SPY PICS: Merc hones C63 AMG replacement
Three-pointed star's next-gen compact sports sedan should be just as electrifying as the C63 AMGMercedes-Benz’s redesigned W205 series C-Class isn’t due here until 2014, but the Affalterbach mob (ie AMG) is already honing its successor to the current C63 AMG flagship.
These Carparazzi images of a heavily disguised prototype don’t reveal the details – as they’re largely concealed – but there are a couple of things that are particularly noteworthy.
The first is that the next-gen C-Class is noticeably longer than the existing car, which should liberate valuable extra legroom in the rear, and it’s also got a sleeker profile – courtesy of a more aggressive nose and a more tapered bonnet and roofline.
However, it’s the AMG version we’re interested in here, and the vehicle in question will reportedly use a variant of the excellent M157 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 that propels the stonking CLS63 AMG and E63AMG, among others.
This will render the existing M156 6.2-litre atmo V8 all but redundant, with only the gullwinged SLS continuing to use that powerplant.
The twin-turbo V8 puts out up to 410kW and 800Nm in the E-Class (with an optional Performance Package), but in the C-Class it’s expected to be detuned to around 350kW and 650Nm – compared with 336kW/600Nm for the current C63 AMG.
Those seeking more oomph will be able to tick the box for the optional Performance Package, which could push output past the 370kW mark (or 500bhp in the old money).
Keeping all this mumbo in check will be the latest-gen electronic chassis management system with three-stage ESP and AMG RIDE CONTROL. Drive will reportedly be relayed to the rear wheels by a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission with wet start-up clutch.
Getting back to the car’s visuals, the most prominent features up front will be a twin-blade grille, as per the new SL, and lower down is a large pair of air inlets to feed extra cooling air to the brakes and engine bay.
The rump will feature the traditional bootlid-mounted spoiler, an aerodynamic diffuser and quad exhaust outlets, with a new range of alloy hoops rounding off the look.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
