Initial spy photos of Mercedes’ latest AMG-built C-Class emerged today to show the 5.5-liter twin-turbo bearing beast being tested.
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We’ve all experienced it at one point while behind the wheel: the frustration of being stuck behind someone going terribly slow around a corner.
The Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series is sold out, with all 800 models of the powerful Benz now spoken for.
Mercedes-Benz has pulled the sheet off yet another special edition, and this one will be specifically for the Japanese market.
Volvo is out to prove that even at the performance level it can compete with Germany’s luxury brands and is going about doing so with the Polestar S60.
The fearsome Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe is going to be taking on an arguably tamer role than its used to. Instead of laying rubber on a track, it will be the official safety car of this season’s DTM Season.
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe DTM Safety Car
The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG has become DTM’s official safety car for the 2011 season and will debut May 1st at the opening race of the German Touring Car Masters season. The C 63 AMG will be slightly modified from its factory counterparts in order to meet the demands of being a DTM safety car and will give driver Jurgen Kastenholz a little more fun behind the wheel.
The DTM C 63 AMG is powered by a 6.3L V8 AMG-tuned powerplant that pushes out 487-hp, 30-hp more than the standard C 63 AMG thanks to AMG’s additional Performance Package that is available to the public. AMG also outfits the C 63 with a plethora of technology from the SLS AMG including short block components. Distinguishing features include a variable intake manifold in titanium grey and AMG’s high performance braking system.
Mated to the powerplant is AMG’s Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission. Adjustable coilovers gives the C 63 AMG all the handling capabilities it needs while a set of lightweight AMG wheels in 19-inch sizing keeps it nice and sticky on the track.
And to make sure you’re aware of which vehicle is the DTM safety car, the C 63 AMG features DTM Safety Car logos, an LED light bar on the roof and LED flashing lights in the front and the rear. The interior of the car is equipped with a radio system and TV monitor while AMG sports bucket seats with four-point harnesses provides plenty of support for driver and passenger.
Official press release available after the break.
GALLERY: C63 AMG DTM Safety Car
Mercedes-Benz‘s C63 AMG is one of the world’s most viable luxury sedans, packing plenty of performance for any enthusiast. Those having to compromise for a sedan but who still yearn for power often look to a C63 to satisfy their needs. Wimmer RS is well aware of how potent the super sedan is, and in turn, have produced their version of the ultimate sporty sedan.
The heart of Wimmer RS’ production is improving the performance out of the 6.2-liter V8 powerplant. The performance modifications improve power to 601-hp and and 531 lb-ft of torque from the factory’s 451-hp and 443 ft-lbs of torque. The horsepower gains come from modifications on the entire exhaust system – manifold, down pipe, high-flow cats and exhaust – while a new air intake and filter helps the motor breathe better. Optimizing the power is a new camshaft and head work. Those looking to only improve the horsepower can do so for the price of a V6 Camry: $28,040.
Accenting the look of the vehicle is a lightweight set of BBS CH-R wheels in a staggered 19×8.5-inch, 19×9.5-inch set. The wheels are wrapped with Dunlop rubber in a 235/35/19 and 265/35/19 variety. Suspension upgrades are also included with the wheel and tire package for around $5,075.
GALLERY: Wimmer RS Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
ARKYM has been designing some really clean and conservative kits for some of European’s finest automobiles, including BMW’s E92 M3. Their newest project is Mercedes-Benz‘s C63 AMG luxury sedan, outfitting it with a variety of carbon fiber pieces that are subtle and clean, enhancing the C63′s natural lines.
There isn’t an official release from ARKYM on the kit, but it looks like several of their distributors are taking orders. We spy a front lip, rear diffuser and trunk lip spoiler, all in carbon fiber. What we’re really digging is the fact that these photos show off an otherwise stock C63 AMG, which really highlights what ARKYM’s kit can do to the car.
So for those looking for subtle enhancements to your Mercedes C63 AMG, we’d highly recommend ARKYM’s kit. It’s refreshing to see aftermarket manufacturers sticking to a clean design rather than big and bold designs.
[Source: GT Spirit]
See more pictures of the ARKYM C63 after the jump:
Alright RENNtech, you got us good. When we first saw C74 Konzept in our inbox, our jaws dropped assuming that RENNtech went above and beyond, taking a Mercedes C63 AMG and overhauling the power plant to a 7.4L monster. But then we took a stab in the heart when we read the actual release to reveal that the “74″ refers to the 74-inch width of the rear wheel track. Not as exciting as 7.4L in a C63 AMG, but the project is still wicked, looks great and performs even better.
On the exterior, the body benefits from a full carbon fiber widebody kit along with a carbon fiber rear decklid spoiler, front splitter and rear diffuser. To give the C63 the look it needs now that it’s been widened, a set of RENNtech wheels are staggered with 19×9.5-inch size in the front and 20×10.5-inch size in the rear. And even more impressive is the fact that they outfit the wheels with 275/30/19 and 305/25/20 tires.
As for performance, RENNtech specializes in Mercedes-Benz and AMG tuning, so it’s no surprise that the 6.2L now pumps out 605-hp and 555 ft-lbs of torque. Performance upgrades include larger throttle bodies, upgraded camshafts, RENNtech’s ECU upgrade, stainless steel headers and ported and polished cylinder heads.
The brakes are also upgraded with RENNtech’s performance brake package and handling is enhanced with fully adjustable sports suspension and carbon fiber front and rear stabilizer bars.
Delicious… but hey RENNtech, why not build out a nice 7.4L AMG V8? Or another V12?
