AMG Boss: 6.2L V-8 is Dead, G65 Coming With Twin-Turbo V-12

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I spend a great deal of time interviewing executives. The key problem with that is that there's always a PR flack (or three) acting like a roadblock between what the executive would like to say, and what they're allowed to say. Sometimes the executives just refuse to give you anything. I won't name names, but at times the flow of information is such a trickle that you, dear reader, will never know the interview took place. Because I don't even bother writing anything up. That's never the case with Tobias Moers, the newly appointed head of AMG.

What I particularly like about Tobias is the pain apparent on his face when he's forced to give a party line answer. It's obvious he hates it. He complies because it's his job, but sticking to boiler plate answers seems to be against his very nature. Back when he was "just" the head of development for AMG, Tobias was a breath of fresh air because he was so exactingly frank. I'll never forget when I handed him a copy of our 2012 Best Driver's Car issue, explaining to him that his C63 AMG Black Series finished in second place. He gave me his best Swabian scowl, demanding to know what beat his car (Tobias is credited with creating the Black Series). I answered the then-brand-new Porsche 911 Carrera S was the winner. To which he said, "Oh yeah, of course, that's a very good car." With that in mind, here are some quotes and information from the floor of the 2014 Geneva show.

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Question:Is the M156 (AMG's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8) dead?

Tobias:(After at least five seconds of pained, sad expression) Yes.

When asked whether we'll see the M156's replacement soon, he said,"Wait for New York. "They haven't publicly given the engine a designation yet, but he did that say that the output will not exceed the M157 (5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8), at least not initially. You can assume the car in New York will be the C63 AMG replacement. However, Tobias also indicated that we'll see the debut of the new sports car, rumored to be named the GT AMG. This car will feature the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. The new sports car will cost less than the Gullwing, and that gives the car, "More opportunities," meaning that you can expect a whole portfolio of variants very similar to the Porsche 911. We can also expect to see the S63 Coupe (and maybe S65 Coupe and S600 Coupe) at the New York show.

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Question:How do you feel about the fact that the G63 is the best-selling AMG product in the U.S.?

Tobias:(Laughing) It's always complicated.

Mr. Moers alsoconfirmed that they are beginning to develop the G65 and its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine for the U.S. market. The hold-up right now is crash testing, specifically passive safety. "If the airbags work then we're good. If we have to move a steering column or something, forget about it." When asked if AMG will be bringing their awesome 6x6 monster truck to the States, Tobias said, "I'd love to sell it!"

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Question:Now that you're head of AMG, are you worried about Black Series development?

Tobias:It's still me.

When pressed, he explained that there has always been a team of engineers tasked with developing Black Series cars, but that he has final sign off on how they drive, even in his new position. He's still very much involved in engineering. This is true of all AMGs.

Question:Will we ever see a V-6 AMG motor in a C-Class or E-Class?

Tobias:What is our unique selling point? The V-8. Why would you want a [six-cylinder]?

Question:What do you think of the Audi TT Quattro Sport Concept that produces 420 hp from a turbo 2.0-liter, heavily besting the 355 hp that AMG makes in theCLA45/GLA45?

Tobias:They lost a comparison between the CLA45 and the TT-RS atAutoMotor Und Sport. What are they doing? They're chasing us, as always.

Will AMG respond to the 420-hp TT if it goes into production? Not initially. "We have to protect our customers." Meaning that if tomorrow AMG releases a 421-hp version of the CLA45, it will piss off existing customers. This is especially relevant in the U.S., where the 2014 CLA45s are sold out.

Question:How important is weight from an engineering perspective?

Tobias:Don't overestimate it.

Question:Will AMG continue making V-12 engines?

Tobias:As long as there are customers. Some people like the extra sophistication. Maybe the next-generation V-12 needs a plug-in hybrid? Who knows?

Question:Are the horsepower wars over?

Tobias:No.

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