It is a match on power for the outgoing 450kW/850Nm E63's twin-turbo V8 – but down on torque – with a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.

While mum on the exact technical enhancements made, Piecha claims to have extracted 450kW and 840Nm from AMG's 4-litre twin-turbo V8 - that's up 75kW on the GT S engine on which it's based and ...

Super GT500 rules specify a two-litre turbopetrol four, driving the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox - and the direct-injection, twin-turbo Lexus LC500 is rated at more than 450kW ...