Reports are suggesting that Mercedes-Benz AMG are planning the replacement of the naturally aspirated 6.2 liter V8 engine in the Mercedes C 63 AMG with an all-new turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 powerplant. The engine is also expected to be used by the upcoming Mercedes SLC sports car.

Autocar states that the new unit has been developed along modular lines and is said to share the same individual cylinder capacity, bore center spacing and other specific details with the turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder used in the Mercedes A 45 AMG and Mercedes CLA 45 AMG.

The acclaimed performance is 450bhp in a standard stock and up to 600bhp for higher positioned AMG models. It will eventually replace the naturally aspirated 5.5 liter V8 used exclusively by the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG, providing a stepping stone to AMG’s larger turbocharged 5.5 liter V8.

AMG boss Ola Kallenius hinted;

We have already had downsizing to 5.5 and sophisticated direct-injection technology – we will see more of that in the future. We’ve already gone down to 5.5 and that’s the technological road we are on.

Next to a new engine, the replacement C 63 AMG model will be the first of the German car maker’s performance saloons to offer the choice of rear- and four-wheel drive in right-hand drive versions.