So sinister it had to wear the “Black Series” badge.
It all started in 2006, when Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division launched a more powerful SLK-class than ever; the SLK 55 AMG Black Series. It was the beginning of an exclusive hardcore line that was aptly named the “Black Series” for its sinister dedication to performance. After the SLK 55 AMG Black Series came the CLK 63 AMG Black Series in 2007 with 507 horsepower. Then, the SL 63 AMG Black Series was introduced and became the most powerful AMG model ever produced with a twin-turbocharged V-12 that produced 670 horsepower. Now, the fourth member of this exclusive club has been introduced; the C63 AMG Black Series.
The Black Series name describes AMG’s mean streak of cars that aren’t afraid to drop the hammer and deliver unadulterated performance. The C63 AMG Black Series is no different, offering a potent 6.2-liter V-8, uncompromised aerodynamics and styling, and precise handling.
Available only as a coupe, the new C63 AMG Black Series is all about performance. Even while standing still, the AMG looks dynamic, poised, and downright pissed off. The front fascia comes to an arrow-shaped point and boasts large air intakes and a contrasting black splitter. The hood wears two distinct air outlets to help dissipate heat. Both the front and rear fenders have been extended to accommodate a larger track, giving the coupe the look of a dedicated racecar. Air is channeled along both sides by new AMG skirts and hot air is expelled through vents behind each fender. The rear sports a new apron with integrated black diffuser and AMG exhaust system with chromed twin tailpipes. Downforce is created at the rear axle by a subtle spoiler lip that sits atop the trunklid.
The C63 AMG Black Series benefits from technology used in Formula 1, DTM, and GT3 racing from the AMG and Mercedes-Benz teams. The wheels are made using a light forging technology, resulting in a high-strength, durable, and lightweight wheel. The 9 x19 front and 9.5 x 19 rear wheels weight a total of 11 kg (24.2 lbs.) less than traditional wheels. The wheels are shod in 255/35 R19 front and 285/30 R19 rear performance tires. The suspension is also derived from motorsport, using an adjustable coil-over design. Both the front and rear tracks have been extended for improved grip and handling, with the front gaining 40 mm and the rear 79 mm in width. To bring the coupe to a halt, the C63 AMG Black Series is fitted with 390 x 26 mm front and 360 x 26 mm rear ventilated discs with compound technology. Clamping down on the massive discs are red-painted six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.
One of, if not the, most thrilling aspects of the new C63 AMG Black Series is the 6.2-liter V-8 tucked underneath the hood. Weighing in at just 196 kg (431.2 lbs.), the naturally-aspirated M156 engine produces 517 horsepower and 457.23 lb-ft. (620 Nm) of torque. AMG has refined the M156 engine for the Black Series coupe, upgrading it with new forged pistons, connecting rods, and a lightweight crankshaft, all from the SLS AMG Gullwing. Rounding off the engine is an upgraded ECU that helps work alongside the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed dual-clutch sports transmission to propel the coupe to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Four transmission modes are available ranging from “Sport Plus” to “Manual,” all sending the power to the rear wheels and differential lock.
The sinister attitude and dedication to performance carries over to the interior of the C63 AMG Black Series. A black and red color scheme of leather, stitching, and DINAMICA microfiber upholstery covers the entire interior and gives it a racy look. Both front seats are racing bucket seats with red seatbelts that provide superb lateral support while the rear bench seat has been removed to save weight. Facing the driver is a leather/microfiber steering wheel with flat top and bottom sections and aluminum shift paddles. Behind the steering wheel are three TFT three-dimensional color displays with AMG lettering. The dashboard is trimmed in high-gloss piano black with a special “Black Series” badge of honor. Stainless steel door sills with AMG logos greet passengers and unique AMG brushed stainless steel sport pedals with rubber studs provide the driver with grip and control. For those that still desire comfort and convenience, Mercedes-Benz has fitted an eight-speaker Audio 20 CD radio with color display and THERMATIC automatic climate control.
Mercedes-Benz offers additional performance packages for the Black Series Coupe. An AMG Track Package is available and consists 255/35 R19 front and 285/30 R19 rear tires developed by Dunlop exclusively for the Black Series, and an active rear-axle transmission cooler. Customers can also order an AMG Aerodynamics Package that equips the coupe with carbon fiber flics on the front bumper, an optimized carbon fiber front splitter, and a fixed carbon fiber rear airfoil with adjustable blade for improved downforce and stability. Additionally, an AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package can be fitted, giving the C63 AMG Black Series Coupe new carbon fiber exterior pieces. AMG light alloy forged wheels can purchased in a matte black with high-sheen finish with 255/35 R19 front and 285/30 R19 rear tires.
The most powerful C-Class ever will be available in January of 2012. Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series will begin at € 115,430 (+/- 165,700 USD) including 19 percent VAT.
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.2 liters (6,208 cc)
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Naturally-aspirated
Bore x Stroke: 102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.3 : 1
Engine Weight: 431.2 lbs. (196 kg)
Maximum Horsepower: 517 (380 kW) at 6,800 RPM
Maximum Torque: 457.23 lb-ft. (620 Nm) at 5,000 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT dual-clutch
Drive: Rear-wheel
-Standard differential lock
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.2 seconds
Wheels, Tires, and Brakes:
Wheels: AMG light alloy forged painted titanium gray
Front Wheels: 9 x 19
Rear Wheels: 9.5 x 19
Front Tires: 255/35 R19
Rear Tires: 285/30 R19
Front Brakes: 390 x 36 mm ventilated discs with red-painted six-piston fixed calipers
Rear Brakes: 360 x 26 mm ventilated discs with red-painted four-piston fixed calipers
Suspension: AMG Sports adjustable coil-over with 40 mm wider front and 79 mm rear track
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Gallery
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
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