Official: Details released of the newly redesigned C63 AMG

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The successful Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG is now more attractive than ever: the modified design of the top-of-the-range C-Class model is complemented by numerous enhancements to its technology which deliver even more driving enjoyment while reducing fuel consumption significantly. The introduction of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with the “Controlled Efficiency” mode as standard along with a new power steering pump helps to reduce the combined NEDC fuel consumption by about ten percent to 12.0 l/100 km (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km). The output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is unchanged at 336 kW (457 hp) and can be increased to a maximum of 358 kW (487 hp) with the optional AMG Performance package. Agility, grip and ride comfort have been enhanced as a result of numerous measures to optimise the AMG sports suspension. New assistance systems and a new generation of telematics with internet access increase both safety and comfort.

The latest 2011 generation of the C 63 AMG is now more dynamic and
athletic than ever. Thanks to its new radiator grille with a large
Mercedes star and a wing-type transverse louvre, as well as a new AMG
front apron with a lower cross member painted in high-gloss black,
special AMG daytime running lights and side air outlets, the front
section recalls the look of the SL 63 AMG high-performance roadster. The
new bonnet with its modified powerdomes is now made of aluminium. New
clear-lens headlamps emphasise the car’s distinctive, self-confident
presence, especially when the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) is
also specified. The wide front wings with the “6.3 AMG” legend and the
new 5 twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels which are painted in titanium
grey and have a high-sheen finish dominate the side view. Good contact
with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 and 255/35 R 18 tyres
at front and rear respectively.1 February 2011
The rear view of the C 63 AMG also evokes the SL 63 AMG: the new AMG
rear apron has a distinctive, black diffuser insert with three
pronounced diffuser fins. The two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG
sports exhaust system are as pleasing to the ear as they are to the eye.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission from the SL 63 AMG

Under the skin, too, the top C-Class model boasts a wealth of new
technology including the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission –
another advanced feature adopted from the SL 63 AMG. Rather than using a
torque converter, this innovative transmission has a wet start-off
clutch which allows it to deliver a much more efficient, agile and
direct response. Fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced
significantly thanks to the “Controlled Efficiency” mode and a new power
steering pump: at 12.0 litres per 100 km (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km) the
combined NEDC fuel consumption of the C 63 AMG is 1.4 litres (Estate:
1.3 litres) lower than that of the predecessor model; this represents a
reduction in fuel consumption of some ten percent. The CO2 emissions
figure is now 280 (Estate: 288) grams per kilometre. Both power variants
have identical fuel consumption and emission figures.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission impresses with its
exceptional flexibility: with four driving modes as well as
double-declutching and RACE START functions it is as compatible with a
relaxed, fuel-saving driving style as it is with high-speed laps on a
closed racing circuit and extremely dynamic overtaking manoeuvres. The
Controlled Efficiency “C” mode is programmed to provide early,
comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed
to help the driver keep fuel consumption down. The “S”, “S+” and “M”
modes deliver increased agility through fast, responsive gear changes
and higher revs. Gear changes in the “S+” and “M” modes take just 100
milliseconds.

The naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with its large
displacement of 6208 cc develops 336 kW (457 hp) at 6800 rpm and attains
a peak torque of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm. A look at the
performance figures confirms that the new C 63 AMG retains its
predecessor’s position as the top performing model in its segment:
acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 4.5 seconds (Estate:
4.6 s) while the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Performance package: technology transfer from the SLS AMG

Even more dynamic performance is available with the optional AMG
Performance package: this offers 358 kW (487 hp) and allows a 0-100 km/h
acceleration time of 4.4 seconds (Estate: 4.5 s). The Mercedes-AMG
engine experts have achieved this increase in output thanks to a
technology transfer from the SLS AMG: the forged pistons, connecting
rods and the lightweight crankshaft all come from the gullwing model’s
engine. The reduced mass inertia of the components – which are three
kilograms lighter than those of the standard version – allows the
naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine to rev up with even greater
ease and agility. Models equipped with the performance package can be
identified by the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey
under the bonnet, the AMG high-performance braking system with composite
front discs and red painted brake calipers all round, the carbon-fibre
spoiler lip on the boot lid (Saloon) and the AMG performance steering
wheel in nappa leather with an Alcantara® grip area.

Key data at a glance:

* with AMG Performance package; ** electronically limited

Optimised suspension, new steering system reduces fuel consumption
The AMG sports suspension with a special front axle, reinforced rear
axle and wider track all round has undergone thorough modification; the
driver benefits from this in two ways as the C 63 AMG now offers greater
driving enjoyment and ride comfort at all times. The new, stiffer
elastokinematics, the revised axle kinematics with more negative camber
all round and the new rear-axle anti-roll bar with a larger
cross-section result in higher agility and greater lateral acceleration.
But driving dynamics is not the only area in which progress has been
made: new spring and damper rates have optimised both the responsiveness
of the suspension as well as the road roar and tyre vibration
characteristics.

