's engine has a larger displacement, a new management sytem, a new crank case and cooling system, weight-optimised pistons, and a new camshaft with greater valve lift and modified valves. 390lb-ft of torque are available between 2500-5800rpm with a peak of 457 at 4400rpm while horsepower grows by almost 80 over the S600. The gearbox is a 5-speed Tiptronic. Active security is taken care of by the large brake rotors all around (drilled up front) and Active Body Control (ABC) which reduces body roll by compensating body movement with hydraulics.

The standard 17 inch alloy wheels can be traded in for 18 or 19 inchers, and wrapped in the 245/40R19 and 275/35R19 front/rear range-topping tires. Also optional are a few exterior add-ons such as side skirts and the deletion of the 155mph speed-limiter.