AMG C coupe faster than M3
AMG's head of development says the new Benz hot haus' coupe is faster than BMW's benchmark… And that's before the Black versionGeneva International Motor Show
Things are about to hot up in the world of premium midsize performance cars. Shown to journalists on a strict 'no cameras' basis on the eve of the Geneva show last night, the AMG version of Mercedes-Benz's new C-Class coupe is claimed to be faster than BMW's benchmark M3.
The claim comes from AMG's Director of Vehicle Development Tobias Moers. Moers told the Carsales Network point blank the new two-door C-Class is "faster than the M3".
Moers stated in back to back testing that the new two-door C63 had recorded faster lap times around Hockenheim circuit than BMW's so far untouchable M.
"It is faster than the M3. I will say that," Moers told the Carsales Network.
The new coupe boasts many of the features of the updated sedan and wagon versions of AMG's "Bread and Butter" model. It features the new-to-C-Class-AMGs Speedshift MCT multiplate clutch automatic transmission as first used in the SL 63 and E 63 models.
Moers says that the hard parts of the gearbox are identical to the unit used in the E63. Only calibrations have changed. The gearbox retains the SL launch control mode.
He also claims the gearbox is superior in operation to twin-clutch gearboxes offered in some performance cars – including the M3.
"We have a twin clutch gearbox available to us in the SLS… But I would say the MCT is the perfect combination [for a road car like the C 63]. It is super sporty on the track and very comfortable in normal driving. This you cannot have in most twin clutches…"
The C-AMG coupe also benefits from significant suspension refinement, says Moers. New dampers and spring settings and major changes to the rear suspension's elastokinematics (how geometry alters as the wheels move through the suspension stroke) deliver higher grip levels, better steering response and better traction, Moers claims. The changes are shared across the now-three-car C 63 line-up.
The AMG coupe's body-in-white is the same as the cooking model C-Class Coupe which debuts in Geneva today. In typical AMG fashion there are bodywork tweaks, big wheels and unique front and bonnet panels. The AMG C-Class coupe won't steal the standards car's thunder, however. Mercedes made journalists check cameras at the door of the sneak peek session in a converted sewing machine factory in Geneva's south.
The Benz performance offshoot will not release images of the muscled up two-door until closer to its April New York Motor Show debut. But expect shots to leak in the coming days…
If Moers claim that the coupe is faster than the M3 around a racetrack is sure to whet the appetite of buyers and get the online forums humming, his refusal to rule out the addition of a hotter, lighter Black Series version of the car is sure to set them on fire.
AMG has sold three Black Series models to date: hardtop versions of the SLK 55 and SL 65 and the racetrack-focus CLK 63. AS there are no plans for an AMG version of the E-Class coupe, it seems almost certain now that Black badges will find their way onto the new two-door.
"We have said that a Black Series must be always a two-door. It will never be a four-door… Now, we have [a two-door C-Class]," Moers told the Carsales Network.
"It [a C-Class Black Series] may be your dream, I cannot say… But I would not say no," he said, grinning.
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