Mercedes-Benz unveils new C-Class flagship

Mercedes-Benz has released details of the new C 63 AMG. Due to hit the market in early 2008, the high-performance C-Class promises stunning looks to coincide with its impressive performance specs. Powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine with a peak output of 336 kW/457 hp and maximum torque of 600 newton metres that’s capable of achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, the V8 flagship model also boasts exemplary handling via a wider track, an all-new front axle, speed-sensitive AMG sports steering and suspension plus a new 3-stage Electronic Stability Program.

The fifth generation of the cooperative venture between Daimler-Benz and AMG, the new AMG C-Class has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h and achieves its 336 kW/457 hp output at 6800 rpm from a displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres, bringing it very close to the 470 odd horsepower delivered by its sister AMG C-Class racing touring car in the German Touring Car Championships (DTM). Torque developed by the 6.3-litre V8 engine is said to be 30 percent more than comparable engines in this performance class, reaching a maximum of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm. The torque curve is also impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 500 newton metres on call providing powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

First introduced in 2005, the AMG V8 engine is features variable camshaft adjustment, four-valve technology with bucket-type tappets, a rigid aluminium crankcase of closed-deck design, low-friction TWAS coating on the cylinder contact surfaces and electronically controlled fuel delivery, all contributing to the sporty AMG note.

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 is built in the AMG engine shop on the traditional "one man, one engine" principle. This means that one technician is responsible for hand-assembling a complete V8 engine to the highest quality standards – which is attested to by his signature on the AMG engine plate.

The exterior design includes a new bonnet with prominent power domes along with the trademark AMG radiator grille with a central star and two louvres with chrome inserts. The honeycomb pattern of the grille is also reflected in the large air dams of the new front apron which forms part of the AMG-specific bodystyling. The fog lamps with chrome surrounds are spaced well apart, acting together with the flared front wheel arches to accentuate the width of the car and side air vents in the front apron serve to expel the hot air from the oil coolers.

The cars profile reveals 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome twin tailpipes provide further visual highlights along with the spoiler lip on the boot lid which reduces lift and ensures greater handling stability at high speeds.

Inside the car special AMG sports seats with integral head restraints are added for the first time and the standard upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/AMG fabric is available in a choice of black or reef grey – or as an option the interior can be further enhanced with particularly high-grade leather in black, reef grey or black/sahara beige. The three-spoke design AMG performance steering wheel is also new with its rim diameter of 365 millimetres and a flattened lower section.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC The transmission features AMG steering wheel shift paddles and three driving modes: "S" (Sport), " C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed. Gearshifts in "S" mode are around 30 percent faster than in "C", and around 50 percent faster in "M" mode. It’s also the first AMG car to feature an automatic throttle-blipping function during downshifts. This not only enhances the driver’s emotional experience – the almost completely jolt-free downshifting process also reduces the load-change responses and has a particularly positive effect when braking before bends.

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