Back with a sportier ride, greater fuel efficiency, and everybody’s favorite V-8.
For three and a half years the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has been popular amongst enthusiasts in the performance sedan segment, selling over 17,000 units worldwide. The C63 AMG continues to compete with the likes of the BMW M3, Lexus IS F, and Audi RS4 (previous generation) as it packs the most horsepower out of the competition. The newly facelifted 2012 model brings back the famous 6.2-liter, this time with greater fuel efficiency, a new transmission, updated styling, and a refined interior in the quest to be crowned king of the German performance sedans.
The new 2012 C63 AMG receives a minor facelift, taking many styling cues from its top-model SLS AMG sibling. Many of the SLS’s design elements have trickled down through the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with models like the C63 AMG adopting a revised front grille with large three-pointed star and single horizontal louvre. The AMG variant of the C-Class features a new front bumper with the center spoiler lip painted high-gloss black. The updated front fascia also sports AMG daytime running lights and side air outlets similar to those found on the SL63 AMG. Compared to the standard C-Class, the AMG version is equipped with wider front fenders flexing their muscles with a “6.3 AMG” badge. The rear of the 2012 C63 AMG model has also received some alterations as it now wears a redesigned AMG bumper with a three-fin black diffuser insert. Completing the facelift are new five twin-spoke titanium gray AMG light alloy wheels wearing 235/40 R 18 and 255/35 R 18 front and rear tires.
Inside, the 2012 C63 AMG also receives a much needed update. The dashboard has been completely redesigned, this time around a new center display screen. Coming standard are brushed dark aluminum trim elements in the dashboard and doors, while a high-gloss black piano lacquer surrounds the center console. Facing the driver is a new three-spoke AMG performance steering wheel borrowed from the CLS63 AMG covered in premium leather and metallic trim with a flattened top and bottom, and aluminum paddle shifters. The AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints and adaptive backrests wear new center inserts made of DINAMICA breathable fiber material and side bolsters fitted with M-B Tex. As an option, customers can custom order a designo leather interior with four single colors and three two-tone combinations. Additionally, black designo leather can be fitted to the dashboard and door linings.
Arguably the most inspiring aspect of the 2012 C63 AMG, the 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V-8, is back, this time with a superfast and efficient seven-speed transmission. After much speculation that Mercedes-Benz was going to give the C-Class AMG their new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8, the German automaker has decided to stick with their beloved 6.2-liter AMG V-8. Output remains at 451 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 443 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 RPM. Performance is impressive with a 0-60 mph time of only 4.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The C63 AMG has become a performance monster with the new seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT sports transmission. Borrowed from the SL63 AMG, the new transmission replaces the traditional torque converter with a wet start-up clutch. This allows for greater fuel efficiency and quicker shifts. In “S”, “S+” and “M” driving modes, gear changes become more responsive and higher engine speeds are reached. Shifts become lightning fast in “S+” and “M” modes, taking only 0.1 seconds to change gears. Additionally, a Controlled Efficiency mode (“C”) is programmed to produce smooth gear changes and operate at the lowest possible engine speed for greater fuel economy. The new transmission is also programmed with a Race Start and rev-matching functions for a more sport oriented driving experience.
After being ordered on over 30 percent of all 2010 C63 AMGs, Mercedes-Benz again offers customers the optional AMG Development Package for more power, performance, and aesthetic upgrades with the 2012 C63 AMG. The package boosts power output to 481 horses, reduces the 0-60 mph time to just 4.3 seconds, and pushes the top speed limiter back to 174 mph. With the AMG Development Package, the 6.2-liter V-8 loses 6.6 pounds with the use of forged pistons, connecting rods, and lightweight crankshaft from the SLS AMG. Models with package are distinguishable by their titanium grey intake manifold, AMG performance brake system with red calipers, carbon fiber trunk spoiler lip, and premium leather AMG performance steering wheel.
The updates for the 2012 C63 AMG are continued with the chassis, with new components improving handling, fuel efficiency, and performance. The AMG sports suspension has been redesigned with a new front axle, a more robust rear axle, and extended front and rear track. The suspension now has more negative camber at the rear, a larger rear anti-roll bar, stiffer elastokinematics, and new spring and damper rates to achieve greater lateral acceleration. For better driving dynamics and feel, Mercedes-Benz has fitted a new AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with a direct 13.5:1 ratio and redesigned power steering pump. The new pump only draws power when steering movements are being made by the driver, thus helping to reduce fuel consumption. AMG high-performance brakes are fitted all around, and use internally ventilated and perforated discs to bring the sedan to a halt.
A host of new electronics will also make their debut on the C-Class with the C63 AMG. Driver assistance systems featured on the S-Class and CLS-Class are used to provide greater safety. Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Attention Assist, Parktronic, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and new telematics all work to prevent accidents offer greater driver convenience.
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG will make its US debut in autumn of 2011. Pricing for the US market has not been announced, however the European prices start at € 71,340.50 for the sedan and € 73,899.00 for the estate. The AMG performance package is priced at € 7,116.20.
Mercedes-Benz 2012 C63 AMG SPECIFICATIONS
Engine:
Displacement: 6.2-liters (6,208 cc)
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Bore x Stroke: 4.02 x 3.72
Compression Ratio: 11.3 : 1
Dry Weight: 432 lbs.
Maximum Horsepower: 451 at 6,500 RPM (481 at 6,500 with AMG perf. pkg.)
Maximum Torque: 443 lb-ft. at 5,000 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Seven Speed AMG Speedshift MCT
Drive: Rear-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Acceleration 0-60 mph (AMG perf. pkg.): 4.3 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Top Speed (AMG perf. pkg.): 174 mph
Mercedes-Benz 2012 C63 AMG GALLERY
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
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