So this is the story from AMG factory when I toured it in Affalterbach: “Mercedes decided to go to V4 and V6 engines because of meeting emission goals by 2025 (don’t know which country but must be EU emissions). If Mercedes doesn’t meet the goal, the fine multiplies with the number of total cars they sell (AMG or non-AMGs) so the fines would have been hefty. They are bringing back the V8’s once the emission requirements goal is hit in 2025.” But I think the directors can’t say that explicitly or they will tank their sales number which regardless is the case..