Ananzi Motoring
Hot new coupe from Mercedes
The new coupé joins the successful C-Class AMG family, which includes the classic saloon as well as the practical estate model.
The market launch commences mid-year.
The AMG 6,3-litre V8 engine in the C 63 AMG coupé delivers a maximum output of 340 kW and peak torque of 600 Nm for outstanding performance: the coupé is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
With this kind of specification, the new two-door vehicle is set to take the lead in its segment.
The new coupé variant benefits from all the technology updates that have been adopted on the C 63 AMG saloon and estate models, including AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission with "controlled efficiency" mode as standard and a new power steering pump which reduces fuel consumption to give a combined NEDC figure is 12,1 litres/100 km.
This fuel consumption figure also applies to the optional 363 kW performance version which improves acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h to 4.4 seconds, with technology transferred from the SLS AMG responsible for the increase in output.
Visually the AMG performance package can be identified by the variable intake manifold in titanium grey under the bonnet, the AMG high-performance braking system with composite front discs and red painted brake calipers all round, the carbon fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid and the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with an Alcantara grip area.
The AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission provides direct and dynamic power delivery. Rather than using a torque converter, it has a compact, wet start-off clutch which reduces the losses associated with a conventional automatic transmission and thereby significantly lowers fuel consumption.
The exclusive Mercedes-AMG power transmission had three modes - "S", "S+" and "M" selected via a the new rotary control first seen on the SLS AMG. Faster gear changes and higher revs add to the driver's emotional experience and double-declutching is active in "S", "S+" and "M" modes, boosting enjoyment further.
Gear changes in the "S+" and "M" modes take just 100 ms, while the Race Start function allows the driver to explore the vehicle's full acceleration capability.
The new car also gets a new suspension, with a separate three-link front suspension, a reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension, a wider track all round, thicker anti-roll bars and tuned suspension characteristics.
There’s also AMG speed-sensitive sports steering complemented by a three-stage elelctronic stability programme which enables three individual control strategies to be accessed at the touch of a button.
Visually, styling is reminiscent of the high-performance SL 63 AMG roadster, with an exciting low profile, powerful shoulder line and a narrow C-pillar.
Other key styling aspects are the short overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched out roof.
As is typical for AMG, the car has a striking, arrow-shaped front section with the new AMG front apron including a lower cross strut painted in high-gloss black, AMG-specific LED daytime running lights and side air outlets.
The large Mercedes star sits on a wing-shaped transverse louvre in the new radiator grille and, in conjunction with the modified aluminium bonnet with its powerdomes, underlines the impression of masculinity that the car exudes.
Another eye-catching feature is the new clear-lens headlamps, of the optional intelligent light system.
The wide front wing bearing the "6.3 AMG" legend, AMG side sill panels and the new 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish dominate the side view.
Good contact with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres.
At the rear, the unique AMG rear apron has a distinctive, black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuser fins. The two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system also attract attention.
Inside the dashboard instrument panel with integrated screen irecalls the new CLS 63 AMG, with three sporty, separate round instruments provide information on speed, engine rpm, fuel level and coolant temperature. Other display options are incorporated into the AMG main menu accessed via t multifunctional buttons on the steering wheel.
The specially shaped AMG performance steering wheel has been adopted from the CLS 63 AMG.
The new AMG leather-trimmed sports seats have integral head restraints, Easy-Entry system and high-quality AMG badges.
The coupé is a fully fledged four-seater with the rear seats featuring the same style of horizontal seamlines as the AMG sports seats, and the backrests fold to increase luggage space.
With seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats, the C 63 AMG coupé has extensive safety features.
Assistance systems at a glance:
Pricing and specification of the C 63 AMG is still to be confirmed. The car will go on sale mid-year.
