2007 LA Auto Show: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Preview

Mercedes’ celebration of AMG’s 40th anniversary continued in Los Angeles with the North American debut of the C63 sedan. Of course it has all the AMG goodness, from the hand-built V-8 engine to the upgraded brakes to sport suspension and 18-inch wheels. This new C-Class makes the leap to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, thanks to V-8’s 451 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. All the power flows through the new AMG Sportshift transmission, which doesn’t up or downshift automatically, leaving the driver in complete control. It also blips the throttle for smoother downshifts.

In a few months it’s going to be a battle royale between BMW’s new M3 and the C63 AMG. Mercedes has gone to great lengths to make the new C63 a sharper handling car than was typical for AMGs past. Stability control now has an off position and the new seven-speed transmission boasts faster shifting and gives the driver complete control of up and down shifts. It will upshift under full load and blips the throttle for smoother downshifts. Mercedes says the optional sport package is aimed at those who want to track their C63 and it even raises the limit on top speed.

One man, one engine is the AMG method, and the C63’s 6.3-liter engine is the first to be developed entirely by the division. With 451 ponies and 443 lb.-ft. of torque, there’s performance aplenty, it was, after all, developed for the German Tour Car racing series. The new transmission offers the kind of control typically found in a manual gearbox. Mercedes says it shifts more quickly than its predecessor, and the torque converter locks up in first gear. Composite brakes, sport suspension, a new three-mode stability control, aerodynamic treatments are there to keep the C63 under control.

AMG changes out the fascias front and rear and adds a badge on the sides, “AMG 6.3” and a hood with “power domes,” whatever they are. The front fascia adds large air intakes and smaller side air outlets, while at the back there’s an air diffuse and lip spoiler, all in the name of improved aerodynamics. Of course, there’s an AMG badge on the trunk. Compared to a certain other German automaker that produces performance cars that are specially “M”arked, this downright subtle.

In addition to all the usual luxo touches, there are newly developed AMG leather sport seats, a three-spoke AMG sport steering wheel with aluminum shifter paddles and an AMG gauge cluster. None of that makes it any faster, but it does carry the sporting motif inside. So, if you want a six-point racing harness, you’re on your own.

“Following the widely acclaimed launch of the new-generation 2008 C-Class sedan earlier this year, the V8-powered C63 AMG represents an impressive top-of-the-line addition to the popular C-Class model family. … The AMG performance package was designed for owners who are serious about competing on the race track with their C63 AMG.”

The C63 AMG offers up another big dose of brute horsepower auf Deutsch. Wrapped in an aggressively designed and attractive body, the C63 is a fine way for Mercedes to celebrate AMG’s 40th anniversary. It would appear that past criticism of AMGs as being too soft to compete with other high-performance sedans have been answered. What we’re waiting to see is whether the C63 and best its M rival. The C63 goes on sale in April 2008, with pricing expected in February.

Bob Beamesderfer MyRide Road Test Editor

Photo Credit: Staff