After a seemingly endless number of spy pictures, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new C63 AMG. However, it is now called the 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 in line with the Mercedes-AMG GT nomenclature. Set to debut at the Paris Motor Show 2014 early next month, the car is the German firm’s answer to the latest generation BMW M3.
As expected, two different powered variants of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 are available. The ‘regular’ model as well as the C63 S. Both models feature the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the Mercedes-AMG GT. The AMG C63’s engine is differentiated from the GT’s in that it doesn’t feature dry sump oil scavenging meaning it is now dubbed the M177 instead of the M178.
The entry-level 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 delivers a total of 469 hp at 5500 rpm as well as 479 lb-ft of torque between 1750 and 6250 rpm. These figures represent an 18 hp gain and a 37 lb-ft increase in torque over the previous-generation C63 AMG. In the range-topping Mercedes-AMG C63 S, the car delivers a potent 503 hp at 5500 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque from 1750 to 6250 rpm. This is even more power than the old C63 AMG 507 Edition which delivered 500 hp and 450 lb-ft and is in line with the AMG GT S.
Compared to the BMW M3 which features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V8 engine delivering 425 hp at 5500 rpm and 405 lb-ft, the new AMG C63 is significantly more powerful. Alongside the additional power of the latest generation car, it also weighs less than the outgoing model by 15 kg in sedan guise. All up, the potent C63 S delivers 304 hp per tonne with it tipping the scales at 1655 kg.
When it is all said and done, the new 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 sprints to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds in sedan guise and 4.2 seconds in the optional Estate body style. By comparison, the C63 S reaches the same mark in 4 seconds flat as the sedan and 4.1 seconds as the Estate. Both variants and body styles are limited electronically to 250 km/h.
Both C63 variants feature the AMG seven-speed Speedshift MCT automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters and four different driving modes. These are C (controlled efficiency), S (sport), S+ (sport plus) and in the C63 S, R for race.
Beyond the engine upgrades, the new Mercedes-AMG C63 features new 18-inch wheels measuring 8.5-inches wide at the front and 9.5-inch at the rear. They are then wrapped in 245/40 tyres and 265/40 at the rear. As for the C63 S, it utilises larger 19-inch wheels.
Further upgrades include a revised suspension system with new springs and dampers, altered bushings, a 25mm ride height drop over other C-Class models as well as AMG’s Sport Ride Control system which features three-stage adaptive damping. The standard 2015 C63 utilises a mechanical locking differential while the C63 S uses a very similar electric locking differential to the AMG GT S. A performance exhaust system is also available as well as extremely beefy carbon ceramic brake discs.
From a visual standpoint, the new AMG C63 can be differentiated from the previous-generation car as well as the ‘regular’ C-Class models with thoroughly overhauled bumpers both front and rear. It also features aggressive side skirts, a prominent front splitter and the aforementioned new wheels. At the rear you’ll find a new diffuser and bumper as well as a small bootlid lip spoiler and AMG’s customary quad tailpipes finished in chrome.
Pricing details will be revealed soon.
