Leading up to the introduction of the new twin-turbo V8-powered S63 this September, Mercedes has decided to compare the new model with one of the AMG race cars that started it all – the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG. Heck, they even rented out the Spa Francorchamps in Belgium to arrange a stunning photoshoot of the two cars side by side. And to help with the visual impact, the S63 “Thirty-Five” (showcar) has been gussied up in the same livery used on the original Benz when it placed second back at Spa in 1971 – during its very first race.

This victory, says Mercedes, made AMG world famous over night.

That original race car was powered by a modified 6.3-liter V8 with displacement increased to 6.8-liters. In that form it made 428-hp (a big jump over the standard 250-hp) and 448 ft-lbs of torque. It’s top speed was rated at 265 km/h (165 mph). Weight had been shaved from the big saloon using aluminum doors and light-weight magnesium racing wheels. Still, the 300 SEL weighed in at 1,635 kg (3,604 lbs), due mostly to the fact that in race trim it still had power steering, an air suspension, carpets, paneled doors and real wood trim on the dash.

The S63 “Thirty Five” showcar features an all-new 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine making 544-hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque. And when equipped with the AMG Performance package makes 571-hp and 664 ft-lbs of torque. The only transmission available is a 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT sports transmission. This is enough to deliver a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds (4.4 seconds with the AMG package) and a top speed of 250km/h (165 mph) or 300 km/h (186 mph) with the AMG package. And to help draw the comparison between the two cars, the new S63 showcar gets 4.5 cm (1.7-in) flared fenders and some wide 275/35/10 front and 325.30/20 rear tires. Plus, don’t forget the AMG Le Mans red metallic paint (offered o the SLS), with plenty of race decals to boot.

GALLERY: Mercedes S63 AMG Showcar vs. 300 SEL 6.8 AMG

Get even more info on the two cars after the jump:

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Mercedes performance division AMG has just announced its new biturbo V8 engine, making 536-hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque (563-hp and 664 ft-lbs of torque with the AMG Performance Package). Designed to replace the 6.2-liter AMG mill, the M157 engine will first appear in the 2011 S63, where it will also make a decent 22.4 mpg and carry the luxurious beast to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed for the new S63 will be rated at 186 mph when equipped with the AMG performance package. After, Mercedes will begin to use the engine in all of its AMG 63 models, including in the SLS, where it is expected to get even more power.

In the S63, the new V8 Biturbo will use Mercedes’ AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which first debuted on the SL63. In “M” Manual mode, it will not automatically downshift or upshift, even at redline, to give the drive optimum control.

Torque for the new engine is available at very low revs, with 494 ft-lbs on ta at just 1500 rpm, while 590 ft-lbs are delivered at 2400 rpm. As for the AMG Performance Package models, 645 ft-lbs comes on at 2000 rpm, while 664 ft-lbs starts at 2500 rpm.

Engine highlights include direct-injection with piezo electric injectors and the use of a start/stop system to conserve fuel while the car isn’t in motion in a new Controlled Efficiency mode.

To help showcase the new engine Mercedes has commissioned a special S63 AMG showcar, designed after the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, which took a class victory and second place overall at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps in 1971.

GALLERY: AMG Biturbo V8 and the 2011 S63 AMG

Official release after the jump:

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