The Tool Desk
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What is a flat-plane crank V8?
A V8 crankshaft’s layout determines how its crankpins are arranged. Mercedes-AMG describes a cross-plane crank as having crankpins set at 90-degree angles to one another. In a flat-plane crank, the pins lie on a common plane, with 180-degree offsets. AMG says the flat-plane layout resembles an inline-four crank arrangement, except each wider crankpin carries two connecting rods. Mercedes-Benz Media
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In the AMG GT Black Series, the flat-plane arrangement produces alternating ignition between cylinder banks. AMG gives the firing sequence as 1-8-2-7-4-5-3-6. That sequence and crank layout—not displacement alone—are the defining points of comparison.
Why does a flat-plane V8 respond differently?
AMG’s engineering explanation is that alternating bank ignition creates more uniform oscillating gas columns in the intake and exhaust. Their resonances can be used to increase performance, and AMG says the layout supports more agile throttle response. The company characterizes cross-plane V8s as smooth-running, strong in low-speed torque and distinctive in voice. These are manufacturer-described design characteristics, not results from a controlled, like-for-like test of the engines discussed here.
#1 Best Overall
- [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG 2008-2015 V8 6.3L, CL63 AMG 2008-2010 V8 6.3L, CLK63 AMG 2007-2008 V8 6.3L, CLS63 AMG 2007-2011 V8 6.3L, E63 AMG 2007-2011 V8 6.3L, ML63 AMG 2007-2011 V8 6.3L, R63 AMG 2007-2007 V8 6.3L, S63 AMG 2008-2010 V8 6.3L, SL63 AMG 2009-2012 V8 6.3L --- Flexible Panel Air Filter; Only Fit V8 6.3L
- [Reference Number]: CA11063, 1560940504, AF7904, A25806, PA5806, 49504
- [Specifications]: ① Location: Front; ② Length: 12.214 inch; ③ Width: 6.146 inch; ④ Height: 0.98 inch; ⑤ Shape: Rectangular; ⑥ Washable: No; ⑦ Reusable: No; ⑧ Package Quantity: 1; ⑨ Packaging Type: Box
- [Enhanced Performance]: A-Premium Engine Air Filter uses fine filtration media to capture all kinds of debris without obstructing airflow, removing dangerous particles, improving engine performance and increasing engine efficiency.
- [Replacement Suggestion]: To ensure that the engine air filter provides your engine with clean air, recommended replacement every 12 months, 12,000 miles or as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Aston Martin describes a similar rationale for the Valhalla’s flat-plane V8: its 180-degree crank offsets alternate ignition between banks, and Aston says this eliminates residual-gas issues associated with its cross-plane V8. The company says the more uniform combustion allows better use of the engine’s power potential and sharper response. These explanations describe design intent; they do not establish measured differences in sound, vibration, efficiency, durability or response time.
Which Aston Martins have a flat-plane V8?
Aston Martin identifies the Valhalla as the exception to the cross-plane V8s in the Vantage, DB12 and DBX707. The Valhalla uses a bespoke 4.0-liter twin-turbo flat-plane V8 with dry-sump lubrication. The other named models use cross-plane V8s. Aston Martin Media
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- [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Mercedes-Benz G550 2019-2023 V8 4.0L (Right), GLE580 2020-2023 V8 4.0L, GLS580 2020-2024 V8 4.0L (Right), GLS63 AMG 2021-2024 V8 4.0L (Right), Maybach S560 2019-2020 V8 4.0L (Main), Maybach S580 2021-2023 V8 4.0L, S560 2018-2020 V8 4.0L (Right), S560 2021-2023 V8 4.0L
- [Reference Number]: WA11089, 174038, 1770940104, A1770940104
- [Specifications]: ① Location: Right or Main; ② Length: 11.58 inch; ③ Width: 5.20 inch; ④ Height: 2.13 inch; ⑤ Shape: Rectangular; ⑥ Washable: No; ⑦ Reusable: No; ⑧ Package Quantity: 1; ⑨ Packaging Type: Box
- [Enhanced Performance]: A-Premium Engine Air Filter uses fine filtration media to capture all kinds of debris without obstructing airflow, removing dangerous particles, improving engine performance and increasing engine efficiency.
