Back, but with a new name and smaller engine.
The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG was the most popular AMG model ever made, and the automaker is looking to carry on the success and legacy of the snarling German muscle car with the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 sedan and wagon. Not only does the car carry a new name, but it also packs a more powerful and efficient punch, new design, and loads of other goodies to make shredding tires better than ever before.
“We are also marking the beginning of a new era with the new nomenclature. The successor to the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, which has been incredibly successful worldwide, will now be called the Mercedes-AMG C63,” said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “At 40,000 units, the 204 C63 AMG was the bestselling AMG model. We will now add to this success with the new Mercedes-AMG C63. Be it in drive, handling or equipment, the Mercedes-AMG C63 sets new benchmarks and will further strengthen our brand promise ‘Driving Performance’. AMG customers can look forward to an exceptionally dynamic driving experience.”
Just like its new Mercedes-AMG GT sibling, the C 63 uses a new 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine made with the same “one man, one engine” principle. The new engine is codenamed ‘M177’ and is slightly different than the M178 unit found in the Mercedes-AMG GT models. It may have lost over two liters of displacement compared to its predecessor, but it gained two turbochargers and still has a fierce attitude. The two turbochargers placed inside the ‘V’ of the cylinder banks help to boost efficiency by nearly a third compared to the 6.2-liter V-8 found in the C 63 AMG.
Two versions of the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 will be available and offer up varying degrees of tire-shredding power. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 will come packed with 469 horsepower from 5,500 to 6,250 RPM and 479 lb-ft. of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 RPM. The badder Mercedes-AMG C 63 S rumbles in with 513 horsepower at 5,500 to 6,250 RPM and 516 lb-ft. of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 RPM. Both models may be electronically-limited to 155 mph, but the C 63 S goes from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds while the C 63 does the same sprint in 4.0 seconds, flat.
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 also has a few new tidbits surrounding their engine for improved performance, that also to make it a better daily driver. The AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has been revamped to provide quicker shifts and better response. Connecting the drivetrain to the chassis are new dynamic mounts that are soft under normal driving to reduce vibration and harden under performance conditions to prevent unwanted movement. As drivers control the Mercedes-AMG C 63 with the new electromechanical steering system, the mechanical locking rear differential works to control the power being laid down by the rear wheels. In the C 63 S variants, the differential is replaced with a more responsive electronic unit.
Although the Mercedes-AMG C 63 is more of a German muscle car, that doesn’t mean it can’t handle itself through the curves. The suspension has been totally redesigned and uses a four-link setup with independent steering knuckles and a wide track up front, while a rear multilink with independent mounts helps bring on some negative camber. The AMG Ride Control system manages the suspension with electronically-controlled, three-stage dampers. Behind the 18-inch wheels of the C 63 and the 19-inch wheels of the C 63 S are new 390 mm brake discs at the front axle and a pair of 360 mm discs at the rear. Customers can also opt for the hardcore ceramic discs as well.
Designers didn’t go over-the-top when it came to the design of the Mercedes-AMG C 63. The team added subtle upgrades that complemented the original design of the W205 C-Class such as new front and rear bumpers with the former having deeper airdams and an AMG grille. Hinting at its added muscle are smooth power domes atop the hood. Wider front fenders command attention and sport ‘V8 Birturbo’ badges prior to the newly extended side sills. Quad exhaust pipes at the rear let the V-8 engine growl while a small wing sits atop the trunk.
Sport is the name of the game inside the Mercedes-AMG C 63. New seats with greater side bolstering come standard with AMG sport seats available for those looking for some serious performance. A range of leather and trims can be optioned ranging from piano black to carbon fiber inside the cabin. IWC even got in on the fun and has a timepiece positioned above the standard touchpad controller. A unique AMG steering wheel and gauges add another level of vehicle engagement with the driver.
The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 and C 63 S will make their global debut at the Salon de l’Automobile in Paris alongside the new Mercedes-AMG GT. Deliveries for the USA will begin in March of 2015. European markets will also be able to order an Estate version of both variants as well.
Mercedes-AMG C 63 Specifications
Engine:
C 63:
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 469 from 5,500 to 6,250 RPM
Maximum Torque: 479 lb-ft. from 1,750 to 4,500 RPM
C 63 S:
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 513 from 5,500 to 6,250 RPM
Maximum Torque: 516 lb-ft. from 1,750 to 4,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed dual-clutch
Drive: Rear-wheel
Differential: Mechanical (C 63) or Electronic (C 63 S)
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph (C 63): 4.0 seconds
Acceleration 0-60 mph (C 63 S): 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically-limited)
Mercedes-AMG C 63 Gallery
Source: Mercedes-AMG
Do you think the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 and C 63 S are German muscle cars?
