Mercedes To Abandon V12 Engines

Higher fuel efficiency requirements, stricter carbon emissions legislation, and a greener mood overall in many auto markets around the world are pushing auto makers to rethink the engines they make. A move towards hybrid, electric, and other sorts of greener propulsion on one end unfortunately means a move away from the more exotic, and gas-guzzling, traditional gas engines used in high-end luxury and sports cars.

Mercedes-Benz is reported to have cancelled development of its next generation of V12 engines and will instead work on a family of twin-turbocharged V8 engines that generate similar power while inherently being more fuel efficient, lighter, and smaller. The move is in line with what other auto makers are doing with more focus being placed on 4,6, and 8 cylinder designs. Mercedes has long used V12 power for its high-end models because of the power generated, and image they convey. Italian sports car maker Pagani, which uses Mercedes V12s, has been hinting for about a year now that the next generation of its flagship will instead use high-output V8s.

Given the longevity of Mercedes cars and strength of the brand, phasing out V12 engines would make cars so equipped a more sought after commodity. Private party sales of V12 cars may actually pick up as fewer are made and prices go down, as long as buyers look past maintenance and repair costs.