--- title: "Tuner Fixes Mercedes-AMG C63 S by Ditching Lame Hybrid-Four for the V8 It Deserved" date: "2025-02-04" modified: "2025-02-04" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/german-tuner-fixed-the-new-mercedes-amg-c63-s-with-a-twin-turbo-v8" categories: - "Mercedes-Benz News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "C63" - "luxury" - "Mercedes-AMG" - "sedan" --- # Tuner Fixes Mercedes-AMG C63 S by Ditching Lame Hybrid-Four for the V8 It Deserved ![Side-by-side image of AMG C63 S rear quarter view and a V8 engine that has been installed into it.]() *\Vuk.Manufaktur via Instagram\* Mercedes made a whoopsie with its newest [AMG C63](). Instead of using the beloved 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that's been around for years, AMG decided to go in a different direction and adopt a four-cylinder hybrid setup. It backfired. AMG fans, and car enthusiasts in general, were up in arms about Merc's performance label ditching its iconic V8 for a four-pot. So Vuk Manufaktur, a tuning shop in Germany, decided to right that wrong and fix the current "W206" [Mercedes-AMG]() C63 S by throwing out the four-cylinder and putting the old V8 back in. Before any tuning, dropping in the V8 actually makes for a power and performance downgrade. With its stock 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and electric motors, the new C63 S sends 671 horsepower and an astonishing 752 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. It's heavy for a small car—you can thank batteries for that—tipping the scales at 4,654 pounds. But, on the other hand, it still hits 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Back when the V8-powered car was still on sale, it made 503 hp and 516 lb-ft from the factory and reached 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Reverting to the V8 isn't just a loss of power—it's a massive cliff drop. > [View this post on Instagram]() > [A post shared by VUK (@vuk.manufaktur)]() It's unclear if Vuk was able to keep any of the hybrid's electrified power, but that seems unlikely. The hybrid system is probably designed solely to work with the smaller engine and would seem like a nightmare to modify for a different one. If not, that twin-turbo V8 lump is more than capable of handling additional power with just a simple software tune. It shouldn't be hard to get this *achtzylinder* to perform the same as, if not better than, the hybrid powertrain. That said, the retrofit will be a massive upgrade when it actually comes time to start the damn thing. AMG's V8 bark and growl is among the best in the industry, rather than the Dyson-esque four-cylinder. Getting to hear the V8 rumble back to life in the new C63 is cathartic. > [View this post on Instagram]() > [A post shared by VUK (@vuk.manufaktur)]() If you're wondering why anyone would bother going through all this trouble to engine swap an old V8 into a complex hybrid vehicle, rather than just buying an older used AMG C63 that already has a V8, you're not alone. But I kind of understand the appeal here. Not only is Vuk creating the sedan many wished AMG had, but it's also combining the best of both worlds. You get the stellar twin-turbo V8 noise, character, and excitement of the old car combined with the new car's looks, interior, and improved handling. While there was initially hope that AMG might have learned its lesson and was bringing the V8 back, we now know [that it didn't and won't be](). So for now, if you want a big, stonking engine in your brand-new C63, this is what you'll have to do. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()