► New Merc C63 AMG coupe
► Feautres new 4.0-litre bi-turbo
► Power is up on predecessor
1) Power of eight
Mercedes-AMG ain’t messing around. The new C63 Coupe launches in standard and S guise, and even the former comprehensively out-punches the BMW M4, laying down 469bhp, 479lb ft and a thick layer of rubber, while its rival flounders about with 425bhp and 406lb ft. But then, as Merc smugly points out, it is the only car in its category to retain a twin-turbo V8.
2) S express
C63 S ups the oomph to 503bhp and 516lb ft, but only shaves 0.1sec off the 0-62mph time (3.9 vs 4.0). Both remain rear-wheel drive. 155mph max can be increased to 180 – that’s still limited.
3) Body modification
Protein shakes a-go-go as AMG’s C-Coupe grows 64mm wider at the front, 66mm wider at the rear, gains a 60mm longer bonnet and reinforced structure. Aero bumpers are complemented by chunky side skirts and a lip spoiler that’s said to reduce lift at speed. Wider tyres and shorter rear axle ratios make it fractionally faster than the C63 saloon.
4) Progress through technology
In addition to the ‘hot inside V’ 4.0-litre biturbo, the C63 gets active engine mounts, electronic limited-slip diff, variable suspension and a faster-shifting seven-speed auto. Circa £65k and on sale in March 2016.