The Mercedes-Benz 450SEL was a variant of the W116 S-Class that debuted for the 1973 model year. The 450 SEL was built on the long length W116 platform, and featured Mercedes' M117 engine. This 4.5L V8 engine was initially fitted with Bosch's D-Jetronic fuel injection and generated 222hp (190hp in North America due to emissions restrictions), but from the 1976 model year, the engine was upgraded with K-Jetronic fuel injection, which slightly decreased power, but improve reliability. Power from this engine was sent to the rear wheels via a 3 speed automatic transmission. Production of the 450SEL lasted until 1980, with a total of 59,578 examples built.