Tuner Upgrades Mercedes-AMG C63 S by Replacing Underwhelming Hybrid-Four with the V8 It Truly Deserves.

      Vuk.Manufaktur via Instagram

      Mercedes made a mistake with its latest AMG C63. Instead of continuing to use the favored 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that's been a staple for years, AMG opted to switch to a four-cylinder hybrid configuration. This decision faced backlash. Fans of AMG, as well as car enthusiasts in general, were upset about the brand's performance label replacing its iconic V8 for a four-cylinder. In response, Vuk Manufaktur, a tuning shop based in Germany, took it upon themselves to rectify this issue by removing the four-cylinder and reintroducing the traditional V8 into the current “W206” Mercedes-AMG C63 S.

      Before any modifications, installing the V8 actually results in a decrease in power and performance. The standard setup of the new C63 S, equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and electric motors, delivers 671 horsepower and an impressive 752 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. It’s relatively heavy for a compact vehicle, weighing in at 4,654 pounds due to the batteries. However, it still accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. In contrast, when the V8-powered model was available, it produced 503 hp and 516 lb-ft at the factory and reached 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Switching back to the V8 not only means a loss of power—it represents a significant drop.

      It’s uncertain if Vuk managed to retain any of the hybrid's electrified power, but that seems improbable. The hybrid system is likely designed exclusively for the smaller engine, and modifying it for a different one would probably be quite complicated. If not, that twin-turbo V8 is certainly capable of handling extra power with just a basic software adjustment. It shouldn’t be difficult to make this V8 perform at least as well as, if not better than, the hybrid setup.

      When it comes time to start the car, the retrofit will be a major enhancement. AMG’s V8 roar is among the best in the business, in contrast to the more subdued sound of the four-cylinder. Hearing the V8 come back to life in the new C63 is bound to be a thrilling experience.

      If you’re questioning why anyone would go through the effort of swapping an old V8 into a complex hybrid rather than simply purchasing an older used AMG C63 with a V8, you’re not alone. However, I can see the appeal. Vuk is not just creating the sedan many had hoped AMG would produce, but they’re also merging the best aspects of both worlds. You get the fantastic twin-turbo V8 sound, character, and excitement of the older model, along with the new car’s aesthetics, interior, and improved handling. While there was initial optimism that AMG would reconsider and bring back the V8, we now know that this is not happening. So for the time being, if you desire a powerful engine in your brand-new C63, this is the route you’ll have to take.

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