The dry weight of the AMG V8 major assembly is just 209 kg. The aluminium crankcase is manufactured using sand casting technology and is of closed-deck design. This provides maximum strength and low weight. The two turbochargers are in a so-called "hot inside V" configuration. This allows a more compact design, optimised airflow and provides perfect incident flow for the exhaust gas turbochargers. The result: optimum response from the engine and improved emission values. In order to ensure that maximum temperature and thermal conductivity is provided, the cylinder head alloy has been refined with zircon. And for maximum durability and friction-optimised operation the cylinder-bore surfaces are coated with the NANOSLIDE® technology developed by Daimler. Our most important component part? Passionate dedication.

In contrast to a mass production process, Mercedes-AMG inline four-cylinder, V8 and V12 engines are traditionally built by hand in accordance with the "one man, one engine" philosophy. A single technician assembles the engine and in the process is responsible for all steps, from the installation of the crankshaft in the engine block and assembly of the camshafts to the wiring and the filling with motor oil – visibly testified by the technician's signature on the AMG engine badge.

During the assembly process each engine undergoes various tests in which the oil and water circuits are examined for leak tightness. The entire fuel system is also tested for leaks – to the extent that an escape of single gas molecules can be detected. All the engine functions are then examined on the cold test bench using simulated resistors and pressurisation as well as the very latest methods for measuring mechanical vibrations and airborne noise. Finally, a fully automatic image processing system is used to check the delivery condition of the completed engine.

The assembly process is also controlled and documented by the AMG Trace System. This system provides seamless documentation of various process parameters such as the tightening torques, angles and characteristics of all bolted connections, the fluid levels, component and batch information and test results. Special PCs are mounted on the assembly trolleys, which are communicated wirelessly with a documentation database. They display the relevant online information according to the assembly stage. This state-of-the-art system guarantees exemplary production quality at the highest level. At the same time its architecture combines the traditional approach to AMG engine production with the advanced production systems of the future.

The Mercedes-AMG high-performance engines for the different car models are built in Affalterbach, Germany, in the AMG engine shop, which covers an area of 9950 square meters and occupies two storeys. The production facility is designed for maximum flexibility. Depending on the incoming orders, production can be rapidly adapted in line with current market conditions. Only highly qualified technicians with many years of experience are employed in production. The utmost precision and attention to detail are a matter of course during the manual assembly process. All work stages are subject to the stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria which also apply to all other series-production engines. Because an AMG high-performance engine must exhibit the reliability and longevity typical of a Mercedes.