Details Emerge on 2008 Mercedes C63 AMG

U.S. enthusiasts can only hope the new AMG-massaged C-Class will come to the States. The most potent C-Class model currently sold here is the 2006 C55 AMG, which features a 362-hp 5.4-liter V8.

Inside Line has learned from company sources that the C63 AMG should be able to outgun the 420-hp Audi RS4 as well as the upcoming BMW M3, which is rumored to deliver 415 to 420 hp. That should give the hotter C-Class a clear edge in the power sweepstakes.

The car will look the part of a compact muscle car too, promises Mario Spitzner, AMG director of marketing and sales/branding.

"It would be sportier and more crisp in the future," he said. But don't expect full-on German Touring Car regalia. "The world doesn't need two M3s," Spitzner said.

That likely means the C63 will remain understated compared to its Munich rival, with ride and handling that are suitably refined for the three-pointed star.

"If you drive our cars over long stretches, you don't get out of them with a backache," Spitzner said.

That means not only comfortable seats, but a smoother ride and steering that emphasizes stability. "It should tell me what it is doing, but it should not scream at me," Spitzner said. A C63 AMG wagon variant is promised as well, but not before model-year 2009. The standard C-Class, in addition to all-new sheet metal and an upgraded cabin, will continue to offer 4Matic and a choice of gas and diesel power plants to customers on both sides of the Atlantic. The first cars should reach U.S. dealers in fall 2007.
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weaponX - 10/5/2006 11:19:47 AM

+2 Boost

I would be very impressed if it was 500 hp or above. Not 450...not 475...a nice even number --- 500.

I mean...who cares if it's dynamically challenged compared to the Bavarian Touring Car.

Straight-line overkill at its finest.

If only driving in a straight line were as much fun as when the road curves.

MB3494 - 10/5/2006 11:38:44 AM

+2 Boost

459hp-510hp somewhere between that

Autoegr525 - 10/5/2006 12:20:30 PM

0 Boost

does anyone still buy the c class?

BMWRocks - 10/5/2006 12:48:01 PM

-2 Boost

Just like Mr Spitzner said: "The world doesn't need two M3s,". don't expect the MB and VW(audi's) to be better thant he up comming M3. Its just to much to handle. Hahah.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 10/5/2006 1:46:39 PM

+2 Boost

Guess you would know....

neutral - 10/5/2006 2:23:03 PM

+2 Boost

does anyone still buy the C class?, mercedes just published its sales results for September (and 3rd quarter). Before you say stupid things, do some research.

JUGNU - 10/5/2006 2:59:22 PM

+2 Boost

MB3494 & weaponX

THe C63 AMG will have no more than 481BHP,that's what the new CLK 63 AMG produces.
C63 AMG < 481BHP.
According to most of the rumours and Magazines,it's going to be 440-450BHP.

JUGNU

Rupert - 10/5/2006 5:57:46 PM

+1 Boost

oh, random i'm-too-car-obssessed thing, it has the same style doorhandles as the s class. like in the same place on the door.
also, why the non-matching wheels?

StepYaGameUp - 10/5/2006 8:41:17 PM

+2 Boost

i love this car....
anyone know how much it will be?
i hope no more than 60,000 US.

ThaR8Don - 10/5/2006 9:37:53 PM

+1 Boost

It's interesting how we compare an incomming car to an outgoing car. The RS4 will not be around to see the C class and even still it has been compared to the M5 onmany occasions. MB makes a nice car but they will never be Audi or BMW in the performance arena.

nine - 10/5/2006 10:12:07 PM

+2 Boost

I think the C-Class is a pretty good car, the 3-series has always been sportier but this is more luxurious. I think that auto-generated pictures of its rear look disgusting like the B-Class's rear. I think it looks cheap with the B-Class rear. Otherwise it looks good, and we look forward to seeing it at its debut which'll be sometime soon.

S4cabriofox - 10/5/2006 11:32:57 PM

+2 Boost

The C has always been the most powerful. But has it been the best, ever? Not in my memory.

C43 AMG: 300hp, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds

Audi S4 (B5): 250hp, 0-60 in 5.7 seconds

BMW M3 (E36): 260hp, 0-60 in 5.5 seconds

The C has also been behind the pack in terms of driving dynamics. The C55 AMG with 360hp may have been more powerful than the S4 and M3, but it wasn't nearly as fun to drive. This of course also applies to the C55 vs. RS4. Perhaps the new one will alter my perceptions.

I'll have to drive one to find out.

Steve - 10/6/2006 12:23:01 AM

+2 Boost

I wish Mercedes would make smaller, higher-tuned, lighter engines rather than just "throw more cubes at it" (as in ccs or cubic inches). I love their styling, though. But hate their record for defects. But they sure have nice interiors. Damn. It's always something. Isn't it?

ToyotaLexus - 10/6/2006 4:42:59 AM

0 Boost

I'm afraid I have to say that Mercedes is going more the American way when they are using such big engines. This is showing that their engines aren't productive enough. For instance compare the Horsepower of the S430 with the LS430 and the 745. They are not too different however the performance is different when you have 0-60 times of 7.3 seconds, 6.3 seconds and 6 seconds respectively. The Bmw has higher horsepower but it gives higher performance, the HP isnt there just to say it is, it actually produces something.
The good thing however is that Mercedes made something about this but they are using bigger and bigger engines.