- [Replacement Suggestion]: To ensure that the engine air filter provides your engine with clean air, recommended replacement every 12 months, 12,000 miles or as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
So “Aston Martin’s 4.0-liter V8” needs a model name to be precise. The Valhalla and the Vantage, DB12 and DBX707 do not share the same crank arrangement, even though each is described as using a 4.0-liter V8.
Is Aston Martin’s 4.0-liter V8 the same as Mercedes-AMG’s?
Not as a blanket statement. Mercedes-AMG identifies Aston Martin’s 4.0-liter engines in the Vantage, DB11 and DBX overview as members of its M177 family. That shared family origin does not mean every Aston application is identical to an AMG engine. Aston Martin says it tailors engines to particular models, and the AMG GT Black Series uses a substantially modified M178 LS2—not the same engine application as the Aston models mentioned above.
Rank #3
- [Vehicle Fitment-1]: Compatible with C230 2006-2007 V6 2.5L, C240 2001-2005 V6 2.6L, C250 2010-2012 V6 2.5L, C280 2006-2007 V6 3.0L, C300 2008-2012 V6 3.0L, C32 AMG 2002-2004 V6 3.2L, C320 2001-2005 V6 3.2L, C350 2006-2011 V6 3.5L, C55 AMG 2005-2006 V8 5.5L, CL500 1998-2006 V8 5.0L, CL55 AMG 2001-2004 V8 5.5L, CL550 2007-2010 V8 5.5L, CLK320 2003-2005 V6 3.2L, CLK350 2006-2009 V6 3.5L, CLK500 2003-2006 V8 5.0L, CLK55 AMG 2003-2004 V8 5.5L, CLK550 2007-2009 V8 5.5L, CLS500 2006 V8 5.0L
- [Vehicle Fitment-2]: Compatible with CLS550 2007-2011 V8 5.5L, E320 2003-2005 V6 3.2L, E350 2006-2011 V6 3.5L, E500 2003-2006 V8 5.0L, E55 AMG 2003-2004 V8 5.5L, E550 2007-2011 V8 5.5L, G500 2002-2008 V8 5.0L, G55 AMG 2003-2007 V8 5.5L, G550 2009-2015 V8 5.5L, GL450 2007-2012 V8 4.7L, GL550 2008-2012 V8 5.5L, GLK350 2010-2012 V6 3.5L, ML350 2006-2011 V6 3.5L, ML450 2010-2011 V6 3.5L, ML500 2007 V8 5.0L, ML550 2008-2011 V8 5.5L, R350 2006-2011 V6 3.5L, R500 2006-2007 V8 5.0L, R550 2008 V8 5.5L
- [Vehicle Fitment-3]: Compatible with S350 2006 V6 3.7L, S400 2010-2013 V6 3.5L, S430 2000-2006 V8 4.3L, S450 2008-2011 V8 4.7L, S500 2000-2006 V8 5.0L, S55 AMG 2001-2004 V8 5.5L, S550 2007-2011 V8 5.5L, SL500 2001-2006 V8 5.0L, SL55 AMG 2003-2004 V8 5.5L, SL550 2007-2012 V8 5.5L, SLK280 2006-2008 V6 3.0L, SLK300 2009-2011 V6 3.0L, SLK350 2005-2011 V6 3.5L, SLK55 AMG 2005-2012 V8 5.5L
- [Reference Number]: CA8768, AF7906, A1514C, A34838, 6298, 1120940004
- [Specifications]: ① Location: Front; ② Length: 13.98 inch; ③ Width: 5.28 inch; ④ Height: 1.97 inch; ⑤ Shape: Rectangular; ⑥ Washable: No; ⑦ Reusable: No; ⑧ Package Quantity: 2; ⑨ Packaging Type: Box
The DB11 V8 illustrates how an application can be adapted. When Aston announced it on June 28, 2017, the company described a 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine supplied by AMG, tailored with a bespoke intake and exhaust, wet-sump lubrication, and revised ECU and throttle mapping. Aston quoted 510 PS (503 bhp) and 675 Nm for that 2017 DB11 V8; those figures are not specifications for every later Aston 4.0-liter V8. Aston Martin, “Sublime choices: DB11 now offered with V8 engine”
How the named engines and applications compare
| Model or group | Crank and engine description | Application details and dated output |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series | 4.0-liter biturbo M178 LS2; flat-plane crank | Dry-sump lubrication, modified camshafts and exhaust manifolds. Mercedes-Benz announced 720 hp and 590 lb-ft for this model in 2020. Mercedes-Benz Media |
| Aston Martin Vantage, DB12 and DBX707 | Aston Martin identifies these models as using cross-plane V8s. Mercedes-AMG identifies the 4.0-liter units in its Vantage, DB11 and DBX overview as M177-family engines. | Model-specific output figures for this group are not established by the sources cited here. Aston Martin Media; Mercedes-AMG |
