Mercedes and their in-house performance center AMG, following footsteps of BMW, are going to drop the magnificent 6.3 liter V8 M156-series engine in favour of a more efficient twin-turbo 5.5 liter direct injection V8. This new M157 unit develops 544 hp and  maximum torque of 800 Nm in the standard mode, and 571 hp and 900 Nm with the optional AMG Performance package.

And the new Mercedes S63 AMG will be the first car to get it, but before that car arrives, Mercedes throws a welcome party by reviving a legend.

And that legend is the 1971 Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, better known as the Red Pig. So making a modern-day Red Pig, Mercedes came up with a red S63 decorated with the same sponsor decals as the original car. This is a stripped-out S-class which comes with a roll cage and racing seats inside the cabin!

The new 5.46 liter Bi-turbo V8 comes standard with start/stop system and features a high-tech direct injection system, and it’s also mated to an optimized MCT gearbox. Also to maximize its efficiency it also comes with a new cylinder deactivation system at low speed. Nevertheless, it averages 10.5 liter per 100 Km, which is like 25 percent lighter on fuel than the old engine, but still not what you call economical.

The new Mercedes S63 AMG featuring the new V8 is expected to go on sale later this year.

via: Autonews