Nissan’s old-school V8 is gone for good; AMG’s new-age unit is good enough to stay.

TIGHTENING environmental requirements haven’t killed the V8 petrol, but they are requiring makers to become more responsible.

Those who can, plug on. Those who can’t, pull out.

That’s a scenario playing out right now in this market, with engine that pays little consideration to emissions or fuel economy finally being pulled, while another that has found a useful Green edge appears set to make a comeback.

Sitting in the departure lounge is Nissan’s ancient 5.6-litre eight cylinder.

The type’s retirement ties to withdrawal of the Y62 Patrol, whose production ends in August, marking the end of a 13-year run.

Nissan NZ is playing up the end of the V8, saying buyers with an eye to history - and presumably with very big wallets - should snap up the last of those ‘icvonic’ vehicles while they can.

“The Patrol has long been part of New Zealand’s off-road landscape, and the Y62 has played a defining role in continuing that legacy. Its 5.6-litre V8 is part of what has made this generation so beloved by enthusiasts, families and adventurers alike,” according to Steve Milette, Nissan Oceania managing director.

This isn’t of course the end of the Patrol. The big lugger is back later in this year, but with a more high tech and more efficient twin turbo V6, whose outputs of 317kW and 700Nm should surely please those who chose the 298kW/560Nm eight cylinder because it was a good choice for towing and off-road capability.

Nissan New Zealand confirmed some time ago that the new Y63 Patrol is incoming, with order books opening near the end of the year.

If new V8 in a pukka sports utility setting is still sought, then focus might have to turn to Mercedes-AMG, which has just announced a heavily-updated twin-turbo V8 for the GLE 63 S and the GLS 63.

Befitting the times, the headline pull with these isn’t just the shove but also the promise of better efficiency and smoother power delivery without impacting performance.

Previous versions of the GLE 63 and GLS 63 were powered by an older-generation of the M177 V8.

The incoming ‘M177 Evo’ flat-plane-crank engine has been engineered for improved efficiency to meet tough new Euro7 emissions regulations. The same test the Nissan had no hope of acing.

The new Benz-AMG engine has been heavily revised with a flat-plane crankshaft, modified camshaft, new air intake and exhaust ports, upgraded fuel-injection system, revised compressor and turbocharger housing, and new cylinder firing order. The latter is claimed to reduce engine vibration with smoother power delivery.

Making the same 450kW and 850Nm as before, the modified V8 retains the mild-hybrid tech of the previous version for an additional boost of 17kW and 205Nm.

AMG’s nine-speed automatic transmission is carried over and delivers outputs to all four wheels via the uual 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Performance remains unchanged, with the GLE 63 S sprinting from 01–0kmh in just 3.9 seconds, while the slightly larger and heavier GLS 63 covers the dash from standstill to 100kmh in 4.2s. Top speed remains unchanged, both models quoted at 280kmh.

Both models have been given a facelift, with a new AMG front grille, larger air intakes and redesigned headlights. The exhaust system has also been modified, with a petrol particulate filter (PPF) and exhaust flaps that automatically adjust to boost engine sound.