The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 will obtain a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine creating as much as 585bhp, senior officers on the division’s Mercedes-Benz father or mother firm have confirmed.
The determination reverses an earlier plan to offer the recent new coupé and cabriolet the identical 670bhp plug-in hybrid drivetrain as the newest C63 and GLC 63, resulting from sluggish gross sales of the saloon, property and SUV.
Despite its class-leading efficiency, conventional AMG consumers haven’t taken to the E-Performance PHEV drivetrain, which mixes a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a rear-axle mounted electrical motor.
Sales of the fashions are at present nicely beneath these of their V8 predecessors throughout AMG’s international markets. The newest model of AMG’s M177 V8 engine, which options mild-hybrid expertise, will energy essentially the most potent variations of the brand new CLE consequently, Autocar has been informed.
Those fashions can be positioned above the CLE 53 Coupé and Cabriolet, which run a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 442bhp. The transfer comes as Mercedes’ efficiency automobile division units about establishing the CLE as a direct rival to the BMW M4, which affords as much as 542bhp from a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six in its most potent kind.
Mercedes sources say the choice to supply the CLE with V8 energy is expounded not solely to the lukewarm response to the PHEV C63 and GLC 63 fashions but additionally to suggestions from its international vendor community. Dealers had instructed the potential positioning of a four-cylinder CLE 63 range-topper above the six-cylinder CLE 53 would result in confusion amongst potential clients.
Markus Schäfer, head of Mercedes-Benz’s R&D operations, has indicated the corporate is monitoring intently monitoring gross sales of the C63 and GLC 63 amid requires them to return to V8 energy. Speaking finally month’s Beijing present, Schäfer stated will probably be “up to customers to decide” whether or not AMG continues with its downsized petrol-electric drivetrain.
He added: “We will stay close to the feedback of people and customers, and then we will go from that.” Autocar first drove the newest C63 in late 2022, however the mannequin is just now reaching the UK market. Only the GLC 63 has since been launched or confirmed with this drivetrain, resulting in hypothesis that the four-cylinder PHEV choice could be dropped.
Schäfer stated the powertrain had been impressed by the downsized hybrids utilized in Formula 1, mixing “a high-performance internal combustion engine with a strong electrical side”.
He stated it delivered “stunning, stunning performance”, besides, the agency continues to be persevering with to launch V8-powered AMG fashions too, together with the brand new SL, the GT and the S63.
“We decided for the C-Class to go with the four-cylinder and a strong electrical side,” Schäfer stated. “We decided for the GT and the S-Class to go with the eight [-cylinder] with the same electric side. We have to see what the customer ultimately decides.”
Rather extra gratifyingly, this time it’s a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6, which, despite the fact that it has been sanitised from 400bhp in Australia to 288bhp right here in order that it meets our emissions guidelines, is far more prefer it.
Particularly because it makes 362lb ft of torque from an accessible 2300rpm. And whereas a 0-62mph sprint of seven.9sec would give a rabbit loads of time to steal some veg and mooch again by the outlet by which it got here, I’m undecided I might need my 2454kg of pick-up truck to go a lot sooner.
Jeep Wrangler: introduction
At almost £60,000, the Ranger Raptor doesn’t have many direct rivals, however in relation to off-the-shelf 4×4 capability, there’s nonetheless nothing just like the Jeep Wrangler, which fortunately additionally begins at £60,000 today. Goodness, when did that occur?
It doesn’t do the identical factor because the Ford, but it surely does do amazingly good issues, notably at decrease speeds, and Jeep has sorted this mannequin fantastically properly over the a long time.
It’s each inch as well-defined and honed a product as, say, the Porsche 911, deftly advanced with nice continuity and so profitable that in a very good yr, Jeep will promote 1 / 4 of one million of them.
It’s doable to argue – and in a former job, I as soon as did – that it’s the only biggest car mannequin line of all time. Yes, the Ford Model T was the primary that might be inbuilt large numbers and the Mini’s transverse engine format was jolly modern, however they weren’t pushed off the again of a glider on D-Day, have been they?
