Stone the crows - is this ANOTHER new Mercedes?
Yes indeed, although you might have been able to work this one out with just a cursory glance at a few of the existing 'gaps' in the Stuttgart concern's line-up. Completing the four-piece C 63 jigsaw is this Mercedes-AMG C 63 Cabriolet, due to be revealed at the New York Auto Show.
Mercedes and AMG are on a roll. Do we have 'regular' and S variants again?
We do, and with eight different C 63s and four C 43s now offered, that means there are 12 Mercedes-AMG C-Class cars for buyers to choose from.
That's a lot of C AMGs. What's the news on the Cabriolet?
Using that same 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine with the 'hot inside V' configuration, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 makes 476hp and 650Nm, or 510hp and 700Nm as the S; either way, peak power arrives at 5,500- to 6,250rpm, while maximum torque is available from at 1,750- to 4,500rpm. Driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT automatic gearbox, 0-62mph takes 4.1 seconds for the 1,925kg S and 4.2 seconds for the 15kg lighter C 63, while both are limited to 155mph as standard. An AMG Driver's Package can increase this to 175mph, if you wish. Fuel economy and emissions are the same on both Cabriolets, varying from 30.4- to 31.7mpg and 208- to 218g/km CO2 respectively, depending on which size wheels you've fitted to the car.
What else is there in the C 63 Cabriolet's armoury?
How about adjustable AMG Ride Control damping, a limited-slip differential (mechanical on the C 63, electronically controlled on the C 63 S), four different AMG Dynamic Select transmission modes, dynamic engine mounts, a 14.1:1 steering rack and massive 360mm brake discs (390mm on the S, or even optional 402mm carbon ceramic items)? The AMG Cabriolet also has wider tracks front and rear, so its flared wheel arches mean it is 64- and 66mm wider front and rear respectively, when compared to your regular open-topped C-Class.
How has Mercedes-AMG altered the looks?
It's pretty much what you'd expect, although that's not a criticism. An aluminium bonnet with two 'powerdomes' is fitted, while there's the current AMG A-wing lower front bumper treatment and a chin-mounted splitter. Side skirts and alloys of 18 or 19 inches (C 63 or S respectively) reside in the arches, with other designs of 19s and 20s optionally available. At the back are a discreet lip spoiler, quad exhausts and a diffuser, plus the AMG badging.
Can you tell me a bit more about the roof?
Multi-layered and taken from the regular C-Class Cabriolet, the C 63's top can be lowered on the move at speeds of up to 31mph... although you need to have been doing walking pace (less than 3mph) to get the process initiated. Options include the Airscarf neck warmers and Aircap automatic wind deflector, while four colours of fabric encompass black, dark brown, dark blue and dark red. Fold the hood away and the boot reduces from 355- to 260 litres in capacity.
And what does the cabin look like?
With a carbon-effect speedometer that reads up to 200mph, some AMG specific switchgear, a steering wheel with a 12 o'clock marker and standard-fit sports seats (Performance bucket chairs can be specified for a cost), the C 63 Cabriolet feels a cut above the rest of the range.
When will we see the last of the four C 63s on our roads?
Following its New York debut, market launch is expected just ahead of autumn this year.
Matt Robinson - 23 Mar 2016