The C-Class is Mercedes-AMG’s best-selling model and forms the backbone of the company’s success. Since its launch in 2011, the C-Class Coupe has steadily gained significance, culminating with the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series. “The new AMG C63 Coupe embodies our conception of progress: It offers impressive longitudinal and lateral dynamics at an extremely high level along with improved fuel economy,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “In addition, we are making a bold visual statement with the muscular design. Our customers can therefore experience the progress with each of their senses: seeing, hearing, feeling and, above all, driving!” The Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe will celebrate its world premiere on September 15, 2015 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) and will be available in U.S. dealers beginning in the summer of 2016.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe already fascinates at first glance with its impressive proportions. The expressive exterior design differs significantly from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe model, which shares merely the same doors, roof and trunk lid. The powerful 8-cylinder engine, together with the increased track width on the front and rear axles, calls for a redesigned front end and a model-specific rear assembly as well as new front and rear fenders. The flared wheel arches make the AMG Coupe 2.51-inches (64 mm) widerat the front and 2.59-inches (66 mm) wider at the rear, enabling the vehicle to hug the road better.The larger wheel arches allow the use of wider tire
s, up to 10 inches (255millimeters) on the front axle and up to 11.2 inches (285 millimeters) on the rear, contributing to improved lateral acceleration, traction and agility. Under the outerskin, the body structure has been reinforced in keyareas to transfer and compensate for the extreme longitudinal and lateral forces the powertrain and suspension are capable of. The 2.36-inch (60 mm) longer aluminum hood is adorned by two distinctive powerdomes, which are among the typical distinguish ing features and underscore the muscular appearance. The extremely wide front section is characterized by large air inlets and precisely positioned aero flics. The low, arrow-shaped “twin blade” grill with AMG lettering visually lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. The typical AMG “A-wing” front spoiler is three-dimensional, also serving as an air deflector for the three cooling air inlets. Additional aero flics ensure an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules, while a front splitter at the bottom of the front apronhelps reduce front-axle lift.
As a result of the newly designed body on the C-Class Coupe, no compromises were required with regard to the connection of the aprons and other components; every joint and light-catching contour blends in harmoniously with the overall design. The side line of the C63 Coupe presents an entirely unique profile thanks to large wheels which finish flush with the body on the far outside and unique side skirts. In the diagonal view from behind, the muscular line from roof to shoulder via the rear quarter panel and wheel cutout looks especially impressive, lending emphasis to the impression of an intricately modelled sculpture with alternating light reflections. In typical sports car fashion, the exterior rear-view mirrors have been mounted on the door rather than on the A-pillar.
Taking its inspiration from the S-Class Coupe, the completely redesigned rear end includes a diffuser insert, a feature typically seen in the world of motor sport. The two chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG exhaust system are perfectly integrated into the diffuser. The special design of the laterally positioned, optical air outlet openings improves rear air flow, allowing it to break away with aerodynamically advantageous precision. Features such as the narrow rear reflectors reinforce the impression of width. The trunk lid includes a narrow spoiler lip in the form of a sharp blade. It not only looks elegant, but also significantly reduces the rear-axle lift.
Also as regards its engine, the C63 Coupé occupies an exceptional status among the competition, being the only vehicle in the segment to boast an 8-cylinder biturbo engine. Mercedes-AMG thus meets the wishes of those customers who desire a combination of a highly emotive, unmistakable engine sound and torquey power delivery.
The driver also benefits from the unrivalled performance: the C63 S Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, the C63 Coupé in 4.0 seconds. This makes the Coupé just a fraction faster than the Saloon – thanks to the wider tyres and shorter-legged rear-axle ratios. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited; 290 km/h with AMG Driver’s Package).
The 4.0-litre 8-cylinder biturbo engine is already used in the C63 Saloon and the C63 Estate. It is also installed in the GT sports car with dry sump lubrication. Characteristic feature: the two turbochargers are positioned not on the outside of the cylinder banks, but between them in the “V” – experts call this a “hot inside V”. The main advantages of this design are the compact engine construction, optimal response and low exhaust gas emissions.
The typical V8 engine sound was likewise a key development goal. It was specially tailored to the Coupé. A model-specific exhaust system with flap technology is used as standard. It is automatically map-controlled depending on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode, the power demanded by the driver and the engine speed. The engine sound varies between discreet/suitable for long-distance driving and robust/emotively appealing. Optionally available is the Performance exhaust system, which allows the sound to be modulated at the press of a button. In any case, the exhaust systems are so designed that all noise limits are at all times complied with irrespective of the flap position.
The transmission plays a major part in the direct and sporty character of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission impresses with its tailor-made dynamics and high variability. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel shift paddles, upshifts and downshifts are executed noticeably faster than in the previous model. This increased spontaneity is made possible by an even sportier set-up of the engine and transmission parameters.
The fascinating agility and high cornering speed of the C63 Coupé are also thanks to the completely redesigned suspension. A four-link front suspension with radial, racing-style brake connections is used. Model-specific steering knuckles and a wider track allow greater lateral acceleration. The rear axle, too, was completely newly developed for the Coupé. The multi-link concept impresses with highly precise wheel control and increased stiffness. The AMG-specific rear axle carrier makes the increased track width possible; the contact surfaces of the wheel bearings were moved a further 25 millimetres towards the outside in comparison with the Saloon. Other measures include AMG-specific wheel carriers, stiffer elastokinematic tuning and higher negative camber.
The C63 Coupé comes as standard with 10-spoke light-alloy wheels 9.0″ x 18″ (front) and 10.5″ x 18″ (rear) as well as with tyres of size 255/40 R 18″ (front) and 285/35 R 18″ (rear). In the case of the C63 S Coupé, the tyre sizes are 255/35 R 19″ (front) and 285/30 R 19″ (rear) on 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels 9.0″ x 19″ (front) and 10.5″ x 19″ (rear).
With the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adjustable damping, the customer can choose between maximum sportiness and excellent long-distance comfort in three stages at the press of a button. The difference between the comfortable and sporty suspension settings is also subjectively perceptible – depending on the particular driving situation.
Unique in its segment, the C63 S Coupé – like the Saloon and the Estate – is equipped with dynamic engine mounts. These help to further resolve the conflicting aims of comfort and dynamic performance. These dynamic mounts are instantly and variably able to adapt their stiffness to the driving conditions and requirements. Soft engine mounts improve comfort, as they provide more effective decoupling of noise and vibration. However, handling and agility benefit from a generally stiffer mount set-up. These measures enhance the vehicle’s precision when driven dynamically. For example, the steering response and feedback are even more direct.
Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release.
