Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Revealed

Press Release

AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC with blipping function

This high-performance eight-cylinder engine has the perfect partner in the form of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. Equipped with AMG steering wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission allows a decidedly sporty or more comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver’s preference. The different modes - "S" (Sport), " C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed: gearshifts in "S" mode are around 30 percent faster than in "C", and no less than around 50 percent faster in "M" mode. Pressing a button is sufficient to activate the desired driving program.

The new C63 AMG is the very first AMG car to feature an automatic throttle-blipping function during downshifts. This not only enhances the driver’s emotional experience – the almost completely jolt-free downshifting process also reduces the load-change responses and has a particularly positive effect when braking before bends on the racetrack.

Redesigned Front Axle with 35-millimeter Wider Track

The C63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff configuration of the springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers ensures optimal road contact and low body movements when negotiating serpentine bends at speed. The new front axle has a 35-millimeter wider track – visible by the more widely flared wheel arches – and therefore ensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering. A number of features make for substantially more stability and precision in all driving situations: the redesigned wheel location at the front axle is 100 percent more rigid, leading to a considerable improvement in steering precision. Another benefit makes itself felt when braking, as the new wheel location ensures an immediate response even under high dynamic stresses.

In combination with completely newly configured elasto-kinematics, the new wheel location provides greatly improved lateral dynamics and allows the driver of the C63 AMG to benefit from significantly higher cornering speeds. A larger torsion bar stabilizer, new head bearings and dampers with rebound buffer springs further enhance this stability and precision. Steering feedback is also improved by the new kinematics. The speed-sensitive AMG sports steering has a ratio of 13.5:1, but feels more direct as a result of moving what is termed the instant center of motion at the front axle.

The multi-link independent rear suspension has also been thoroughly re-engineered, with a twelve-millimeter wider track and more camber leading to improved cornering performance. Reinforced drive shafts and drive joints increase fatigue strength and round off the improvements to the rear suspension of the C63 AMG.

The completely newly developed AMG sports suspension combines outstanding handling dynamics with the long-distance comfort to be expected of a Mercedes – which also means that the C63 AMG has the characteristic virtues of a genuine AMG.

18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, 19-inch wheel/tire combination on request

The C63 AMG is appropriately fitted with new, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey, these high-sheen wheels in size 8.0 x 18 and 8.5 x 18 are shod with wide-base tires in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear). Even more dynamic handling is made possible by the optionally available 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. The front wheels are in size 8.0 x 19 with 235/35 tires, with 9.0 x 19 wheels and 255/30 R 19 tires at the rear.

Generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system

Internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all-round reside behind the spokes of the AMG wheels. The front brakes have size 360 x 36-millimeter discs with six-piston fixed calipers, while deceleration at the rear is by 330 x 26-millimeter discs with four-piston fixed calipers. The AMG high-performance braking system is characterized by great sensitivity and high fade-resistance.

3-stage ESPÒ with Sport function as a new feature in the C63 AMG

The Electronic Stability Program ESPÒ is specifically configured for the dynamic performance of the C63 AMG, which is the first AMG model to feature the 3-stage ESPÒ with a Sport function. This system offers three different control settings, and is a logical further development of the AMG ESPÒ philosophy. The ESP key in the center console enables the driver to choose between three modes - "ESP ON",

"ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" – the currently active mode is shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster.

In "ESP ON" mode, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque. Briefly pressing the ESP key activates "ESP SPORT". In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold and, for instance, corresponding drift angles – which means that the driver of the C63 AMG benefits from considerably more active driving pleasure. ESPÒ is restored to its normal function as soon as the brake pedal is operated.

Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates "ESP OFF". There is no intervention to control the handling dynamics, and no reduction in engine torque – thus increasing driving enjoyment even further. "ESP OFF" should only be used by experienced drivers on dedicated racetracks. In this mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal functions of ESPÒ.

The system’s traction logic is active in all three ESPÒ modes. If one of the drive wheels threatens to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to create the effect of a mechanical differential lock. This means that the engine power is optimally transferred to the road.