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor is a beast of a truck. Its twin-turbocharged V6 cranks 450 horsepower, pushing it to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. But Ford has determined to dial up the Raptor’s functionality by introducing the brand new Raptor R, which takes issues additional up a notch. An engine swap is the largest improve that the 2023 Raptor R will get over the usual Raptor. Instead of the twin-turbo V6, the stronger Raptor comes with the 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 sourced from the Mustang GT500. Here, the eight-cylinder engine cranks out 700 horsepower.
But a high-output V8 isn’t the only upgrade you get in the Raptor R for the $109,990 MSRP. The $30,000 distinction additionally offers you a ton of different goodies that make the Raptor R much more succesful on off-road terrain. In this text, we now have compiled an inventory of ten issues that make the 2023 Ford Raptor R the final word King of Off-Road. So learn alongside if you wish to know why this full-sized truck nonetheless reigns supreme for factory-made high-speed desert runners.
With each automaker that builds vehicles as we speak, having a rugged variant of their pickup, we dive into the mannequin that began the development the F-150 Raptor
In order to provide the most recent and correct data potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Ford and different authoritative sources, together with Hennessey Performance.
10Shelby GT500’s 5.2L Supercharged Predator V-8
700-Horsepower Under The Hood
Ford
The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 in the usual Raptor cranks 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Compared to that, the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 in the Raptor R produces 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. That is a distinction of 250 horsepower and 130 pound-feet.
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R Engine Specifications
5.2-Liter supercharged V8 4WD
Horsepower
700 HP
Torque
640 LB-FT
Transmission
10-Speed SelectShift Automatic
Driveline
4WD
Fuel Economy (CMB)
12 MPG
0 – 60 MPH
3.6 Seconds
Top Speed
TBA
(Performance knowledge sourced from Ford and Zeroto60times.com)
The 5.2-liter supercharged V8 is the most powerful engine in Ford’s line-up. It’s the identical engine beforehand accessible on the S550 Mustang GT500. Ford has made a number of updates to the engine to optimize it for high-speed desert working, lowering its energy output from 780 horsepower within the efficiency coupe to 700 horsepower within the Raptor R. But the height torque has been elevated, making this model of the Predator probably the most “torque-dense” supercharged V8 ever fitted to a pickup truck.
9Upgraded Engine Components For Peak Off-Road Performance
High-Performance Engine Internals And Advanced Cooling System
Ford
Ford hasn’t simply picked the supercharged Predator V8 from the GT500 and dropped it beneath the hood of the Raptor R. The engine has been totally labored upon and given a number of new high-performance components to optimize it for the best way it’s going to be utilized in this high-performance off-road truck for high-speed dune bashing.
The 5.2-liter Predator V8 Has Been Upgraded For The Raptor R
The engine will get solid stainless-steel exhaust headers to enhance exhaust movement and improve energy.
Ford has added an even bigger solid aluminum oil pan to make sure optimum engine lubrication when going over aggressive inclines.
The V8 now has a singular air consumption system with a conical air filter that will increase the air consumption quantity by 66% over the usual Raptor.
The Raptor R will get a singular engine oil cooler and supercharger intercooler for off-road driving.
Besides enhancing the engine with superior internals, Ford has additionally tweaked its 2.65-liter supercharger to make sure peak efficiency for off-road use. The updates, which embody minor recalibration and the addition of a brand new pulley, make the supercharger ship extra torque within the low and mid-range of the ability band.
8Heavy Duty Transmission And Driveline Components
More Robust Torque Converter And New Front Axle
Ford
The larger energy and torque output from the larger V8 will stress the usual driveline parts extra. To be sure that the Raptor R places the supercharged engine’s energy down most effectively throughout off-road use, Ford has additionally overhauled the transmission and different important driveline components accessible on the usual Raptor for the Raptor R.
