What It Is:

The spiced-up version of Mercedes-Benz’s already tasty 2015 C-Class sedan, making its inevitable spy shot debut in Europe. Just as the standard C-class is a shrink-wrapped version of the S-class, the C63 AMG will look like a scaled-down S63 AMG, with similarly gaping outboard front air intakes, LED headlamps, and an integrated rear diffuser housing quad exhaust tips. The new C63 AMG does not receive wider bodywork, but new thin-spoke wheels, chunky brake discs, and a trunklid spoiler are clearly visible. A single horizontal blade bisects the grille, while the vaned air extractors from the front bumper of the outgoing C63 have disappeared.

We can’t see the interior in these pictures, but you can bet your last pfeffernüsse that it will pack aggressive sports seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and sundry upgraded materials. Also, in keeping with most other AMG models, expect the gear selector to relocate to the center console.

Why It Matters: The C63 AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s answer to the iconic BMW M3 and its M4 sibling, which were just redesigned for 2015, and it will also stare down Cadillac’s upcoming ATS-V. As the cheapest way into a rear-drive AMG product, the C63 serves as a pillar of Mercedes’ performance-car family. It also will be built as a coupe and possibly a convertible for America, a new wagon version for Europe, and a Black Series model.

Platform: Based as it is on the latest W205 C-class, the C63 AMG shares much of its underlying architecture with the E- and S-class sedans. The C63 will launch with rear-wheel drive, but a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive version could appear sometime down the road.


Powertrain: In the interest of reducing its relentless thirst, the 2015 C63 AMG will downsize from its hairy-chested, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 to a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8. (Pour one out for the 6.2—it was one of God’s own engines.) Output likely will rise to somewhere between 460 and 500 horsepower, putting some distance between the hot C and the turbocharged inline-six-powered M3, which has 425. The only transmission will be Mercedes’ seven-speed Speedshift automatic transmission, which uses a multiplate clutch instead of a torque convertor. Paddle shifters and launch control will be part of the deal, too.


Competition: Cadillac ATS-V, BMW M3/M4, Lexus IS F.

Estimated Arrival and Price: When Mercedes lets a thinly disguised prototype out on public roads, the official unveiling usually isn’t far off, so we expect a photo and info dump soon. The in-the-metal debut is almost certainly scheduled for this fall’s Paris auto show. The new C63 AMG should arrive at dealers by the first quarter of 2015, with base prices starting in the low- to mid-$60K range.