Mercedes has confirmed its new C63 AMG will boast 503bhp and 516lb ft of torque from its new 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8. We’ve updated our recent C63 scoop story with the latest spec info leaking out of Stuttgart ahead of its world debut in the next few days.
Due to star at the 2014 Paris motor show, the new AMG C-class keeps the current C63 model designation but is now confirmed to dump the old-school naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 in favour of the new downsized turbocharged V8.
Yep, that’s the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that’s just popped its head over the parapet in the sensational new AMG GT sports car.
2015 Mercedes C63 AMG: engine, power and performance
Incredibly, the C63 gets as many horses as the GT, which comes in 456bhp and 503bhp flavours. But the super C-class is certain to weigh more than AMG’s new flagship 911 rival, so there’s little chance it will out-perform that particular darling.
The pair of power outputs in the GT present the tantalising possibility of a standard and S model C63, too. Both will likely feature the same fully variable exhaust flap technology as the GT, helping overcome the sound-suppressing qualities of the turbochargers in order to deliver that trademark AMG shock and awe (and stick two fingers up at the BMW M3 in the process).
More than this, the C63 may benefit from something similar to the GT’s optional Dynamic Plus package, which features active engine and transmission mounts to achieve better performance without compromising comfort. This works in conjunction with an electronically controlled limited slip differential on the GT.
Expect an adaptive suspension package, 0-62mph in the region of 4.0secs flat, and the inevitable 155mph electronically limited top speed – with the option to unleash more via an AMG Performance Pack. The usual seven-speed AMG paddle-shift automatic and rear-wheel drive combo will dominate, but don’t be surprised to see a 4matic four-wheel drive variant in due course.
Will the new Mercedes C63 AMG be able to keep its cool?
While the new V8 design is apparently good news for efficiency – a claimed 30mpg plus should be on the cards – the turbos are trickier to cool. So the enlarged vents meshed over in the bumper here are vital. The GT also uses the high pressure area at the base of the windscreen to force air into ducting on the underside of the bonnet and back onto the front of the engine. It then flows over the turbos and under the car.
Further camo on this test mule aims to disguise the AMG side skirts, reprofiled boot lid with lip spoiler, and the rear diffuser – though the signature quadruple rhomboid AMG tail pipes still rather give the game away.
Taking the lead from the GT again, the red brake calipers pictured may suggest an upgraded brake package that denotes an S model; or Mercedes may have chosen the colour to differentiate the C63 from the rest of the C-class range. If carbon-ceramic brakes are offered as an option, current AMG trends suggest the calipers will be bronze coloured.
2015 Mercedes C63 AMG: price and on sale date
As the spy shots indicate, the C63 will arrive first as a four-door saloon, probably with the estate alongside it at Paris. Just in time for a market launch either late this year or – more likely for the UK – early in 2015.
A C63 Coupe to take on the BMW M4 is set to appear around September 2015, in time for the Frankfurt motor show. A Black Series is almost inevitable; AMG’s head of V8 development told us the new 4.0-litre has plenty of headroom to produce more power.
AMGs tend to be pricier than their M Division and Quattro GmbH alternatives, so anticipate paying upwards of £60,000 for the new C63 saloon.