Came across this article in the AMG Private Lounge which was posted back in July 2015 under the title:
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG and Mercedes-AMG C63 - First AMG naturally aspirated V8 meets the new AMG V8 biturbo engine

Dear AMG Private Lounge members,

Its the year 1996: Mercedes ends the last DTM race as winner. In honor of the high-tech racing cars of that time, the new C 43 AMG was developed and presented at the IAA in Frankfurt. Although developed for the road, with its great 4.3 liter V8 engine with an output of 225 kW (301 hp) and 410 Nm of torque the blazing glory of past triumphs on track flowed through its blood. This was the first time an eight-cylinder model was available in the C-Class.

With the C 43 AMG, AMG engineers adopted the previously introduced three-valve technology and dual ignition for the first time, which in that combination significantly reduced emissions - an impressive innovation. Elaborate measures to improve cylinder filling and to achieve better performance were taken. Experts still speak today of the constructed camshafts". This Affalterbacher achieved more power while reducing emission levels.

When the C 43 AMG was introduced in 1997, the price was at 114,425 German Marks. AMG styling at the front sills and rear, as well as dual exhaust had its price. In addition there was high-quality interior equipment and electric sports seats with heating. Not to mention the enormous list of safety features: ABS, ESP, ASR and four airbags came standard. The sports suspension was lowered by 25 millimeters and equipped with a performance spring and damper settings. The 5-speed automatic transmission had a sportier design and adjusted shifting to the respective driving style. Specially built discs with stainless steel pins increased security.

Either as a sedan or as an estate, there are only a few of the C 43 AMG models left, and during the construction phase between 1997 and 2000, more sedans (3,100) were made than estates (800). Now, 18 years later, the latest generation of the AMG C-Class models roll off the assembly line. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 AMG comes with up to a to 4.0- liter V8 biturbo engine, which represents a new chapter in our brand's heritage. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG, we see two worlds collide. On the one hand, the typical schwäbische conception of middle class: a status symbol, discreet and elegant. On the other hand, motorsport, high-tech and plenty of petrol in the blood.

The lynchpin of the new model is the new V8 biturbo engine (M177), which is identical to the engine of the Mercedes-AMG GT except for the latters dry sump lubrication. Whether 469 hp with 650 Nm or Mercedes-AMG C 63 S, which develops over 1.2 bar of boost pressure raised 503 hp and 700 Nm: both deliver blistering performance directly from the factory. This shows another difference in the genesis. With the Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG, AMG was still working as in-house tuner, nowadays they work directly from model development on paper according to rules of performance relevance. Exclusive standard equipment has also come a long way. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, mechanical rear axle differential lock and the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes are included in the extensive list of standard equipment.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 impresses in both the sports limousine and estate variants with unrivaled engine data, low fuel consumption, exceptional longitudinal and lateral dynamics and high suitability for everyday use. High-level design is represented in the interior and exterior more than ever.

In 1997 the C 43 AMG embodied the first of four chapters in the case of C-Class models with a V8 engine. The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 drives this segment even further and paves the way for further success.

Best regards,
Your AMG Private Lounge Team