LA 2007: 2008 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG

Holy cow! We had a chance to spend some seat time in a regular C Class a few weeks back and were very impressed in the new Baby Benz. But the newest offering from the AMG headquarters is going to be out of this world for any car in its class. Los Angeles was the debut for the C63. Pricing or a release date were not made available at the unveiling.

From every angle the C63 is stunning. With its aggressive front fascia and power bulge hood to the rear air diffuser bumper and trunk spoiler. The car certainly demands presence on the road. But where the the power really lays it on the line is under the hood. The 6.3 liter V8 is the first engine to be developed entirely in house at AMG. Horsepower is set at an astounding 451Hp with 443 lb. ft. of torque. 0-60MPH is a respectable 4.3 seconds.

Also new is the 7 speed. Yes 7 speed automatic transmission. Manual shifting can be done via the shift lever or by Formula One style paddles on the steering wheel. When in manual mode, AMG programed the trans not to up shift or down shift automatically. All while performing 35% faster shifts.

The C63 is also the first AMG model to offer a 3 stage ESP program. ESP Off, ESP Sport, & ESP Off. Sport mode allows for more aggressive driving and higher drift angles. Excellent for race track use. The rest of the suspension has been given the AMG treatment as well. Stiffer shocks and springs are used in all four corners. A limited slip differential is used in the rear end. 18 inch wheels, and AMG designed composite disc brakes. 14.2 inches in the front, 13 in the rear. With 6 piston and 4 piston calipers round out the package.

The interior is dressed out in full napa leather. AMG designed a new steering wheel and instrument cluster specifically for the C63. It includes specially designed analog gauges with red needles and a lap timer.

The C63 is certainly going to give the BMW M3 and Audi RS4 a run for the money. And certainly has the looks and performance to back it up.

Source: Mercedes Benz