With 481 horsepower on tap, the new C63 Coupe is a road-going rocket ship.
The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine in the new C63 AMG Coupe delivers 451 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of peak torque. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). Mercedes’ new coupe, above, shares all the technology updates from the 2012 C63 AMG Sedan and features the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with standard "Controlled Efficiency" mode, and a new power steering pump that helps to reduce fuel consumption.
This reduction in fuel consumption also applies to the C63 Coupe when equipped with the AMG Development Package rated at 481 horsepower. This optional package improves acceleration from 0 to 60 mph to 4.3 seconds thanks to technology transferred from the SLS AMG. The engine’s forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft from the gullwing's high-tech drive system save 6.6 pounds. This reduces rotational inertia and enhances the agility and responsiveness of the high-revving, naturally aspirated V8. Top speed increases as well to 174 mph (electronically limited).
Visually, the AMG performance package can be identified by the “variable” intake manifold finished in titanium grey under the hood, below, right, the AMG high-performance braking system with two-piece front rotors and red brake calipers, carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler and the AMG performance steering wheel in premium leather with an Alcantara® grip area.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission provides direct and agile power delivery. In place of the traditional torque converter, this innovative transmission features a compact, wet start-up clutch that reduces power losses normally associated with conventional automatics and significantly reduces fuel consumption. The Controlled Efficiency "C" mode provides early, comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed and "soft" accelerator characteristics to help improve fuel economy.
The exclusive Mercedes-AMG power transmission offers a high level of versatility and performance. The "S", "S+" and "M" modes deliver increased agility and are selected via the new console-mounted rotary control knob from the SLS AMG. Faster gear changes and higher revs add to the emotional experience as well as rev matching in "S", "S+" and "M" modes. Gear changes in the "S+" and "M" modes take just 100 milliseconds and the RACE START function allows the driver to harness the vehicle's full acceleration capability.
It’s not just the engine and MCT transmission that influence the C63 AMG Coupe’s aggressive character. AMG’s sports suspension and high- performance brakes are also key here. The AMG coupe has a unique three-link front suspension, a reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension and a wider track, front and rear. The stiffer elastokinematics, autonomous axle kinematics with more negative camber and larger anti-roll bars result in greater agility and lateral acceleration. Specially adjusted spring and damper rates have optimized both the responsiveness of the suspension as well as road noise and tire vibration.
The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with a direct ratio (13.5:1) provides excellent road feel and contributes to the nimble driving experience. The precise steering is complemented by three-stage ESP®, the Electronic Stability Program that enables three individual control strategies to be accessed at the touch of a button. The driver can use the ESP® switch on the center console to choose between ESP ON, ESP SPORT and ESP OFF modes. The AMG high- performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated discs at four corners provide maximum responsiveness, short stopping distances and high fade resistance.
The C63 AMG Coupe has a sinister low profile, powerful shoulder-line and a narrow C-pillar, combined with short overhangs, long hood, steeply raked windshield and long, sloping roof.
As is typical for AMG, the car has a striking, arrow-shaped front section with the new AMG front apron housing a high-gloss black horizontal edge, AMG-specific LED daytime running lights and side air outlets. A modified aluminum hood with power-domes emphasizes the strong character of the car.
The wide front end, above, with the "6.3 AMG" script, AMG rocker panels and the new 18-inch 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels dominate the side view. Excellent contact with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tires. At the rear, the unique AMG rear apron has a distinctive, black diffuser insert and three diffuser fins along with two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system.
Inside, the instrument cluster has an integrated screen with three separate round gauges providing information on speed, engine rpm, fuel level, and coolant temperature. The specially shaped AMG performance steering wheel has been adopted from the CLS63 AMG and includes flattened top and bottom sections, metallic trim elements, grip areas trimmed in perforated leather, and aluminum shift paddles. The instrument cluster and center console, below, are trimmed in high-gloss black piano lacquer while the dashboard and doors feature aluminum trim. Optional carbon fiber or wood trims are also available.
The new AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints, EASY-ENTRY system and AMG badges have a sporty design with horizontal stitching. Combined M-B Tex/DINAMICA black upholstery comes as standard. DINAMICA is a new type of breathable man-made fiber that is pleasing to the touch and is characterized by low emissions and high durability. The side bolsters of the AMG sports seats, below, are covered in M-B Tex while the center panels of the seat cushions are upholstered with DINAMICA. Standard split-folding rear seats help expand available cargo capacity.
With nine airbags as standard, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats, the C63 AMG Coupe has extensive safety features. The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds in the event of an accident, include front, side and pelvic bags for the driver and front passenger, a knee bag on the driver's side, window bags.
With a number of driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to Blind Spot Assist, the C63 AMG Coupe provides a comprehensive level of driver support and protection. The assistance systems are familiar from the flagship S-Class and are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology to help monitor and prevent frequent accident causes such as driving too closely, fatigue and darkness.
The new C63 AMG Coupe will make its U.S. showroom debut in September 2011. For more information about the latest Mercedes-Benz and AMG vehicles, please visit, www.mbusa.com