The Raptor R Gets The Following Upgrades Over The Standard Raptor
A brand new entrance axle with heavy-duty provider casting and aluminum-ribber structural cowl
Unique Driveshaft with a bigger diameter
A specifically tuned torque converter with heavy-duty turbine dampers
Four-pinion rear output meeting
The Raptor R comes with the identical 10-speed SelectShift computerized transmission because the Raptor. But, right here, Ford has recalibrated the gearbox to match the engine’s larger energy output. According to the model, all these updates will permit for a smoother and extra environment friendly approach to handle the extra torque from the V8.
Factory Five Racing’s Extreme Truck improve equipment can rework your inventory F-150 pickup right into a Raptor whereas holding cash in your pocket
7Off-Road Optimized Baja Mode
Multiple Driving Modes For Different Driving Conditions
Ford
The Raptor R is not locked into one setting for engine energy supply, suspension, and steering suggestions. Like the usual Raptor, the R has a number of driving modes calibrated to ship one of the best efficiency on and off-road.
Raptor R Comes With Normal, Sport, Quiet, and Baja Modes
Driving modes could be adjusted within the MyMode function.
Switching between the modes permits for a change in a number of settings associated to energy supply, steering response, and suspension calibration.
The “R” button can save a single mode for straightforward entry.
Baja mode has been optimized for peak engine efficiency and high-speed dealing with in off-road use. Besides altering different settings, it raises the entrance spring charge by 5% to make sure a snug trip regardless of the terrain.
Changing the driving modes additionally modifications the exhaust observe of the Raptor R. The high-performance truck comes with a twin exhaust system with Ford’s true-pass-through muffler and an lively valve system to make it sound as throaty as possible.
6Fox Live Valve Shock Absorbers
Electronically Controlled Dampers With Height Sensors
Ford
A extra highly effective V8 engine, beefier transmission, and heavy-duty driveline components give the Raptor R an edge over the usual Raptor. But this high-performance truck shines off-road with its wonderful suspension setup, as Ford has ensured that it will get probably the greatest in enterprise – Fox Live Valve Shocks.
A Great Suspension Setup Makes The Raptor R One Of The Best Off Road Trucks
Raptor R has a five-link rear suspension with longer trailing arms for optimum axle place on tough landscapes.
To guarantee satisfactory stability when going over desert terrain at excessive speeds, the Raptor R comes with a Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs.
The truck has Fox Live Value shocks with electronically managed dampers and top sensors.
The sensors on the Fox shocks can monitor the terrain a number of occasions each second and regulate accordingly to offer a secure trip. They additionally provide 13 inches of suspension journey on the entrance and 14.1 on the again, which is a lot to go over difficult obstacles.
5Bigger Tires With Higher Ground Clearance
Beadlock-Capable Wheels
Ford
The Raptor R rides on 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, accessible as an possibility on the F-150 Raptor. The customary truck comes with 35-inch tires wrapped round 17-inch Beadlock-capable wheels. The wheel measurement stays the identical for the Raptor R, however right here, these are made from cast aluminum as an alternative of solid aluminum wheels, which can be found on the Raptor.
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Vs F-150 Raptor R: Ground Clearance
2023 Ford Raptor
2023 Ford Raptor R
Ground Clearance
12 Inches
13.1 Inches
(Data sourced from Ford)
The Raptor R additionally has a better floor clearance than the usual truck. It affords a trip top of 13.1 inches, in comparison with 12.0 inches on the Raptor. The remainder of the measurements stay the identical between the 2 vehicles. The R, nevertheless, affords a better tow ranking of 8,700 kilos, up 500 kilos over the Raptor.
With extra energy than an F-150 Raptor, that is the easiest way of getting probably the most quantity of energy for the least sum of money out of your V-8 F-150
4Better Approach, Departure, And Break-over Angles
Better Mobility On Rough Terrain
Ford
The customary Raptor already has spectacular method, departure, and break-over angles, making it agile on off-road terrain. But the raised trip top and larger tires give the Raptor R a slight edge over the usual truck, making it extra maneuverable when going off the tarmac.
