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Faster, Greener, Leaner, Meaner: The All-New Mercedes-AMG C 63

2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Front AngleThe all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Saloon and Estate are revealed for the first time today.

Using the 205 series aluminium and steel chassis structure as its basis, the new C 63 adds an all-new 4.0-litre biturbo engine to endow it with phenomenal performance while unique, three-stage adjustable dampers and a bespoke steering setup allow it to retain the agility that made the model it replaces the most popular AMG ever created.

The technology applied to the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 is focussed on enhancing the performance of the car – to make it as exhilarating as possible yet viable to be used every day. The dynamic engine mounts fitted to the C 63 are a good example. They reduce unwanted vibration from the engine and gearbox by softening during normal driving conditions – when greater agility is required, they stiffen to improve responses through the speed-sensitive, electromechanical steering system and limit unwanted movement in the drivetrain.

Likewise, the C 63 uses a unique suspension setup. At the front it uses four-link suspension, independent steering knuckles and a wider track to improve stability, while at the rear the multilink system uses independent mounts and an increase in negative camber. Both are linked to AMG RIDE CONTROL system, operating through electronically-controlled three-stage dampers – ranging from comfort through to track settings. Useful for when the latter is engaged, a mechanical locking rear differential is fitted to the C 63, with an electronic version for the C 63 S.

Every C 63 is fitted with 245/40 R18 (front) and 265/40 R18 (rear) tyres while the ‘S’ model gains 245/35 R19 (front) and 265/35 R19 (rear) tyres. A new braking system uses 390 mm discs at the front and 360 mm at the rear with the option of enhanced ceramic discs available for track-orientated driving.

At the heart of any AMG is its hand built engine. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 uses the M177 engine – a sister unit to the M178 found in the new Mercedes-AMG GT – displacing 3,982 cc and equipped with twin turbochargers neatly packaged in the ‘V’ of the cylinder banks and cooled via a special duct built in the bonnet of the car. The C 63 produces 476 hp and, in C 63 S guise, 510 hp. It’s nearly a third more efficient than the engine it replaces yet, in ‘S’ form, produces more power and emits less CO2 – now from 192 g/km. The combination makes it the most efficient performance engine of its kind.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Interior

A heavily revised version of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission features on the C 63 – now with significantly quicker shift times to improve responses.

In Saloon form, the C 63 AMG weighs from 1,715 kg while the Estate weighs from 1,785 kg (including fuel and the driver).

Matching the changes under the skin are extensive changes to the appearance of the car – both outside and in. New front bumpers with deep airdams to feed the intercoolers are joined by the unique AMG grille and a new bonnet with subtle power domes. Unique, wider front wings (to clear the wider front track) feature subtle ‘V8 biturbo’ badges above a set of similarly discreet sill extensions. The rear bumper is also new, designed to house the new quad exhaust pipes below a small wing mounted on the bootlid and above the tailgate glass on the Estate.

Inside, the changes are immediately apparent, with deep, contoured seats set behind a small, unique AMG wheel and recalibrated AMG dials. The option of AMG sports seats can be specified along with a range of different leather treatments and trim finishes – from piano black to carbon and aluminium. The buttons for the AMG RIDE CONTROL, the optional active AMG performance exhaust system and the three-stage gearbox modes are grouped around the standard Touchpad controller, above which is an AMG badge and an IWC timepiece.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 Saloon and Estate are both available to order in the UK from next month, with prices and specifications set to be announced when ordering opens. First deliveries are expected to take place in Spring 2015.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

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2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Source: Mercedes-Benz