In a latest flip of occasions, Automotive and Driver advised Mercedes would possibly reintroduce the V8 engine for its C63 and E63 fashions by 2026. But, after we approached Mercedes, the German luxurious titan remained tight-lipped, declining to debate upcoming choices. In distinction, a recent perception from Auto Motor und Sport challenges this, implying the eight-cylinder powerhouse won’t make its comeback.

An “worker conversant in product growth” labelled the preliminary information as “pure nonsense”, highlighting that the V8’s reintroduction to the C63 and E63 was off the desk. Because of this, it appears the elite C-Class will doubtless stick with its hybrid four-cylinder configuration. Furthermore, the premium E-Class may also expertise an engine discount. The uncertainty stays: will the subsequent E63 undertake an inline-six, or transfer to a four-cylinder? Nonetheless, Autocar believes the six-cylinder choice is probably going.

For these dreaming of the V8’s grand resurgence, particularly throughout the European Union, the prospects seem bleak. Mounting emissions requirements pose important challenges for automotive producers producing sizeable engines. The looming Euro 7 rules, set for 2025, additional solid shadows over the massive ICE’s future.

Moreover, the burden of rising taxes has made high-performance vehicles much less accessible. Had it not been for stringent insurance policies, manufacturers like AMG, BMW M, and Audi Sport might need sustained their famend six- and eight-cylinder engines with out pivoting to electrical and smaller designs.

Many criticise automotive producers for decreasing engine sizes and integrating hybrid expertise. But, it’s arguably the only real avenue to protect the essence of efficiency autos. Admittedly, a four-cylinder AMG C63 isn’t universally interesting. Nonetheless, it’s arguably preferable to a non-existent AMG C63. Moreover, BMW M has declared its intent to affect future fashions, whereas Audi Sport’s pure petrol RS autos would possibly quickly be historical past.

Selling petrol-only sports activities vehicles outdoors the EU appears impractical, given the immense European market share for manufacturers like Mercedes and its opponents. Such a method would elevate manufacturing bills and notably shrink the goal market post-excluding European nations.