At one point, it looked as if the Mercedes-Benz's AMG division would phase out its beloved 6.2-liter V8 entirely in favor of the new, more efficient, twin-turbocharged and direct-injected, 5.5-liter V8. But, says Ola Kaellenius, chairman of AMG, it's simply not feasible to package the new engine in the current C-Class chassis, as even with its smaller displacement, the new V8 and its turbos take up considerable real estate in the bay.

For now, he said, only expect to see the biturbo 5.5-liter in cars based on the E-Class and S-Class architecture, which rules it out for both the 2012 C63 and the AMG version of the redesigned SLK.

So we'll get to enjoy the refreshed C63 for a few years to come with the 451-hp/481-hp 6.2-liter, and for 2012, of course, it gets the upgraded (as in no torque converter) MCT seven-speed automatic already used to positive effect in the E63 and 2012 CLS63.

We also spoke briefly with Tobias Moers, head of vehicle development for AMG, who told us the engineering team has dialed back the overly aggressive rebound damping on the C63 and has focused more on getting the compression damping just right -- good to hear because a punishing ride quality is the biggest knock against the current C63.

The AMG team has also fitted new front suspension knuckles and increased negative camber up front. All of the bushings, in both front and rear, are revised as well, though Moers wouldn't get any more specific other than to say that they're new. The fine print here, though, is almost certainly that AMG is trying to make the C63 a little less hot to handle on the limit, as the current car tends to abruptly transition from understeer to oversteer -- pushy-loose in our own Chris Walton's clinical terminology.

"If you get on the throttle too early, it goes sideways," Moers offered, "which is very funny, but..." Yep, maybe not so good for the customer who takes his $65K toy to a local track day.

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