| Aston Martin Valhalla | Bespoke 4.0-liter twin-turbo flat-plane V8 | Aston Martin contrasts its dry-sump, flat-plane engine with the cross-plane V8s in the Vantage, DB12 and DBX707. No dated output figure is included here. Aston Martin Media |
| Aston Martin DB11 V8 (announced 2017) | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 supplied by AMG and tailored by Aston Martin; the cited announcement does not identify its crank layout. | Wet-sump lubrication, bespoke intake and exhaust, revised ECU and throttle mapping. Aston Martin announced 510 PS (503 bhp) and 675 Nm on June 28, 2017. Aston Martin Media |
What the output figures do—and do not—show
The Black Series’ 720 hp and 590 lb-ft, announced by Mercedes-Benz in 2020, and the DB11 V8’s 510 PS (503 bhp) and 675 Nm, announced by Aston Martin in 2017, describe different cars, engine applications and calibrations. They cannot isolate the effect of crank layout or serve as a direct comparison of today’s Aston Martin models.
Rank #4
- EXPOSED DOHC V8 ARCHITECTURE: This model presents a V8 layout with two angled cylinder banks, four exposed overhead camshafts, dual timing-chain drives, a central intake section, and outward-facing exhaust headers. The open arrangement makes the major mechanical structures easy to identify before and during operation.
- PRECISION METAL CONSTRUCTION: Built from precision-cast and machined components in anodized aluminum and stainless steel. Defined surfaces, exposed fasteners, timing assemblies, and front pulleys reflect key structures found in modern V8 engine architecture while giving the completed model a detailed industrial finish.
- 500+ COMPONENT ASSEMBLY: Build the model from more than 500 labeled components, including precision metal parts, screws, and assembly hardware. Custom foam trays help organize and protect the parts, while the included tool set and full-color manual guide the approximately five-hour assembly process.
- MOTORIZED FOUR-STROKE MOTION: An electric motor concealed inside the starter housing drives the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and valvetrain through a four-stroke mechanical sequence. Viewing openings reveal the internal movement, while the exposed camshafts, timing chains, and belt-driven pulleys show how motion is transferred across the assembled engine.
- MECHANICAL DISPLAY FOR HOME OR OFFICE: Measuring approximately 7.80 × 6.69 × 7.09 inches when assembled, the DM118 combines visible mechanical motion with detailed metal construction. Intended for ages 14 and above, it is suited to model builders, automotive enthusiasts, engineering fans, and hobbyists for display in a home, office, study, studio, or workshop. A metal gift box is included.
Likewise, the Black Series’ dry sump, modified camshafts and exhaust manifolds are part of that car’s specific engine package. A flat-plane crank is one design choice within a complete engine; lubrication, intake and exhaust hardware, turbochargers, calibration and chassis application also shape how it performs.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG 2016-2021, C63 AMG S 2015-2021, G550 2016-2018, G550 4x4 2017-2018, GLC63 AMG/GLC63 AMG S 2018-2021, GLE63 AMG S 2021---V8 4.0L
- [Reference Number]: PA1353, SA50000, A11353, A1770940004. Before placing an order, verify that the part is compatible with your vehicle using the compatibility system.
- [Specifications]: ① Location: Front; ② Length: 29.0 cm; ③ Width: 13.1 cm; ④ Height: 5.0 cm; ⑤ Shape: Panel; ⑥ Package Quantity: 2; ⑦ Packaging Type: Box
- [Enhanced Performance]: A-Premium Engine Air Filter uses fine filtration media to capture all kinds of debris without obstructing airflow, removing dangerous particles, improving engine performance and increasing engine efficiency.
- [Replacement Suggestion]: To ensure that the engine air filter provides your engine with clean air, recommended replacement every 12 months, 12, 000 miles or as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
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