The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with a direct ratio (13.5 :
1) has a newly developed power-steering pump which plays a decisive role
in reducing the fuel consumption. This is because the power assistance
for the steering only requires energy when the driver is actually making
steering movements. Reliable deceleration at all times is ensured by
the AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and
perforated discs all round.

Interior: high quality and perceived value

Even a quick glance at the interior of the C 63 AMG reveals the
considerable progress which has been made: the completely new dashboard
design with an integrated screen impresses with its particularly
attractive appearance and the superior quality of the details which
immediately bring the new CLS 63 AMG to mind. The quality look and feel
meet the highest standards. The new, all-colour, three-dimensional TFT
display in the middle of the redesigned speedometer welcomes the driver
by showing the AMG logo. The new three-spoke AMG performance steering
wheel – another feature adopted from the CLS 63 AMG – which is trimmed
in nappa leather and features a metallic trim element has flattened top
and bottom sections as well as grip areas which are specially shaped and
trimmed in perforated leather for perfect steering control. Aluminium
shift paddles allow manual gear selection.
Fine trim elements in brushed dark aluminium are to be found on the
dashboard and doors. Situated in the centre console, which is enhanced
with high-gloss black piano lacquer trim elements, is the new rotary
control for selecting the transmission modes C, S, S+, M and RACE START.
The special AMG sports seats with integral head restraints and adaptive
backrests are available from launch with combined ARTICO/DINAMICA black
upholstery. DINAMICA is a new type of breathable man-made fibre which
is pleasant to the touch and is characterised by low emissions and a
high degree of lightfastness. The side bolsters of the AMG sports seats
are covered in ARTICO while the centre panels of the seat cushions are
also upholstered with DINAMICA.
Available as an option, designo leather appointments give the interior
of the C 63 AMG a particularly exclusive character: four single colours
and three two-tone combinations are available. As a further option,
these can be complemented with “extended black designo leather
appointments” for the top section of the dashboard and the upper section
of the door linings.
Other attractive optional appointments are also exclusively available for the C 63 AMG from the AMG Performance Studio:

• AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a
  high-gloss finish, with 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres
• AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a
  high-gloss finish, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
• AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black with a
  high-gloss finish on the rim flange, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30
  R 19 (rear) tyres
• AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package
• AMG rear axle differential lock
• AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/high-gloss black piano lacquer
• Illuminated AMG door sill panels
• AMG velour floor mats

Eleven new driving assistance systems already established in the S-Class and CLS

The C 63 AMG features eleven new driving assistance systems which are
already established in the S-Class flagship range and the trend-setting
CLS. These assistance systems use the latest radar, camera and sensor
technology and are designed to combat common causes of accidents, such
as insufficient distance to the vehicle ahead, drowsiness and darkness.
They raise the safety standard of the C-Class to a new level by warning
the driver of a hazard, or, if necessary, taking active corrective
measures.

• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• DISTRONIC PLUS
• Speed Limit Assist
• PARKTRONIC including parking guidance
• PRE-SAFE® Brake
• Reversing camera
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist

New generation of telematics is the first to feature internet access

The C-Class sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be
gradually introduced in other model series. Major new features include
greater operating convenience, larger displays, telephone directory
transfer via Bluetooth®, wireless music reproduction and a USB interface
in the centre console.

The top-of-the-range COMAND Online system now provides internet
access for the first time. When the car is stationary the customer can
browse freely or surf to a Mercedes-Benz Online service whose pages load
particularly rapidly. The integrated services include weather
information and a local search function as well as the option of
downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using
Google maps and sent to the car. The navigation system of COMAND Online
also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with virtual
city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated
later, specific personal destinations can be entered and stored and
three alternative routes can be displayed on the screen – one of them a
particularly economical variant.
As a first in the C-Class, the Becker MAP PILOT makes a low-cost
navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the
entry-level Audio 20 radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions
include integrated operation via the COMAND Controller and the Audio 20
display.

C 63 AMG – fast-track to best-seller status

Launched in summer 2007, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG rapidly
established itself as a real best-seller in the AMG model range.
Customers all over the world appreciated this unique combination of a
powerful and torquey naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine, a
distinctive sound, an agile sports suspension and expressive design.
Over the past three and a half years more than 17,000 AMG enthusiasts
have chosen the C 63 AMG, 88 percent of them opting for the Saloon
(Estate: 12 percent). The AMG Performance package, which has been
available since autumn 2009, is proving particularly popular: over 30
percent of all the C 63 AMG models delivered in 2010 were specified with
this attractive option.

The new C 63 AMG is available as a Saloon and as an Estate; the
market launch starts in July 2011. All prices at a glance (incl. 19 %
VAT):

• C 63 AMG Saloon:€ 71,340.50
• C 63 AMG Estate:€ 73,899.00
• AMG Performance package:€ 7116.20 / € 6461.70 Euro (Saloon / Estate)