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

PRESS RELEASE

Affalterbach – The new C 63 AMG is being used as the Safety Car for the 2011 DTM season. Following the DTM presentation in Wiesbaden on 10 April 2011, the new Safety Car will make its debut on 1 May 2011 at the opening race of the German Touring Car Masters season at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg. The V8 Sports Saloon only had to be modified slightly for its demanding DTM task. Responsibility for development and production of the C 63 AMG Safety Car was entrusted to the specialists in the AMG Overall Vehicle Development department and the AMG Performance Studio.

Decisions regarding the deployment of the Safety Car are taken by the Deutsche Motorsportbund (DMSB) – German motor racing’s governing body – which assumes responsibility for safety implementation and compliance as well as performing official sports functions in accordance with the DTM regulations. Piloted by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (43), the C 63 AMG Safety Car has the job of ensuring maximum safety for the racing drivers and spectators in the event of dangerous situations such as extreme weather conditions, accidents or other incidents. When radioed by Race Control, the Safety Car positions itself at the head of the DTM field and leads the cars around the circuit until normal racing can be resumed.

The new C 63 AMG being used for the 2011 DTM season scales new heights in terms of design and technology: the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has an exceptionally high output of 358 kW (487 hp) and a peak torque of 600 Nm. The increase in output versus the standard 336 kW (457 hp) engine is due to the AMG Performance Package, which is optionally available for any C 63 AMG model and enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds (Estate 4.4 seconds). For the AMG Performance Package the engine specialists have placed their trust in a technology transfer from the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: the forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft have been adopted from the gull-wing model. The lower inertia of the three-kilogram lighter components allows the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine to rev freely and respond even more promptly. Distinguishing features of the Performance Package include the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey and the AMG high-performance braking system with compound brake discs at the front axle.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission on board

New equipment includes the innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which incorporates a wet start-up clutch and four transmission modes as well as double-declutching and RACE START functions for optimum driving dynamics. Distinguishing features of the current model include the aluminium bonnet with modified powerdomes, the new radiator grille, the new headlamps, the new AMG rear apron with a distinctive black diffuser insert and active rear-axle cooling. To optimise radiator inflow, the AMG front apron on the DTM Safety Car features enlarged openings and side air outlets, while the AMG carbon-fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift at high track speeds. In keeping with this design, the DTM Safety Car also sports AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors.

Outstanding grip thanks to differential lock and 3-stage ESP®

The adjustable coil-over suspension together with the differential lock and the 3-stage ESP® ensures a high level of agility and outstanding grip on the race track. The C 63 AMG Safety Car is shod with multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange, 235/35 R 19 front tyres and 255/30 R 19 rear tyres.

The AMG high-performance braking system has been optimised for the race track: compound brake discs with six-piston brake callipers at the front axle and steel brake discs with four-piston brake callipers at the rear axle; all of the discs are internally ventilated and perforated. Meanwhile, the AMG sports exhaust system with special rear silencers produces an unmistakable AMG V8 sound.

Distinguishing features of the DTM Safety Car compared to the standard C 63 AMG include distinctive DTM Safety Car logos, the LED light bar on the roof and the stroboscopic flashing LED lights at the front and rear. A number plate illuminated with LEDs and the words “Safety Car” on the boot lid make the car easier to see in poor weather conditions. To facilitate communication with Race Control, the Safety Car is fitted with a radio system and a TV monitor. Two AMG sports bucket seats with four-point seat belts provide ideal lateral support for the driver and co-driver, while the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara with steering-wheel shift paddles assures optimum vehicle control.

DTM Safety Car from Mercedes-AMG since 2000

Mercedes-AMG has provided the Safety Car ever since the “new” DTM’s inception in 2000 and alternates with Audi from race to race. The flagship V8 C-Class model from AMG has been used in DTM since its launch in 2008. To help ensure safety on the race track in the Formula-1 World Championship, the SLS AMG is used as the Official F1TM Safety Car, while the Official F1TM Medical Car is a C 63 AMG Estate.

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:

GALLERY: ARKYM Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

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:

GALLERY: RENNtech Mercedes-Benz C74 Konzept

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

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

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 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:

www.AMGacademy.com

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

MERCEDES AMG DRIVING ACADEMY RACES TO THE U.S.

06/24/09

MONTVALE – Mercedes AMG is offering driving enthusiasts a chance to fulfill their dreams of driving top performance vehicles and sharpening their racing skills with the U.S. launch of its AMG Driving Academy. The AMG Driving Academy is an advanced driver training program that allows enthusiasts, under the guidance of top professional instructors, to experience the excitement of motorsports and the track capabilities of Mercedes-AMG vehicles.

Originally founded by AMG in Affalterbach, Germany in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy arrives Stateside in September 2009 and offers an opportunity to get behind the wheel of several AMG models including the all new E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series. The program features custom-designed excercises that showcase the dynamic driving capabilitlies of these AMG vehicles across three premier tracks:

Lime Rock Park (Lime Rock, CT) – September 9-15, 2009
Few tracks are as well known and loved. This classic 1.53-mile, 7-turn course, nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of northwest Connecticut continues to challenge some of the world’s best drivers since 1957.

Palm Beach International Raceway (West Palm Beach, FL) – September 22-27, 2009
Boasting an 11-turn, 2.034-mile design, Palm Beach International Raceway road course features some of the fastest and most challenging corners and straightaway’s offered by any track in North America.

Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey, CA) – November 7-8 & 17-20, 2009
Located in one of North America’s best destination locations — the Monterey Peninsula, Laguna Seca features tremendous elevation changes, the famous Corkscrew complex, and 2.24 sinewy miles.

The AMG Driving Academy launches with two program levels:

• AMG Driving Academy Stage I: A one day program designed to teach the fundamentals of performance driving dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises that emphasize the power and handling capabilities of AMG vehicles. Drivers will also test their skills on the track at high speeds and during performance course competition. The AMG Driving Academy Stage I program fee is $1,895.00 per participant

• AMG Driving Academy Stage I SLS: Drivers attending the AMG Driving Academy Stage One at Laguna Seca Raceway from November 17-20 will have the opportunity to be among the very first to drive the most technologically advanced AMG ever – the all-new 2011 SLS AMG. The AMG Driving Academy Stage 1 SLS program fee is $2,295.00 per participant which includes a one night stay at the InterContinental Hotel in Monterey.

• AMG Driving Academy Stage II: A two-day program that provides a deep level of technical driver training both on and off the track. As an advanced program, Stage 2 is offered to drivers who have completed Stage I or an equivalent course. The program offers significantly more track driving over Stage 1 to extract a driver’s maximum potential in a performance driving setting. A unique feature of Stage II is the use of computer driver training and evaluation through advanced onboard diagnostics and in-car camera recordings of their laps. This program also includes a competitive performance course competition. The AMG Driving Academy Stage II program fee is $3,495.00 per participant.

All fees include a dinner reception and introductory briefing the evening before the program, track hospitality, AMG Driving Academy certificate of program completion and an AMG gift bag. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodations. Additional information and registration for the AMG Driving Academy is available at www.AMGacademy.com or by phone at 1-800-217-6916.