ToyotaLexus - 10/6/2006 4:44:56 AM

0 Boost

I was refering to 2002 model cars and the S500 couldn't even do the 0-60 quicker than the other competitors

ToyotaLexus - 10/6/2006 4:46:18 AM

+1 Boost

I'm waiting for the IS500 but until now if I was to choose between the RS4, C63 and M3, I would definately go for the RS4.

JUGNU - 10/6/2006 6:27:42 AM

+2 Boost

Toyotalexus.Be patient.I prefer u to reserve your judgement untill the new M3 & C63 AMG debuts.
RS4 is a good car,but the competitors wil be no less either.

JUGNU

DarkOneForce - 10/6/2006 9:24:31 AM

+2 Boost

ToyotaLexus

I'm afraid I have to say that Mercedes is going more the American way when they are using such big engines. This is showing that their engines aren't productive enough. For instance compare the Horsepower of the S430 with the LS430 and the 745. They are not too different however the performance is different when you have 0-60 times of 7.3 seconds, 6.3 seconds and 6 seconds respectively. The Bmw has higher horsepower but it gives higher performance, the HP isnt there just to say it is, it actually produces something.
The good thing however is that Mercedes made something about this but they are using bigger and bigger engines.
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Hope you're not comfusing biger displacement with biger engine/block size.

The 63 engine is actually smaller and ligher, despide
bigger displacemt.

However the CLK63 AMG (481 HP) was emabarassed by the new 335i on tracks.

smshnick - 10/6/2006 12:31:19 PM

+2 Boost

Mercedes's biggest problem isn't their engines, it's their transmissions. Until they start making a DSG style tranny or offer a manual gearbox that doesn't suck, Mercedes will never be respected as a true sports car.

smshnick - 10/6/2006 12:32:07 PM

+2 Boost

... that's why the cars are slower even with more HP.

neutral - 10/6/2006 12:52:18 PM

+3 Boost

Toyota/Lexus,

A) I agree when you refer to Mercedes just making bigger and bigger engines. I do not disagree with Mercedes building these engines, but they need to also focus on small, high output engines. Leave the big blocks for the E and S classes (as well as the roadsters, etc).

B) One thing that can be said for bigger engines/more cylinders, more lower end torque. Many times people just look at peak power numbers and this is bad. Example: Toyota 3.5L and Mercedes 3.5L, both arguably great motors (so far, they're both new so we'll let the future give us the final verdict). I always hear "look, that cheap toyota has the same power as a mercedes, mercedes sucks, blah, blah, blah". First, the mercedes 3.5L has more torque and achieves 90% of this torque 2000rpm lower than the Toyota motor. Moral of this bullet: Displacement size does matter (especially for applications that require tons of low end torque, like a 7series or S class).

C) Mercedes should just tune the hell out of their 3.5liter and make that their "tuned up" C class. Mercedes should make it a point to destroy not the BMW 3 series, but the Lexus IS350. Also, in case anyone was wondering, the newest version of the mercedes 3.5L is a direct injection version. Reportedly 292hp and 10% better fuel efficiency.

DarkOneForce - 10/6/2006 1:22:53 PM

+2 Boost

Neutral, bigger displacement does not necesarily mean bigger and heavyer engine block.

In the 6.3 it's the opposite.

But, here in Europe, we're taxated the s*** on engine displacement and so on.

So the AMGs are really expensive.

And worse, the "cheapo" 335i can even beat them.

Agent63 - 10/6/2006 5:36:10 PM

+2 Boost

smshnick - 10/6/2006 12:31:19 PM+1 Boost
Mercedes's biggest problem isn't their engines, it's their transmissions. Until they start making a DSG style tranny or offer a manual gearbox that doesn't suck, Mercedes will never be respected as a true sports car.

----------

Mercedes aren't designed to be 'true sports cars'. They are a high luxury brand with the world's fastest engines in their GT & Saloon cars. I guess you can speak for the SLR and perhaps the SL's but eventhen they are more luxury cruisers than anything IMO.

With a manual tranny that will defeat the purpose of a luxury cruiser type vehicle. Why would a mid-aged man want to drive in luxury but yet still having to move his right hand to switch gears? If they wanted that for an SL they would most likely go look for a Porsche, Ferrari, or a Lambo.

smshnick - 10/6/2006 8:51:17 PM

+1 Boost

We weren't talking about the SL, we were talking about the C63. I work a large MB dealership and the AMG versions of C-class sell terribly because they're geared towards a younger buyer, however younger buyers are going to recognize the M3, S4, RS4 as a better alternative to C-class.
If Mercedes wasn't interested in making sports cars, then they shouldn't design cars to look like sports cars, but not drive like them.
A "luxury cruiser type vehicle" shouldn't have a hot rod engine with a dog transmission and unresponsive suspension.

smshnick - 10/6/2006 8:54:05 PM

+1 Boost

Back in the old days, a manufacturer would race cars and allow that race technology to trickle down to their production vehicles. If you want a luxury cruiser type vehicle you should just buy a C350 not a C63.

theman - 10/11/2006 8:35:22 PM

+1 Boost

I have seen a race between a new S500 and i think it was a 745, and the S500 was clearly superior..I am quiet confused..

minimalist - 10/12/2006 2:28:35 PM

+1 Boost

hopefully its a lot bigger than the iddy bitty last gen c class.

track on the last c class was also wrong.