Mercedes-benz C63 returns with twin turbo turbo 4.0 V8

Mercedes-benz’s Amg performance car operation has revealed the new C63 super-saloon. the bmW m3 rival will be offered with a similar power output to the company’s recently unveiled Gt sports car, with which it effectively shares its engine, when it goes on sale in the UK next month.

the new car, officially named mercedes-AmG C63, will begin deliveries in saloon guise from February and in estate form from April, with sleeker coupé and cabriolet variants planned for introduction by the end of next year as part of a four strong model line-up.

the C63 is the second model to adopt AmG’s new twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which receives a fresh m177 codename in this latest incarnation due to a lack of dry sump oil scavenging, among other detail changes that differentiate it from the m178 designated unit used by the Gt.

In line with the recent new model strategy at AmG, the 4.0-litre unit is being offered in two differing outputs, depending on model.In keeping with the downsizing trend evident across the mercedes benz line up of late, the new engine gives away a considerable 2226cc in swept volume to the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre engine that has powered the C63 since its introduction in 2007. Despite this, AmG’s latest model packs more power and torque than its direct predecessor.

In the new C63, the m177 engine delivers 469bhp at 5500rpm and 479lb ft between 1750 and 6250rpm respective 18bhp and 37lb ft increases on the old model’s peaks of 451bhp and 442lb ft.

With added turbocharger boost pressure and dynamic engine mounts, the downsized AmG engine endows the new C63 s, revealed here in a series of exclusive studio photographs, with an even more potent 503bhp at the same 5500rpm along with 516lb ft from 1750 to 6250rpm, giving it 23bhp and 74lb ft more than the old C63 equipped with the optional performance package. It is also more than the previous limited-volume C63 edition 507, which had 500bhp and 450lb ft.by comparison, its keenest four-door performance rival, the newly introduced fifth-generation bmW m3, offers 425bhp at 5500rpm and 405lb ft from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder petrol engine.

Among the five-door estate competition is the Audi rs4 Avant, whose naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 delivers 444bhp and 317lb ft.

With a kerb weight some 15kg below that of its predecessor at 1640kg in saloon guise, the new C63’s power-to-weight ratio has risen by 14bhp per tonne over its direct predecessor to 286bhp per tonne. the C63 s saloon tips the scales at the same kerb weight as the old model at 1655kg, giving it an even sharper 304bhp per tonne, or 14bhp more than the car it replaces in the line-up.

Channelling the sturdy reserves to the rear wheels is an updated version of AmG’s seven-speed speedshift mCt automatic gearbox. Combined with remote steering wheel-mounted aluminium shift paddles, it offers the driver the choice of up to five different modes via a so-called AmG Dynamic select programme:

C (controlled efficiency), s (sport), s+ (sport plus) and, exclusively in the C63 s, R (race). An additional manual mode can be accessed via the shift paddles, although the gearbox is programmed to revert back to full automatic operation for improved fuel economy savings.

AmG’s official performance claims reveal that the C63 saloon has taken a significant step forward in terms of straight-line speed, with a 0-62mph time that undercuts its predecessor by 0.4sec at just 4.1sec the same figure bmW quotes for its latest m3 in automatic form. In estate guise the new C63 hits the traditional acceleration benchmark in a claimed 4.2sec some 0.5sec inside the time Audi claims for the Rs4 Avant. the C63 s is marginally quicker, with respective times of 4.0sec and 4.1sec for the saloon and estate. the top speed for all models is limited to 155mph.

Despite early rumours suggesting that AmG would follow the example of the latest e63 and s63 by providing the new C63 with optional 4matic four-wheel drive, it is not available on the launch models.As well as establishing lofty new performance benchmarks, the new C63 also offers class-leading economy, according to mercedes-benz’s official claims. Combined cycle fuel consumption has improved by 11.0mpg over the outgoing model to 34.5mpg, allied to average CO2 emissions of
192g/km. the C63 s is marginally thirstier with figures of 33.6mpg and 195g/km.

the C63 rides on a heavily upgraded version of the standard C-class suspension, complete with three-stage adaptive damping as part of AmG’s sport Ride Control system. Among the detail changes over its standard sibling is a wider front track, unique rear wheel bearings offering greater negative camber for improved traction, firmer springs and dampers, altered bushing and a 25mm reduction in ride height.In a move mirroring that of the Gt, the standard C63 receives a mechanical locking
differential, while the C63 s gets a more responsive electronically controlled locking differential. As is now commonplace on AmG models, the electronic stability control system offers three settings: esp On,sport Handling mode and esp off.

the car’s exterior sports plenty of AmG styling cues. Included is a unique front bumper housing a trio of large air ducts and a reworked grille sporting a small AmG insignia. the front wings are subtly widened and receive indents behind the wheel arches with a ‘V8 biturbo’ badge mounted on each side. the sills have also been beefed up.

the C63 rides on standard 8.5x18in front and 9.5x18in rear 10-spoke alloy wheels shod with 245/40 front and 265/40 rear rubber. the C63 s sports larger 8.5x19in front and 9.5x19in rear wheels in a five-spoke design with 245/35 front and 265/35 tyres.Inside, the standard C-class front seats have been replaced by a set of thinly padded AmG sports seats as well as a flat-bottomed, multi-function AmG steering wheel, unique instrument graphics, stainless steel-faced pedals and AmG-specific trims.

Optional upgrades include carbon-ceramic brake discs and a performance exhaust system which features a flap that opens in three steps dependent on the gearbox mode the driver chooses.

pricing is yet to be revealed, although it will remain under £60,000, meaning only a  small increase over the £58,475 of today’s car. the estate will command a premium of around £1000, while the more potent s versions will cost around £6000 more than the standard models.