What's this all about?
News stories don't get more exciting than this around here; Mercedes-AMG has revealed its take on the new C-Class, to be called simply the C 63. It'll be available in four-door saloon and estate guises (until the next-gen C-Class Coupé arrives no doubt) and in two power outputs - the 'standard' 476hp and the 510hp C 63 S.
Kinda puts the BMW M3/M4 to shame then...
It certainly appears that way. Backing up the headline power figures are big juicy torque curves, rising to 650- and 700Nm depending on model. Those maximums are available all the way from 1,750- to 4,500rpm as well so the C 63 will hardly need its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with its quicker shifts and fancy aluminium paddles. The fastest accelerating version is the C 63 S Saloon, which hits 62mph from rest in just 4.0 seconds. All variants are limited it 155mph.
So what's under the bonnet?
A 4.0-litre V8 with two turbochargers within the 'V' itself. Sound familiar? That's because it's closely related to the engine in the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car. There's a sophisticated piezo direct injection fuel system, dynamic engine mounts for the S model and a Performance exhaust option to choose from three different levels of loudness.
All that in the shell of the unsuspecting new C-Class?
Not quite. The body-in-white has undergone significant strengthening, the tracks are wider and the body altered to suit - and of course look menacing. The suspension design itself is new and much of it inspired by current motorsport thinking. Three-mode adaptive damping is standard as well. The regular C 63 has a mechanical locking rear differential, while the C 63 S gets a more advanced electronically controlled item. That interfaces with the three-stage ESP stability control system as well to maximise traction - unless you want to turn it off of course...
Sounds like there's a bit of fun to be had.
Undoubtedly, though Mercedes-AMG maintains that the new C 63 can be set up to suit cruising as much as it can 'ambitious' lap times at a race circuit. It's one of the most efficient high-performance eight-cylinder engines in the world or something along those lines. The AMG Dynamic Select switch is at the heart of that, with Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport + modes to choose from, along with Individual, which can be programmed by the driver. Additionally the C 63 S model has a 'Race' option.
When can we see it in the metal?
Next week of course, at the Paris Motor Show, where it'll debut in public for the first time alongside its big brother, the GT. First deliveries will be of the C 63 S Saloon, in February, with the others following on in April. A highly-specified (and rather gauche) Edition 1 model will be offered initially, though it's not clear whether that will be available in the UK. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Shane O' Donoghue - 23 Sep 2014
