A few days ago, I asked the question of whether or not the next generation of BMW M3 should have a hybrid powertrain. From you fine readers, that question was largely met with a resounding “no”. Fans don’t want hybrids, as they tend to be too heavy and too disconnected. However, the power and instantaneous response they provide could be worth it if done properly. Which is why the BMW M3’s main competitor, the Mercedes-AMG C63, will get a hybrid setup.

According to Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers, “If you apply proper intelligent hybridization or electrification to a car which is capable of having an always-on strategy regarding the battery and the whole system, then it’s amazing what you can get out of them”. And the beginning part of that statement is the most important. Intelligently applied hybridization could be immensely beneficial to a performance car. “Which means for sure the next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 will be a hybrid – that’s now a given.” Moers continued.

However, there is an emotional issue. Hybrids typically have smaller, less exciting sounding engines, rather than massive, mighty ones. And losing that sound could be a problem for many customers. Take the current Mercedes-AMG C63 for instance. It sports a 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a soundtrack straight from Zeus’ Mount Olympus. A hybrid version would likely gain a six-cylinder engine to replace that mighty V8, which flat-out wouldn’t sound as good. So AMG has to worry about that in the future. Though, Moers is confident that hybridization is still the way to go and his team can figure the noise out.

“Obviously, if it runs electrical, then there’s no AMG thunder. We are facing severe regulations, especially in Europe, but sound is very important for our customers, no doubt about that. However, I’m confident that we will find the right solution for that issue.”

This is rather interesting, as we’ve recently heard that Alfa Romeo is possibly working on a hybrid version of the Giulia Quadrifoglio. So it seems that there could be a common trend forming in the industry. So maybe it’s not so crazy for the BMW M3 to get a hybrid after all.

[Source: Car Scoops]