Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an overview of the 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that will be replacing its current 6.3-liter naturally aspirated AMG offering. Power for the 5.5-liter will be 536 hp and 590 lbs.-ft. of torque. In comparison, the current 6.3 makes 518 hp and 465 lbs.-ft. and the last 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 made 510 hp and 531 lbs.-ft. of torque. In a car like the S63, the new engine is capable of reducing fuel consumption by 25 percent.

Unlike our initial prediction when we first heard that Mercedes was going to offer an all-new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8, the new engine will be connected to the seven-speed MCT and not the old five-speed automatic. The new transmission uses more gear ratios, and works in conjunction with the new start-stop function that will cut off the engine when the car is at a long stop, to increase fuel efficiency.

Through an AMG Performance Package, customers can increase the power to 563 hp and 664 lbs.-ft. of torque; leaving little need for AMG’s 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 engine. The C-class, CLS-class, E-class, S-class, and CL-class will all utilize the new engine.

[via Mercedes]