We’ll be sure to bring you more shots of the RENNtech C74 Konzept from the 2010 SEMA Show and until then, check out our preview of all the show cars here and see more pics after the jump:
We gotta admit, this world needs more bright pearl orange cars. In going bold and beautiful, Mercedes-Benz Australia teamed up with AMG to present the Concept 358 to the Australian market, debuting the car at the Australian International Motor Show.
It gets its name from its power output: 358 kW, which is essentially 480-hp. It’s based off Mercedes-Benz’s C63 AMG platform, sporting an AMG Performance Package Plus that gives it the extra 23-hp. The outside’s pearl orange paint (exclusive to the Concept 358) is contrasted with a set of black 19-inch wheels, matte black grille and mirrors.
Included in the Performance Package Plus are also some interior upgrades, though we didn’t get a chance to see exactly what – but we’re guessing some upgraded leather with matching orange stitching. Anyone out there bold enough to paint their luxury sport sedan a nice bright pearl orange? We dig it.
[Source: Zercustoms]
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz Concept 358
What’s the one car Michael Schumacher cannot pass? The official Formula One Safety Car, of course! That’s the riddle Mercedes-Benz’ Dr. Dieter Zetsche asked before introducing the SLS AMG F1 Safety Car at the Geneva Auto Show.
The SLS AMG Safety Car then drove to the stage and its gullwing doors opened up to reveal the driver, Michael Schumacher and his passenger, Grand Prix teammate Nico Rosberg.
The SLS AMG at every round of the 2010 F1 season, ready to deploy whenever accidents or bad weather make it too dangerous to race.
The official safety car needs to be fast enough to lead the F1 grid at a high enough speed to prevent the race cars’ tires and brakes from cooling down or their engines from overheating. With a 6.3L v8 engine claiming 571 hp and 479.4 ft-lb. of torque, the SLS AMG should be up to the task.
As impressive as the standard-production SLS AMG is, the Safety Car receives a number of updates to fit its role. Apart from the F1 logos and integrated television camera, the Safety Car is distinguishable by its carbon-fiber mirrors and a new carbon-fiber hood. The rear aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 93 mph, and together with the rear diffuser, provides added downforce.
Inside, the Safety Car is equipped with monitors and a radio system to help driver Bernd Maylander and co-driver Pete Tibbetts see and hear what’s going on in the race. A second interior mirror is installed so Tibbetts can keep an eye on the F1 cars following the Safety Car. The central display on the instrument cluster and on the glove compartment provide the same marshalling signals the F1 drivers see in their cockpits.
The SLS AMG Safety Car will be joined by another Mercedes-Benz at F1 races. The C63 AMG Estate returns in 2010 as the official F1 Medical Car, ready to respond to race emergencies.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Formula One Safety Car
Tokyo Auto Salon 2010: Japanese Tuner Varis Displays New Parts for European Models, Plus JDM Favorites
It’s certainly not a household name, but Japanese tuner Varis is making headway modifying not only Japanese cars, but European models as well. The company does complete transformations, with everything from aesthetics to performance, with designs that are extreme, but not quite over-the-top.
On display at the Varis booth at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon were Japanese-market favorites like the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi EVO X and Nissan GT-R. Varis also showed off more subtle looks for the E92 BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG with penty of carbon fiber add-ons.
Take a look through the gallery of Japanese and European Varis-tuned cars below:
GALLERY: Varis Display at the Tokyo Auto Salon
Report: Mercedes E63 AMG Black Series Coupe To Focus on Weight Reduction, Not Power Increase
Next C63 AMG to get at least 500hp
The highly-anticipated E63 AMG Black Series Coupe will be an example of how to build a high-performance vehicle by shedding pounds rather than adding ft-lbs. According to the folks over at AutoCar, who cite their AMG insiders, some power increase is likely but the real performance difference will come as a result of fine-tuning and overall weight reduction rather than upping the output of the 6.2-liter V8. The focus will be more on making a better handling car, rather than one that can blast down a drag-strip a few tenths of a second faster than a standard model.
Considering the current E-Class Coupe weighs around 3,900 lbs, we’d expect the Black Series version to come in at closer to 3,500 lbs.
Interestingly, the E63 Black Series Coupe will be the only AMG version of the C-Class based car. No non-Black Series E63 model will be offered.
Despite being based on the C-Class platform, AMG will not release a Black Series version of the C-Class sedan, as those special limited edition models are reserved only for two-doors.
The next C63 AMG, however, will get a significant power increase, up from the current 457hp to somewhere between 500 and 525hp.
[Source: AutoCar]
Mercedes Launches AMG Driving Academy in the U.S.
Lime Rock and Laguna Seca among tracks to host amazing AMG models and the upcoming SLS
Mercedes is bringing its AMG Driving Academy to the U.S. this September, allowing participants to hone their driving skills and experience the thrill that an AMG can deliver.
Launched in Europe in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy lets you get behind the wheel of cars like the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series. And now for 2009, AMG has included the upcoming 2011 SLS supercar. On a racetrack the AMG driving instructors will help you develop your driving skills and get the most out of the amazing AMG machines.
A Stage 1 one day program teaches fundamentals in performance driving and car control and includes a “high speed” track drive. A Stage 2 class is more advanced and involves much more track driving with timed laps and a “competitive performance course competition.”
Priced at $1,895 per person for Stage 1 and $3,495 per person for Stage 2, the AMG Academy will be at Lime Rock Park in Lime Rock, CT from September 9-15; Palm Beach International Raceway in West Palm Beach, FL from September 22-27 and Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA from November 7-8 and 17-20th.
The AMG Driving Academy will also offer a special opportunity at Laguna Seca from November 17-20th to drive the upcoming 2011 SLS AMG supercar. The price for this one-day event is $2,295 and includes a one night stay at the InterContinental Hotel in Monterey.
For more information visit:
Official release after the jump: