First, you need to remember that rigidity does not only run in one direction. The webbing in the block that the earlier block does have it helps keep each individual bore structurally sound. Ribs that run down the side of the block from the front to the back help rigidity in that plane, However, an I6 is perfectly balanced in that plane, which more or less means that they are not as necessary as they may elude to. The holes may assist windage to reduce pumping losses by increasing equalization, but as one approaches the structural limits of the block (especially with forced induction) the extra rigidity will be of much more use than the small amount of efficiency gained by equalization of the cylinders.

Also, the fact that the 3.6L makes more torque at lower RPM but less hp means that the AMG motor is running out of cam on the top end. I think these engines could hugely benefit from a good set of cams.

Has anyone heard about the 3.4L AMG engines based on the .980 engines? It appears that they only made 4 less hp than the 3.6L though at more rpm.

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1993 190E 2.6 Sportline