SPY PICS: Benz C 63 AMG – again!

It first broke unofficial cover in January and then again in wagon form last week; now here’s the most revealing look yet at the all-new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG sedan.

Based on the new-generation C-Class sedan -- which arrives Down Under in August in C 200, C 250 and C 400 sedan guises, followed by the C 350 BlueTEC hybrid later this year -- the new C 63 follows in the footsteps of one of the most successful Mercedes-AMG models ever.

As we’ve reported, rather than the twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 found in most other AMG models, a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is likely to be the new C 63’s motivational force, offering around 350kW/620Nm and replacing the epic 336kW/600Nm atmo 6.2-litre V8 in the outgoing C 63 sedan, wagon and coupe.

A higher-output version of the same engine will power the upcoming GT AMG, which will emerge this year as a replacement for the SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’.

The new C 63 AMG sedan – a direct rival for BMW’s next-generation 317kW/550Nm six-cylinder M3 sedan -- is also expected to appear this year, at the Paris motor show in September.

But as these fresh Automedia spy shots show, AMG will also bless the slick new C-Class with specific styling from the A-pillars forward, including a more aggressive bonnet with twin longitudinal creases, a unique front bumper with larger air intakes and different front quarter panels with flared wheel-arches and AMG cosmetics.

There will also be sportier side skirts, a bootlid lip spoiler and a beefier rear bumper with lower diffuser and trapezoidal quad exhaust outlets.

All this rides on larger 19-inch AMG wheels, framing huge cross-drilled brake rotors gripped by what appear to be six-piston callipers.

Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that -- unlike the latest E 63, CLS 63 and S 63 AMGs -- the next C 63 will remain exclusively rear-wheel drive.

The first interior spy shots also show some unique AMG touches inside, including a specialised AMG central monitor, although centre console controls for new features like variable damping remain hidden.

Expect the new C 63 AMG sedan to arrive in Australia around March next year – around the same time as the new C-Class Estate – with AMG versions of the new C-Class wagon, coupe and all-new hatchback to follow later next year.