The fastest C-Class ever.. (w/sound & pictures)

The most powerful C-Class of all time is how Mercedes describe the new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, which was unveiled this morning on the eve of the German grand prix.

Boasting a maximum output of 510 bhp and peak torque of 620 Nm, the AMG 6.2-litre V8 engine accelerates the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds.

Fitted with adjustable AMG coil-over sports suspension and AMG high-performance compound braking system the Black Series is just as adept dynamically, though it can be further enhanced with the optional AMG Track Package incorporating sports tyres, active rear-axle transmission cooling, plus the AMG Aerodynamics package including flics, a functionally tuned front splitter and an adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil.

The fourth Black Series model

Since the inception of the Black Series range in 2006 Mercedes have produced three models; The first one was the SLK 55 AMG Black Series. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine in the fixed-roof two-seater enticed customers with its maximum output of 394 bhp and torque of 520 Nm, and between July 2006 and April 2007 120 units were produced.

The CLK 63 AMG Black Series followed directly in its footsteps. The two-seater coupé was powered by an AMG 6.2-litre V8 engine with 500 bhp and torque of 630 Nm. Between April 2007 and March 2008, 700 vehicles were made.

The highlight up until now was the SL 65 AMG Black Series, which was unveiled in July 2008, powered by an AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine with a maximum output of 660 bhp and torque of 1000 Nm made the SL 65 AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG vehicle ever to enter series production. In total there were 350 units built from September 2008 to August 2009.

A white C63 AMG Coupe Black Series with AMG Track Package parked outside the Nurburgring circuit this weekend (Picture: Susie Stoddart)

The Details: Visually Agressive

The new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series displays its increased performance visually with air intakes in the front apron feeding larger cooling modules. Two openings in the aluminium bonnet support the expelling of engine heat, whilst the struts positioned at an angle in the front apron emphasise the vehicle’s width. The black front splitter located at the lower end helps to balance the vehicle aerodynamically.

The expressive design continues in the side view: the newly developed front axle with a greater track width calls for new wings, which have been widened by 28 millimetres on each side. “6.3” logos give a nod to the sheer power of the large-displacement eight-cylinder high-speed naturally aspirated engine beneath the bonnet.

On each side the rear wings have also been widened by 42 millimetres, due to the greater track width of the rear axle. Faux-air-openings are hinted at in front of the rear wheels as well as those behind the front-wheel cut-outs.

At a Glance

	C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series
Displacement	6208 cc
Bore x stroke	102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio	11.3 : 1
Output	380 kW (510 bhp) at 6800 rpm at 6800/min
Max. torque	620 Nm at 500 rpm
Engine weight (dry)	196 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	12.2 l/100 km*
CO2emissions	286 g/km*
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.2 s*

Source: Road & Track Magazine – http://roadn.tk/9i

The Details: Light-weight Forged Alloy Wheels

The 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 combination is mounted on 9 x 19 (front) and 9.5 x 19 (rear) AMG light-alloy wheels, painted titanium grey, the high-sheen light-alloy wheels are produced using an innovative new forging technology – as is the case on the SLS AMG. These forged wheels weigh a total of 11 kg less than comparable wheels with a conventional design.

The Details: A last Hurrah for the Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine

With Mercedes shifting its focus to the more economical 5.5-litre turbocharged engine in its 63 AMG models, it’s something of a surprise to find the C63 AMG Black Series fitted with the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8. The high-torque M156 engine was specially refined for AMG’s new two-door model, whose forged pistons, connecting rods and the crankshaft with a lightweight design, all come courtesy of the SLS AMG. These measures are flanked by a new engine control unit which enables the coupé to sprint from zero to 62 mph in a little over 4.2 seconds.

With the aid of components from the SLS AMG, the AMG experts have managed to give the oil cooler a cooling surface which is 50 per cent larger than previous 63 AMG models.

The Details: Coil-over sports suspension with AMG rear axle differential lock

The AMG sports suspension has been designed as a coil-over suspension, as is the norm in motorsport, allowing the driver to create their own personal set-up. The track width of the axles has been widened by 40 mm (at the front) and 79 mm (at the rear) respectively. In conjunction with the modified torsion-bar stabilisers, the C 63 AMG Black Series receives a modified speed-sensitive sports steering providing greater steering precision.

The standard-specification AMG rear axle differential is underpinned by a 3-stage ESP system offering the ideal solution for all driving situations: via the ESP button the driver can choose from the “ESP ON”, “Sport Handling Mode” and “ESP OFF” stages.

In view of the increased driving dynamics, not only has the ABS been completely retuned, the braking system has also been redeveloped using discs featuring materials proven in motorsport at the front axle (format: 390 x 36 millimetres) and integral discs at the rear axle (360 x 26 mm). Red-painted six-piston fixed calipers at the front and four-piston fixed calipers at the rear provide fade-free resistance.

The Details: A Motor-Racing Inspired Interior

Unlike its predecessor, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series offers a more road-going ambience for driver and passengers – but not by much.

Two AMG sports bucket seats provide the lateral support, trimmed with black DINAMICA microfibre upholstery on the centre panels of the seats and doors. The omission of the rear bench seat underlines the sporty character of the Black Series and also reduces weight.

As an option the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is available as a four-seater including the AMG sports seats from the C 63 AMG Coupé, with single seats in the rear.

Availability

The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series makes its world premiere this weekend at the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. UK pricing and specification will be announced shortly, with deliveries expected early in 2012.

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