2011/11/24

The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series: The most powerful C-Class of all time

DAIMLER AG - Spectacular design, technology transfer from the world of motorsport and driving dynamics at the highest level. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series embodies the AMG brand claim of "Driving Performance" like no other AMG model. With a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp) and a maximum torque of 620 Newton metres, the new high-performance vehicle is the most powerful C-Class of all time. Hefty torque, tremendous pulling power and an agile response are guaranteed thanks to the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which accelerates the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series to a speed of 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and takes it on to a top speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited).

Exclusive fun at the wheel comes courtesy of the adjustable AMG coil-over sports suspension, the AMG high-performance composite braking system, and the functional equipment available as standard. The AMG Track package is available as an option to enhance driving dynamics even further, and boasts sports tyres and active rear-axle transmission cooling. Plus there is also the AMG Aerodynamics package including flics, a functionally tuned front splitter and an adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil.

Appearance reminiscent of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports car

Broad, low, powerful and ready to pounce from a standstill – the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series makes an impression. It is clearly made for ambitious laps on a closed-off race track. In visual terms the new high-performance vehicle is reminiscent of the successful SLS AMG GT3 customer sports car and symbolises the transfer of technology from the sphere of motorsport, which has been part of the corporate philosophy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH for 44 years now.

With the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, AMG is presenting an exciting sports car for enthusiasts who are passionate about sports cars which are big on horsepower, and this marks the impressive continuation of the Black Series strategy, which began back in 2006.

Key data at a glance:
 
C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series
Displacement: 6208 cc
Bore x stroke: 102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Output: 380 kW (517 hp) at 6800 rpm
Max. torque: 620 Nm at 5200 rpm
Engine weight (dry): 195 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined: 12.2 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 286 g/km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: 4.2 s
Top speed: 300 km/h*
* electronically limited

Arrow-shaped front section with large cooling air openings

The new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series displays its ties with motorsport from every perspective. The arrow-shaped front section with the central Mercedes star in the radiator grille is the visual synonym for its forwards thrust. The air intakes in the striking front apron ensure reliable air flow through the large cooling modules. Two openings in the aluminium bonnet support the expelling of engine heat, whilst the struts positioned at an angle in the front apron emphasise the vehicle's width. The black front splitter located at the lower end helps to balance the vehicle aerodynamically.

The expressive design continues in the side view: the newly developed front axle with a greater track width calls for new wings, which have been widened by 28 millimetres on each side. "6.3" logos give a nod to the sheer power of the large-displacement eight-cylinder high-revving naturally aspirated engine beneath the bonnet. Air outlets intimated behind the wheel cut-outs call to mind powerful racing cars. The onlooker discovers black inserts on the restyled AMG side skirts – a look which continues the idea of the front splitter. The rear wings have also been widened by 42 millimetres on each side, due to the greater track width of the rear axle. Air openings are hinted at in front of the rear wheels, forming a fitting conclusion.

AMG light-alloy wheels featuring light forging technology

255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 – these are the impressive wheel formats for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series at its market launch. Mounted on 9 x 19 (front) and 9.5 x 19 (rear) AMG light-alloy wheels, the wheel/tyre combination fills out the wings to stunning effect and plays a significant part in the dynamic appearance of this new AMG sports car.

Painted titanium grey, the high-sheen light-alloy wheels are produced using particularly light forging technology – as is the case on the SLS AMG. These forged wheels weigh a total of eleven kilograms less than comparable wheels with a conventional design. The lower weight results in reduced unsprung masses, which improves both the suspension's response and the steering precision.

Broad effect of the tail end with a diffuser insert

The tail end of the Black Series coupé is also a feast for the eyes: the new rear apron with its expressive black diffuser insert creates a broad effect. Just like on the SLS AMG GT3, it protrudes beyond the profile of the rear apron. The black grille on the upper end of the diffuser insert is an eye-catching feature, as is the AMG sports exhaust system: both of the chromed twin tailpipes integrated into the rear apron have an angular cross-section. The spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the vehicle colour and reduces lift at the rear axle, resulting in more driving stability at high speeds. The AMG logo with its discreet "Black Series" lettering, offset in black, is reserved exclusively for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series.

Engine with high-tech components from the gull-wing model

A displacement of 6.3 litres, a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp) and a torque of 620 newton metres from eight cylinders – one glance at the technical data and it's clear that the engineering behind the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series delivers what the vehicle's appearance promises. The high-torque M156 naturally aspirated engine was specially refined for the new two-door model, whose forged pistons, connecting rods and the crankshaft with a lightweight design, for example, all come courtesy of the SLS AMG. These measures are flanked by a new engine control unit. As the car's performance proves, the uprated V8 engine has an easy time of it in the coupé: the sprint from standing to 100 is over in 4.2 seconds.

Plenty of pulling power, an agile response and hefty torque – the qualities of the large-displacement AMG high-revving naturally aspirated engine arouse passion in the driver. The jewel in the crown is the hallmark AMG eight-cylinder sound from the AMG sports exhaust system.