Raptor R Has A Superior Approach, Departure, And Break-Over Angles Than The Standard Raptor
Off-Road Angles
Ford F-150 Raptor
Ford F-150 Raptor R
Approach
31.0 levels
33.1 levels
Departure
23.9 levels
24.9 levels
Break-Over
22.7 levels
24.4 levels
(Data sourced from Ford)
Though the size and width of the 2 vehicles stay the identical, the Raptor R additionally has a bigger entrance (74.3 inches in comparison with 74.0 inches) and rear (73.9 inches in comparison with 73.6 inches) monitor width than the Raptor.
3Revised Exterior Styling
Exclusive Code Orange ‘R’ Badges
Ford
To make the Raptor R stand out, Ford has given it a bunch of unique decals and badges on the surface. Besides a darker shade for sure trim items, the supercharged Raptor additionally comes with an even bigger and meaner-looking energy dome on the hood. Ford says that not solely does it give an aggressive look to the truck, nevertheless it additionally helps extract bigger portions of heat air from the engine.
The 2023 Raptor R Comes With Several Visual Tweaks
Blacked out entrance grille, bumpers, and fender flares.
Code Orange ‘R’ badges on the grille, energy dome, and tailgate.
Cracked desert earth graphic on the rear fenders
2Unique Touches Exclusive To The Raptor R’s Sporty Cockpit
Ford
The Raptor R retains a lot of the practicality of the usual Ford F-150’s cabin, however this being probably the most excessive high-performance mannequin within the lineup up receives a number of distinctive touches to set it aside from teh remainder of the lineup. The exterior styling tweaks carry over to the within of the Raptor R
Raptor R Embelishments In The Sporty Cockpit Include
Recaro sports activities seats completed in black leather-based with Alcantara suede
Genuine carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and instrument panel, media bin door, and door pads
Code Orange accents on the seats, dashboard, and middle armrest
While nobody can argue with the F-150 Raptor’s unbelievable functionality, this is why the F-150 Tremor may very well be the extra good selection
1Smart Off-Road Technology
Standard 12-inch Touch Screen With SYNC 4
Ford
Besides dropping a 700-horsepower supercharged V-8 beneath its hood, upgrading its transmission and suspension parts, and including a bunch of visible updates, Ford has additionally given the Raptor R a large equipment of off-road tech. These options are designed to make navigating this big truck on tough terrain simpler.
The Raptor R Comes With A Bunch Of Off-Road Driver Assistance Tech
Trail-Turn Assist: It reduces the turning radius of this truck in order that it could possibly effortlessly take tight turns.
Ford Trail Control: An off-road cruise management that accelerates and brakes robotically to navigate on tough terrain.
Trail 1-Pedal Drive: Allows the motive force to manage the throttle and brake from one pedal to make going over difficult obstacles simpler.
The Raptor R has a 12-inch central touchscreen loaded with Ford’s SYNC 4 tech. The system additionally affords Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Connectivity, and over-the-air updates.
The Koenigsegg Gemera, which made its debut in March 2020, was initially announced to have a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter three-cylinder engine with three electric motors, producing a combined 1,700 horsepower and 2,581 pound-feet of torque. However, Koenigsegg secretly revealed a second engine option: a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8. This V8 engine increases the Gemera’s power output to 2,300 horsepower and 2,028 pound-feet of torque when using E85 fuel. Choosing the bigger V8 engine instead of the three-cylinder mill adds $400,000 to the price of the four-seat supercar. The V8 engine is paired with Koenigsegg’s nine-speed Light Speed Transmission.
Aside from the new engine option, there are other changes to the Gemera. Koenigsegg has replaced the original show car’s cameras with traditional side mirrors. The reason for this change is that the use of cameras is not yet legal in all markets, including the United States.
The Gemera also offers an optional Ghost Package, which includes an extended front splitter, S-duct, rear wing, and other aerodynamic tweaks. However, due to modifications made to the car’s nose, the storage space beneath the hood is no longer available.
Additionally, Koenigsegg is undergoing a factory expansion which will include a new assembly area, customer lounge, experience center, offices, event space, showroom, retail spaces, and additional warehouses. The automaker is also building an on-site test track as part of the expansion.
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