Mercedes Benz Reveals New C63 AMG Coupe

Dec. 20, 2011 - PRLog -- The Nurburgring Nordschleife has long been a benchmark for performance car testing.  Anything from prototypes and preproduction testing to full out races to a proving ground for that fastest cars in the world run the 12.9 mile ‘North Loop’.  Often considered the most challenging and most dangerous of race tracks in the world.

It a seemingly new trend, new high-end performance cars of the world have been battling on this track to prove whose car is best.  This time, Mercedes gives it a try with their two newest entrants, the C63 AMG Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe Black Series.

Both based on the just launched C-Class Coupe which shares its platform with the just re-done C-Class Sedan.  The C63 AMG Coupe is largely a carry-over from the previous C63 AMG Sedan whereas the Black Series version is an entirely different animal.
First up is the 2012 C63 AMG Coupe, recording a best time of 8:01.00.  This being accomplished with its 451 hp 6.3L Hand-Built AMG V8.  This puts it right in the think of its competition, namely the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and BMW M3 Coupe.  Each of which have recorded times of 7:59.00 and 8:05.00, respectively.

Worth noting is that the C63 AMG Coupe does offer the ‘AMG Development Package’ which, for $6,050, adds; 30 hp (to 481 hp total output), lightweight engine components, and AMG compound braking system, among a few cosmetic changes as well.  This is sure to get that time under the much lauded 8-minute mark.

Next to get some track time was the C63 AMG Black Series.  This is the ultimate C-Class Coupe and the next best thing to the $183,000 SLS AMG supercar.  Not content with the lesser C63 AMG’s 451 hp or even the upgraded 481 hp, the Black Series makes do with 517 hp from the same 6.3L AMG V8.

Also included here are upgraded wheels, brakes, tires, suspension, bodywork, etc.  The whole treatment as if it were an entirely different car merely sharing the body of the rest of the C-Class lineup.  The stance is even improved as the body is widened by more than two inches at all four corners.

What this means is that the C63 AMG Black Series was able to achieve a time of 7:46.00 around the Nurburgring.  That is in supercar territory just 5 years ago and in some pretty exotic territory today.  The ‘closest’ competitor to the C63 AMG Black Series at this point is the BMW M3 GTS which did it in 7:48.00.  That car, however, is virtually a fully track-prepped car with a stripped out interior and all.  The Black Series C63 AMG is a full road car with all the luxury treatments one would expect from a Mercedes-Benz.

The Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe Black Series are also relative bargains, given their competitors and intended market segments.  The C63 AMG Coupe lists from $61,430 which puts it right between the BMW M3 Coupe, $59,900, and the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, $63,215.

The C63 AMG Coupe Black Series has yet to be released (Spring 2012) but pricing is estimated to start somewhere between $95,000 and $100,000.  At that price it is more competitive with say a Porsche 911 or Jaguar XKR but offers more performance than both at a lower price.  It is also a bit more of an animal too that may be closer to the M3 GTS which lists from about $125,000.  Also in the mix would be a Nissan GT-R which lists from $90,000.

Whichever your weapon of choice, the new C63 AMG Coupe and Black Series are sure to provides endless thrills, whether on your way in to work, dropping the kids off at day care, or the open track day for your local SCCA Club.

Read more about the Mercedes Benz C63 Coupe by visiting http://globaltestdriver.com

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The automotive car blog Global Test Driver reviews the latest models of coupes, convertibles, sedans, hatchbacks, wagons, crossovers, SUVs, trucks and exotics. Stationed in Detroit MI, we feature the latest car news from American and across the world.