The M157 Is Getting Phased Out: The End Of An Era For AMG

Only 3 years ago, AMG unveiled their M157, a 5.5 litre engine fitted with two turbochargers. This unit was set to replace the aurally-pleasing (but wallet-draining) 6.2 litre naturally-aspirated mill. The brand’s purists resented this choice for a while, stating that the new powerplant had no soul and would ruin AMG's brand image.

Fast-forward to 2015, and the naysayers are confounded: not only does the engine sound like a proper Mercedes-Benz hot-rod, it is also vastly more powerful than the old 6.2; developing up to 585 horsepower, it can leave the older models in its dust.

• Also: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG 4MATIC: Nothing Exceeds Like Excess
• Also: Here Is The Mercedes-AMG GT

With the arrival of the new AMG GT, we had the opportunity of getting acquainted with a new mill: displacing only 4 litres, it set the community ablaze. However, it is more economical, and can also be tuned to make more impressive numbers than even the M157 could.

We will have to say goodbye to the 5.5, however. As early as next year, production will start to decline. The last new car to feature it will be the S63 convertible, which is said to be coming out in 2016. The new 4 litre will then reign as AMG’s sole V8, and will be fitted to the C, E and S-Classes, as well as SUVs bearing the AMG name.