Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: Sports Sedan Smashes Through Power Barrier

Motoring Channel Staff - 6/July/2007

Stuttgart, Germany — In recent times the ferociously quick Audi RS 4 has been the small German sports sedan of choice, and now the BMW M3 has arrived, also sporting V8 power for the first time, the power war has well and truly begun.

But Mercedes totally smashed apart everyone's expectations when it launched the C63 AMG a few days ago, which will not only best the M3 and RS 4 in outright power and torque terms, but also put its rivals to shame in the benchmark performance stakes.

The Audi RS 4 is powered by a direct injected 4.2-litre V8 outputting 309kW and as the only vehicle to ever have scored five out of five in our Road Tests, it's anything but disappointing. The upcoming 2008 BMW M3 meanwhile features a similarly sized V8, displacing 4.0-litres. It also produces 309kW, and both cars charge through the zero to 100km/h speed test in just 4.8 seconds.

But the new Merc has smashed through the 309kW power barrier and has made the BMW versus Audi skirmish look like a petty bitch fight. According to Mercedes figures it will accelerate to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds thanks to its thumping 6.2-litre V8 engine, almost 30% larger in size that its two German rivals. 

The upcoming Lexus IS-F - also powered by a V8 engine - wants to join the company of these vehicles and will no doubt add an extra element of intrigue to the impending battle, as it will be the only Japanese sports sedan vying for supremacy.

Mercedes-Benz expects the hugely powerful new model will be launched in Australia in the second quarter of 2008. To better put things in perspective, here's the performance breakdown between the three German rivals:

As the table shows, the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG completely blows its rivals out of the water in every respect. Power, torque, engine size, and straight line performance are all significantly greater than all three of its competitors.

The only area where the stunning new Mercedes may not be quite so prolific could be the handling department as the 6.2-litre AMG engine that hangs over the front axle will be heavier than the smaller V8 engines of the Audi and BMWs.

The new Mercedes is the first C-Class vehicle to break through the 300kW barrier and the engine develops 331kW (451hp) @ 6800rpm. Because the engine is larger than its rivals' it needn't rev as high to reach its power peak, and maximum torque of 600Nm hits the driveline @ 5000rpm.

This cascade of power and torque is transferred to the rear axle via a 7-speed automatic transmission which features paddle shifts on the steering wheel for a Formula One-inspired driving experience.

Mercedes explains that there are three modes to the gearbox - "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual). These modes differ in their shift characteristics and speed says the German car maker:

Comfort is the cruising mode. Gearshifts are nominal.
Sport mode offers 30% fast shifts.
Manual mode brings about a 50% increase in gearshift speeds.

The different modes are accessed simply by pressing a button, and Mercedes has also revealed that the advanced 7G-Tronic transmission has an automatic throttle-blipping function during downshifts. 

It claims that this throttle 'blipping' not only enhances the driver's emotional experience, but also provides a jolt-free downshifting process. Mercedes suggest that the feature will be most welcome on the race track when braking before corners.

As well as the 4-door saloon, there will be an estate (wagon) version of the C63 AMG to rival the Audi RS 4 Avant.

The 6.2-litre V8 engine is used in various other Mercedes AMG vehicles, and in its highest state of tune can generate 385kW of power and 630Nm of torque. Most of the current cars the 8-cylinder resides in are much large vehicles, such as the ML63 AMG 4x4, and the E63 AMG large saloon.

To fit the large engine in the relatively small C-Class engine bay, Mercedes and AMG had to change the front suspension to a new three-link system, while pushing the wheels 35mm wider than the standard model to make more room. The wider track will add a touch more stability to the car, and also gives it the flared wheel arches, which its rivals likewise posses.

As well as the new three-link front axle design, the overall suspension setup for the C63 AMG will be a much stiffer configuration. The springs and dampers have been setup to provide a flatter ride with less body roll through corners and less dive under braking.

Currently the Audi RS 4 is only the super saloon in its class to be offered as standard with 19-inch wheels and tyres. The upcoming BMW M3 will be offered with 18-inch wheels, and the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG will likewise be fitted with 18-inch wheels as standard. However both Mercedes and BMW will offer a 19-inch wheel pack as cost added options.

The standard 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels will be a five-spoke design in titanium grey finish, sized 8.0 x 18 and 8.5 x 18-inches and shod with 235/40 R18s at the front and 255/35 R18s at the rear, which doesn't sound like nearly enough rubber to deal with the huge 600Nm of torque. 

The braking system for the super saloon will consist of internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes on all wheels. The front disc brakes are sized 360mm x 36mm and are matched with 6-piston fixed calipers, and the rear discs measure 330mm x 26mm with 4-piston fixed calipers. Mercedes talks about things like great sensitivity and high fade-resistance when referring to the brakes package, and there will also be a completely retuned ESP system.

Designed to give the driver more flexibility than standard ESP (electronic stability program) the C63 gets a different configuration with 3-stages: 

• ESP On

• ESP Sport

• ESP Off

In normal operating modes the ESP is on and will stop the car from drifting into uncontrollable skids and losing traction. ESP Sport allows more scope for performance driving, and won't kick in as early or as sharply but will still maintain a vigil. ESP Off is self explanatory - all the driving aids are turned completely off. This mode is best used for race track use and the occasional burnout.

Mercedes new 4-wheeled missile benefits from a range of exterior and interior upgrades to denote its high performance potential. 

From the outside the car features a wider track thanks to the blistered wheel arches that house large 18-inch alloy wheels. The front end is different than most C-Class models with a sporty lower front apron with large air intakes, aerodynamic protrusions, and integrated fog lights.

The AMG-specific body styling continues along the cars sides, with practical side vents, '6.3 AMG' badging and low slung skirts. At the rear of the car the quad exhaust outlet system is an obvious indication of the power that lies beneath its muscular body work, and a small deck lid spoiler adds a touch of sportiness to the trailing edge.

LED brake lights are standard and the rear apron that encompasses the large exhaust system gets an integrated diffuser, and inside the car drivers will be met with performance oriented AMG sports seats, which like the Audi RS 4 interior will feature one-piece seats with integrated head rests. AMG lettering has been liberally scattered around the interior and an adaptive backrest with adjustments for the side bolsters and lumbar support are included with the leather seats. 

Another new feature is the AMG steering wheel in a three-spoke design which is smaller than normal and has a flat bottom. The interior looks to borrow much of the Audi RS 4's features, but with its larger engine and increased performance, it could be an ever sharper vehicle to drive. Pricing has not yet been divulged by Mercedes, but is expected to be at least $160,000 when it launches in Australia mid way through 2008.

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