The BMW M3 and Audi RS5 better look out as their rival from Stuttgart has just unveiled a sledgehammer of a two-door in the form of the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe. Based on the sultry C-Class Coupe revealed for the first time last month, the latest AMG-prepped variant features not only the two-door’s distinctive design but combines it with a powerful drivetrain and dynamic handling.
Like its C63 AMG Sedan sibling, the C63 AMG Coupe misses out on the latest twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 and instead relies on the tried and tested naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 found in a variety of the Affalterbach tuner’s models, including the SLS AMG supercar. Peak output comes in at 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, though an optional AMG Development Package lifts output to a heady 481 horsepower.
With 451 horses on tap, the powerful coupe will accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and easily reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Opt for the AMG Development Package and you’re looking at a 4.3 second time for the 0-60 benchmark and a 174 mph electronically controlled top speed.
The extra performance is courtesy of forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft adopted from the SLS AMG model's high-tech drive system. and this also helps to shed some 6.6 pounds. This weight reduction lowers rotational inertia and thus enhances the agility and responsiveness of the high-revving, eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.
Other modifications offered with the special package include a variable intake manifold finished in titanium grey and an AMG high-performance braking system with two-piece front rotors and red painted brake calipers.
There's also a carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler and a sports steering wheel finished in leather and Alcantara.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via the familiar SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which also sports a special "Controlled Efficiency" mode.
This setting provides early upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed and softer accelerator characteristics to help improve fuel economy. Other settings include the familiar S, S+ and M models. Gear changes in the S+ and M modes take just 100 milliseconds and also includes the RACE START launch control system.
Other performance modifications include uprated brakes, a new three-link front suspension, a reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension and a wider track both front and rear. The stiffer setup, more negative camber and larger anti-roll bars result in greater agility and lateral acceleration. Additionally, specially adjusted spring and damper rates have optimized both the responsiveness of the suspension as well as road noise and tire vibration.
The car’s electronic stability control also has three settings--the driver can use the ESP switch on the center console to choose between ESP ON, ESP SPORT and ESP OFF modes. Rolling stock consists of new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 R 18 tires up front and 255/35 R 18 tires in the rear. Also at the rear is a black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuser fins along with two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system.
Inside, the C63 AMG Coupe sports a new dashboard design and integrated TFT display screen.
Leather upholstery, aluminum trim, gloss piano black, and more are all found standard, and can be further customized if desired with Designo treatments.
Technologically, the 2012 C63 AMG also gets five new driver assistance systems: adaptive highbeam assist, attention assist, parktronic parking assistance, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot assist, each doing exactly what it sounds like. Mercedes' latest COMAND system is also fitted, including a 3D display for virtual city views.