The optimised engine oil cooling ensures enhanced performance even when the vehicle is put through its paces in harsh race track conditions. With the aid of components from the SLS AMG, the AMG experts have managed to give the oil cooler a cooling surface which is 50 percent larger. The innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission takes care of power transmission. Four transmission modes, the double-declutching function and RACE START promise maximum motoring pleasure and a high degree of variability. In the "Sport plus" and "Manual" transmission modes the gear changes take a mere 100 milliseconds.

AMG coil-over sports suspension with an AMG rear axle differential lock

The AMG sports suspension is a sophisticated new development. It has been designed as a coil-over suspension, as is the norm in motorsport – and it represents a hallmark feature of a Black Series model. It offers numerous setting options, and allows the driver to create their own personal set-up. The track width of the axles has been widened by 40 mm (at the front) and 79 mm (at the rear) respectively. In conjunction with the modified torsion-bar stabilisers, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series impresses with its pronounced driving dynamics, high grip and low roll angle. The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering facilitates superb vehicle control: the retuned map control for the power assistance ensures optimum steering precision.

The standard-specification AMG rear axle differential lock with locking effect for both acceleration and deceleration is responsible for reliable traction in particular for race-track applications. The 3-stage ESP offers the ideal solution for all driving situations: via the ESP button the driver can choose from the "ESP ON", "ESP Sport Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF" stages. In view of the increased driving dynamics, not only has the anti-lock braking system been completely retuned; the AMG high-performance braking system has also been redeveloped: a larger braking system is now used, with discs featuring composite technology proven in motorsport at the front axle (format: 
390 x 36 millimetres) and integral discs at the rear axle (360 x 26 mm). Red-painted six-piston fixed callipers at the front and four-piston fixed callipers at the rear reliably decelerate the perforated, fade-resistant brake discs, which are ventilated all round.

Interior with a functional motor-racing atmosphere

Both the captivating high-tech components and the spectacular exterior design find their logical continuation in the interior of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, which is black with red highlight elements, displaying the functional atmosphere of a true racing vehicle, whilst at the same time positively glowing with quality and details. Two AMG sports bucket seats provide maximum lateral support on the race track. The omission of the rear bench seat underlines the sporty character and reduces its weight. As an option the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is also available as a four-seater including the AMG sports seats familiar from the C 63 AMG Coupé – and with single seats in the rear.

The AMG Performance steering wheel with a steering wheel rim featuring flattened top and bottom sections features aluminium shift paddles for manual gear changes. Red seat belts and red contrasting topstitching on the steering wheel, on the seats, door centre panels, armrests on the doors, the centre console and shift lever gaiter add some interesting highlights. An exclusive "AMG Black Series" logo adorns the trim on the dashboard, which sports a high-gloss black piano-lacquer look. The dashboard with three autonomous round dials has a three-dimensional TFT colour display. On opening the vehicle door, this shows AMG lettering to greet the driver. Possible displays for the engine oil temperature, the ESP mode or the gear selection are integrated into the AMG main menu, which is also found in the TFT display. The rotary switch for the C, S, S+ and M transmission modes and RACE START is located on the centre console next to the selector lever.

AMG Performance Media with motorsport-style telemetry

A highlight of the optional extras is the AMG Performance Media: familiar from the SLS AMG, this system combines numerous telemetry displays of such items as various engine data as well as lateral and linear acceleration and lap times. Many of the functions of the AMG Performance Media were inspired by motorsport. All of the displays can be viewed on the high-resolution 17.8 cm colour display of the COMAND Online multimedia system (optional extra).

The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is proof positive that high driving dynamics and excellent active and passive safety need not necessarily be mutually exclusive: five airbags, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats are part of the standard specification, as are the anti-lock braking system ABS, 3-stage ESP, Headlamp Assist, the tyre pressure loss warning system and cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter.

The standard specification also includes (selection):
AMG door sills in brushed stainless steel with AMG logo
AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel, with rubber studs
Audio 20 CD radio with double tuner, colour display, Bluetooth interface, hands-free function, USB interface and eight loudspeakers
THERMATIC automatic climate control
AMG Track Package and AMG Aerodynamics package

The AMG Performance Studio offers two special packages to enhance driving dynamics even further: the AMG Track Package comprises 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear sports tyres from Dunlop. They have been exclusively developed for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, and they tangibly and measurably increase grip. Active rear-axle transmission cooling improves performance in race-track conditions. The radiator is located in the rear apron and the airflow passes through it effectively.

What are known as flics are part of the AMG Aerodynamics package. They are made of genuine carbon fibre and are located on the front apron. Also included in the package are a functionally tuned front splitter made of genuine carbon fibre and a fixed carbon-fibre rear aerofoil with an adjustable blade. All three components add to the visual presence optimise the vehicle's aerodynamic balance.

Other optional extras include:
AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package (front splitter, exterior mirror housing, inserts on the side sill panel, diffuser insert and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre)
AMG light-alloy wheels featuring forging technology, painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish on the rim flange, with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 tyres
AMG carbon-fibre trim (in the upper trim level)
Fire extinguisher (mounted at the front on the driver's seat)
Intelligent Light System ILS
KEYLESS-GO
Tinted side/rear windows

In spite of the fact that its driving dynamics are totally suited to the race track, the new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series offers all the properties which characterise a true Mercedes-Benz: suitability for everyday use, durability, safety and quality. Market launch will take place in January 2012.