Mercedes-AMG's new plug-in hybrid powertrain generates over 815hp of power
What's the story
German automaker Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance car division has revealed two petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains that have been developed in-house.
These new powertrains are an electrified 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 4.0-liter V8 unit.
The more powerful mill shall generate over 815hp of power in future all-wheel-drive AMG models and ensure zero-emission over short distances thanks to its pure-electric capability.
Information
The mills are part of AMG's e-Performance strategy
The new powertrains are part of AMG's e-Performance strategy and are based on the automaker's existing 2.0-liter and 4.0-liter V8 petrol engines, which are codenamed M177 and M139, respectively. The mills are linked to a 9-speed MCT-Speedshift gearbox equipped with an AMG torque converter.
Advantages
The powertrains offer improved efficiency while lowering average CO2 emissions
The new AMG engines are linked to an electric motor integrated into the rear axle assembly. This electrification process aims at increasing their mileage while lowering the average CO2 emissions.
The asynchronous motor generates 95hp continuously but has been designed to generate a maximum power of 204hp and 300Nm of torque at 13,500rpm when using more performance-oriented driving modes.
Improvements
The new architecture will ensure more favorable front-to-rear weight distribution
The new driveline architecture is different from the arrangement used by standard PHEV models, wherein an electric motor is integrated in the front of the gearbox housing.
According to AMG, integrating the motor into the rear axle assembly will contribute to a more favorable front-to-rear weight distribution in its e-Performance models and also ensure a higher combined torque rating.
Features
Six driving modes are also on offer
The electric motor is powered by a 400V 6.1kWh Lithium-ion battery with cylindrical cells. It has been developed in partnership with Mercedes-AMG-owned High Performance Powertrains and has a claimed weight of 89kg.
Six different driving modes - Electric, Sport, Sport+, Comfort, Race, and Individual - are also on offer for the best driving experience.
Performance
The V8 powertrain will generate over 815hp of power
The V8 PHEV powertrain will debut in the GT73e 4MATIC 4-door and shall generate over 815hp of power and over 1,000Nm of torque. The vehicle will be able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3 seconds.
The 2.0-liter unit will debut on C63e 4MATIC in early-2022. Using the same motor and battery as its V8 sibling, it shall generate over 510hp/700Nm.