If the new A45 and CLA45 AMG are far too contemporary a pair of fast Mercedes-Benzes, the latest S63 AMG should fit the bill nicely; it has a twin-turbo V8, 585hp and weighs two tonnes. Lovely.
Of course, AMG is keen to stress the efficiency gains made by its latest uber-barge, so we'd best start there. Through the implementation of the 'AMG Lightweight Performance' strategy, the S63's kerbweight has been reduced by up to 100kg. Notable tech includes a lithium-ion battery (minus 20kg),aluminium panels and a composite brake system. However, when the press info also mentions forged alloy wheels and a carbon fibre spare wheel carrier (taking away 4kg), the sense is that the diet wasn't quite as extreme as possible.
Therefore, even the 'base' S63 AMG short wheelbase weighs 1,970kg with a tank of fuel.The four-wheel drive and long-wheelbase models add 25kg to that figure.
A further corollary of the minimal weight loss is only a fractional improvement in CO2. The previous S63, using the same M157 engine, emitted 246g/km of CO2 and returned 26.9mpg. Those figures have now improved to 237g/km and 27.9mpg. Adding 4WD makes the new S63 0.5mpg thirstier and 5g/km dirtier.
But who wants to talk efficiency with an S-Class AMG? The important numbers are as follows: 585hp at 5,500rpm, 664lb ft between 2,250 and 3,750rpm and 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds. Plus that figure drops to four seconds with four-wheel drive.
Mercedes' seven-speed MCT is standard, with its modes allied to a sports exhaust. In Controlled Efficiency, a pair of exhaust flaps remain closed so the S63 can fulfil its refined, plutocratic limo role. In Sport and Manual they are open for much of the time so the full V8 fury can be enjoyed. And then the stop-start will chime in to prevent too much environmental damage.
In familiar flagship S-Class style, there's a wealth of technology . Probably the most notable from a PH perspective is ESP Curve Dynamic Assist, which brakes an inside rear wheel through a corner to reduce understeer. Tobias Moers, AMG's Head of Vehicle Development, has said the "the S 63 AMG has made giant leaps forward in terms of driving dynamics", and we look forward to finding out.
The RWD models also feature Magic Body Control sports suspension with Road Surface Scan. A typically laconic equipment description from Mercedes, but an interesting piece of tech. By scanning the road ahead, the suspension can be adjusted in advance for the prevailing conditions.
The steering is electromechanical with a variable ratio so there's nothing unexpected there. Whilst the new forged 19-inch alloys (20s are optional) are claimed to reduce unsprung masses, that no actual figure is quoted suggests the gain is fairly negligible. As standard, a set of composite brakes will sit behind those wheels. On that lengthy options list is a first for the S63 in the shape of carbon-ceramics. 20 per cent lighter than the standard items, the brakes upgrade boasts a pair of massive 420mm discs at the front.
Visually, overhaul is trademark AMG with some more slightly more aggressive bumpers, black accents, new badges and a pair of bigger exhausts to differentiate it from an S350 diesel with some new wheels. The interior includes some AMG Nappa leather seats, a new steering wheel and temperature readouts for the oil and water. Oh, and the speedo reads to 205mph, despite the car being limited.
The new S63 will make its motor show debut at Frankfurt and arrive in the UK later this year. Prices are to be announced but depreciation is surely guaranteed; check out this 2012 car for some evidence...