Mercedes-Benz has just revealed the new E63 AMG at the New York Auto Show, and there's a surprising twist. For 2012, the German automaker will offer the car in two different levels of insane power: a 518 hp in the "standard" E63 AMG or a 550 hp version in the AMG Sport Package trim. The standard E63 will go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. In Sport Package trim, time is down to 4.3 seconds and 186 mph.
The 5.5-liter biturbo V8 is mated to AMG's Speedshift MCT seven-speed transmission. Mercedes also points out that the new car is 22 percent more efficient than the older model, thanks to the newly developed powerplant. In order to keep fuel economy in check, the new engine utilizes "innovative high-tech components such as spray-guided direct gasoline injection with piezo injectors, a full aluminum crankcase, four-valve technology with camshaft adjustment, and an Eco Start/Stop system."
Inside, the car receives the usual AMG upgrades such as a new sports steering wheel with flat top and bottom sections, aluminum shift paddles, "Silver Shadow" metallic trim, and AMG badging. The Sports Package adds Alcantara trim to the steering wheel. Final pricing has not been announced.