Mercedes-Benz handing off all V12 development to AMG

Wholly and verily, the Mercedes-Benz V12 in AMG tune is the most astounding motor Daimler puts in a car. Yes, the last-legs 6.2-liter 6.3 V8 is a hairy, wondrous beast. The diesel V6, with enough torque to shame a Buick 455, makes short business of long-distance travel, and the twin-turbo eights are nothing to sneeze at. But still, the 12. Oh, the 12 must certainly be an atomic-powered turbine.

Post-Fukushima, people want fewer atomic things. Yet the people who do want said gadgets still really want them. As such, Benz is handing off all V12 development to the herren und damen in Affalterbach, Germany, both further marginalizing the 12 as an everyday powerplant while no doubt ensuring it's as special as it can possibly be.

Expect the next-generation S600, due for the 2014 model year, to be the first 12-cylinder non-AMG Mercedes with a powerplant developed by the company's performance arm. Expect a certain sliver of humanity to line up for such a machine. Do not cross these people. They will not cut you, but they most assuredly have minions who will.

By Davey G. Johnson