dremorg

Our esteemed colleagues at AutoCar have the scoop on some future plans by AMG, and it seems the Mercedes-Benz performance division is holding fast to its promise of no longer engaging in 'horsepower wars'.

AMG is developing a new Black Series version of the Mercedes E-class coupe, which will achieve performance gains by means of weight reduction and engine-management technologies. The aim will be to improve driving dynamics rather than shaving milliseconds off the 0 to 100 km/h clock.

What there won't be is a standard AMG E-Class coupe nor a C-Class saloon Black Series, since AMG wants to restrict limited series models to two-door vehicles.

Getting a substantial power boost, though, is the C63 AMG, currently the horsepower "loser" of the AMG lineup with "only" 457 bhp. An AMG engineer told AutoCar that the next C63 AMG will have a horsepower rating of between 500 and 525 bhp. The same source also said that the C63 won't be getting the 7-speed Speedshift MCT transmission seen in the E63 ans SL63, even though it would fit the model.

drawde

Thanks for the info. This is 2011 model year?

Sincity

I wonder will it just be a simple tune? If it is, I hope they will offer it to those who "only" have 451 HP.

desmo996

Whatever it is (assuming they continue to use the same stock engine) I'm sure it can easily be duplicated with aftermarket "bolt-on" mods or an ECU tune.

This enormous engine has so much potential for additional power it's crazy, it's a gear head's dream platform. It definitely hasn't been maxed out in the performance department IMO.....

AMGC60-3

I believe that some of that extra hp and torque will be comming from the new DI system.

Sincity

Wouldn't that increase the cost of the car slightly vs. something they can do with a tune?

Sincity

Too bad headers are so $@#@%$ expensive.

I just drove around the block yesterday (Town Center/Hualapai) and I can't believe I am driving a Mercedes. It is so freaking loud.

Jae Duk

Agreed...I think it's just going to be an ECU tune. It seems like most of the ECU tunes from everyone have been getting it to around that amount of power as well.

bushburninc63

Would be sweet if it's just a tune. I can just go to the dealership and have it tuned.

RJC

Thanks for the info.

The E class coupe is two-door, so why then no AMG version?

Sincity

It would be even nicer if you can just go in and plop $1000 or less with factory warranty! That would make me a "COMPLETELY" satisfied AMG customer.

hhughes1

It would seem that MB will no longer detune the motor and use the MCT as the "hold back" for keeping the C in it's place. I would be surprised to see direct injection developed for a motor rumored to be at the end of it's lifespan and why do it when all you have to do to get the motor to 500+ is not detune it. This gives MB a big trump over the M3 without cannibalizing the upper crust MB customers.

The big question for those who have stock ecu is whether or not this flash will be available for 08-10 models. And if so what price?

propain

Interesting. No DI? I guess they really want to put the C63 ahead of the CTSV2. This should do it. I bet its just a tune.

Edit: Oh yes, the increase in MSRP should be interesting also. Im sure around 70K plus fully loaded without the AMG performance package. Add that and you are looking at 74K or so.

AMGC60-3

Yes, that makes sense but that will bring from eu4 to eu5. The powerplant will run much more efficient giving it more hp and torque and also better gas mileage which will pay itself off over the years.The new E63 has the DI as well, and it is interesting if you compare the now old E63 with the current C63 to the new E63 in hp, torque and also mileage. The Germans are selling two C350 models for MY 2010, one has the normal 272 ps and the other with DI has I believe just over 300ps. The DI is slightly more expensive and sooner than later all MBs will have DI.

drawde

Hopefully this isn't the case, as that would be 50-75 hp we wouldn't be able to get easily since we don't have DI.

c32AMG-DTM

+1

While it's speculation at this point, I'd think it'd primarily be removing the "detuned" ECU maps, and adding DI, to account for the performance increases. As mentioned, DI helps fuel econ. and emissions as well... which (as we all know) is becoming a bigger and bigger deal for manufacturers to contend with.

If it's these changes, I'd think it shouldn't materially add to the cost if they're using the DI version of the M156 in every other 63 AMG... in fact, it may seem counterintuitive, but keeping one "old" version in production might make things more expensive to MB. Agree with hhughes1, looks to be the tranny as the performance trump-card for the higher-end models going forward if this info's accurate.

For current owners - not one to burst bubbles, but you're probably dreaming if you think MB can (or will) flash a different file to an existing C63 that would suddenly unlock a bunch of hp vs. how it was originally spec'd. Fortunately, you have some reasonably priced aftermarket alternatives that offer that exact product anyway... so it's not really that big of a deal (IMHO).

SebringSilver

He means there'll be a Black Series E-coupe, but no regular AMG model. Only Black Series models are considered limited production.

sflgator

It will be interesting to see how much better mpg a DI C63 AMG engine will get; my guess is +2-3mpg, so it may be ~ 14-15mpg city / 21-22mpg hwy. I guess that's not too bad for a monster 6.2L V8 (considering that's what the F/I tt 3.8L 6-cyl. Nissan GT-R gets for mpg now)!

Brisk335

This might be something i have to look into

AMGC60-3

Well I think that DI will be worth the wait and if the C63 is not equiped with the MCT well I guess I can live without but they may have it as an upgrade or a option for big bucks. The current tranny is more than capable and very durable. I have also read that MB,BMW and ZF are on a joint venture for a new 8 speed auto tranny as well.

DAK

When does anyone think we can expect these changes ?

I was looking buy soon. If the changes are only cosmetic I'd be happy to go ahead however if they are mechanical and lead to more power I will wait.

Is this an MY11 thing ?

AMGC60-3

I am putting my money down that DI will be a MY 2011 thing.

Penthouse Party

Maybe MB is gonna wait til next gen CLS AMG is out with 5.X liter bi-turbo and replace E AMG with the same engine in facelift instead of an AMG 63 engine.

MB is replacing 5.5 liter with a V8 bi-turbo rite away in the next gen CLS. Soon will replace the 3.5 liter with a 3.X liter bi-turbo engine soon...