The Mercedes-AMG C63 Will Have Its V-8 Back by 2026, Report Claims
We'll believe it when we see it, but the Mercedes-AMG C 63 might be reunited with its beloved V-8 as soon as 2026.
A new report from Autocar, citing anonymous 'sources within the German brand,' claims that a new eight-cylinder AMG motor is coming for various models — the most notable one, for now, being the C63 that's currently motivated by a four-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain. The new V-8 is reportedly pegged to first see the light in the upcoming AMG CLE 63 — which has been spotted in camouflaged form boasting a characteristic eight-cylinder sound — then roll out to other models.
The details of the engine in the report give us even more reason for excitement than the added cylinders. Autocar claims AMG will use its familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, but switch to a flat-plane crank design like that featured in the AMG GT Black Series. The reasoning? It would make for a more compact package, allowing the engine to fit in vehicles that weren't engineered with an eight-cylinder motor in mind. Mercedes is also rumored to use a mild-hybrid system to aid efficiency and providing an extra electric boost, to boot.
Could all of this be smoke and mirrors? Sure, but we think it has a decent chance of being on the level, because just last week Mercedes-Benz confirmed it was developing a 'next-generation, high-tech electrified V-8." It did not go so far as to specify which models said V-8 would be found in, but vehicles like the upcoming CLE63 and C63 certainly would make sense as potential homes. (Road & Track asked Mercedes if it could provide any additional details about its plans; we'll update this post upon hearing back.)
Autocar's story also suggests that even though some AMGs would be powered by V-8s, artificial sound generation could be even bolder than before. If Mercedes does go with a flat-plane crank design, the engine note will likely be higher-pitched than the cross-plane V-8s most AMG buyers are accustomed to. The additional artificial sound would theoretically make up for the deep chop-chop and burbles associated with cars like the previous generation E63 and C63.
Time will tell if AMG really does go back to V-8s, though. But in the meantime, make sure you check out our thoughts on the four-cylinder-powered C63 S E Performance on sale today.
You Might Also Like
You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox
Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners
The Man Who Signs Every Car
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
7 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Max Verstappen off the pace with 'undriveable' car in qualifying for Red Bull home race
SPIELBERG, Austria (AP) — Max Verstappen felt his Red Bull car was 'undriveable' as he found himself off the pace at his Formula 1 team's home race. A lack of grip and an unfortunately timed yellow flag both played a role as Verstappen placed seventh in qualifying at the Red Bull Ring, where he's won five times, to further dent his hopes of defending the F1 title. A frustrating day for Verstappen and the wider Red Bull team came amid widespread speculation over his future after Mercedes driver George Russell indicated on Thursday he believed Verstappen was in talks about a move. 'The car is completely undriveable. I have no grip," Verstappen told the team over the radio part way through Saturday qualifying. Things got worse later on as he had to back off his final lap of the session because of a yellow flag. Speaking to British broadcaster Sky Sports after the session, Verstappen indicated he believed his car was 'miles off pole" set by McLaren's Lando Norris, even without the yellow flag. 'Hopefully tomorrow we can at least be competitive with Ferrari or Mercedes," Verstappen said. "I don't know even, because with the balance we had in quali that's for sure not going to look great for tomorrow, but we will analyze everything.' Verstappen's teammate Yuki Tsunoda was even less competitive as he qualified 18th and complained he, too, was lacking grip. Norris said he and McLaren expected Red Bull 'to be quicker here this weekend' after both teams brought upgraded parts to Austria, but said he wouldn't write off Verstappen. Piastri leads Norris by 22 points in the standings with Verstappen third, 21 points further back. 'Max has been our main contender for every race this season," Norris said. "Just because he's had a slightly worse qualifying today, definitely not going to count him out of of the race tomorrow and definitely not going to count him out for the rest of the season.' ___
Hamilton Spectator
7 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Max Verstappen off the pace with ‘undriveable' car in qualifying for Red Bull home race
SPIELBERG, Austria (AP) — Max Verstappen felt his Red Bull car was 'undriveable' as he found himself off the pace at his Formula 1 team's home race. A lack of grip and an unfortunately timed yellow flag both played a role as Verstappen placed seventh in qualifying at the Red Bull Ring, where he's won five times, to further dent his hopes of defending the F1 title. A frustrating day for Verstappen and the wider Red Bull team came amid widespread speculation over his future after Mercedes driver George Russell indicated on Thursday he believed Verstappen was in talks about a move. 'The car is completely undriveable. I have no grip,' Verstappen told the team over the radio part way through Saturday qualifying. Things got worse later on as he had to back off his final lap of the session because of a yellow flag. Speaking to British broadcaster Sky Sports after the session, Verstappen indicated he believed his car was 'miles off pole' set by McLaren's Lando Norris, even without the yellow flag. 'Hopefully tomorrow we can at least be competitive with Ferrari or Mercedes,' Verstappen said. 'I don't know even, because with the balance we had in quali that's for sure not going to look great for tomorrow, but we will analyze everything.' Verstappen's teammate Yuki Tsunoda was even less competitive as he qualified 18th and complained he, too, was lacking grip. Norris said he and McLaren expected Red Bull 'to be quicker here this weekend' after both teams brought upgraded parts to Austria, but said he wouldn't write off Verstappen. Piastri leads Norris by 22 points in the standings with Verstappen third, 21 points further back. 'Max has been our main contender for every race this season,' Norris said. 'Just because he's had a slightly worse qualifying today, definitely not going to count him out of of the race tomorrow and definitely not going to count him out for the rest of the season.' ___ AP auto racing:
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Valtteri Bottas Drops Cryptic Cadillac Clip and Fans Lose It
Valtteri Bottas Drops Cryptic Cadillac Clip and Fans Lose It originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Valtteri Bottas just dropped a video that has sent the F1 world spiraling into speculation. In the short clip posted on social media platforms, Bottas is shown admiring a Cadillac with two empty seats. 'That's a nice seat,' he says with a grin. Advertisement When asked if he wants to sit in it, Bottas teases, 'Not yet.' It was the kind of playful-but-pointed moment that fans know never happens by accident and it didn't take long for social media to erupt. One fan wrote, 'Congrats Val! We miss you on the grid,' while another chimed in with, 'Lmao that's one to announce it, congrats!!' The post even sparked wild theories about a potential teammate, with comments like, 'You and Sergio Perez will make excellent teammates, let's go!' and 'Does Daniel Ricciardo like the other seat?' Valtteri Bottas at Las Vegas A. Vasquez-Imagn Images While Bottas hasn't confirmed anything, the context is hard to ignore. Andretti Cadillac have been lobbying hard to join the F1 grid by 2026, and Bottas — a proven race winner with global popularity — would be an ideal lead driver for a new team looking to make headlines. Advertisement Bottas' name has been linked with the Cadillac F1 project since F1 gave it the green light for 2026 and the short video clip is the clearest sign yet that the Mercedes test and reserve driver will be back in a race seat next year. Perez too has also been in the mix and is often deemed as a front-runner for the drive. The Mexican star has also been touted as an option for Alpine in recent weeks as well. Whether it's a lighthearted tease or a serious hint, one thing's clear: Valtteri Bottas still knows how to cause a stir, even off the grid. Related: George Russell Sends Fans Wild With Daniel Ricciardo Photo Drop This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
