The Mercedes C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series has been unleashed with a 509bhp 6.2-litre V8 engine. It's the most powerful C-Class Mercedes-Benz has ever built and it's capable of 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds.
Following a line of powerful Black Series cars, the C 63 Black's engine has been upgraded from the standard C 63 AMG's. There are now forged pistons, conrods and crankshaft, a larger oil cooler and a new ECU. Many of these components have been lifted from the SLS AMG.
The Black Series has a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox with Sport Plus and manual modes, and a new limited slip rear differential channels power to the wheels. Unusually for a Mercedes, the traction control system can be fully disarmed as Mercedes says the C 63 Black Series "is made for ambitious laps on a closed-off race track".
Further evidence of the circuit bias comes in the wider front and rear track, with the wheels sitting 40mm further apart at the front and 79mm at the rear. The 19-inch alloy wheels are supported by firmer suspension and the huge brake discs size up at 390mm at the front and 360mm at the rear.
Other exterior changes include a black rear diffuser and front grille, a deeper front spoiler and wheelarches that sit 28mm further out from the standard C 63's to cover the wider wheels and tyres. There's also a vent just ahead of the rear wheelarch on either side to let cool air in to the brakes. Vents in the bonnet help with engine cooling, too.
Inside, the C 63 Black Series has only two seats, but a rear bench is an optional extra. Also on the options list are the AMG Track Package and the AMG Aerodynamics Package. The former consists of specially developed Dunlop tyres for track day use and active rear differential cooling courtesy of an oil cooler that sits under the rear apron of the car.
The Aerodynamics Pack comes with carbon fibre 'flics' on the front spoiler to better direct air around the car. There's also a carbon fibre front splitter and rear aerofoil.
Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm pricing for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series in the UK, but it's expected to cost around £100,000 and go on sale early in 2012.
Alisdair Suttie - 25 Jul 2011
