The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG: A C-Class like never before

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The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG: A C-Class like never before

3 April 2008 · posted by Staff

Bathurst, NSW – In the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) the new AMG C-Class provides exciting motor racing at the highest level. And now its road-going sister model is celebrating its Australian debut: the new C 63 AMG.

This range-leading saloon for the all new C-Class is powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine. Developing a peak output of 336 kW and a maximum torque of 600 Nm, the high-revving, naturally aspirated engine delivers unrivalled figures in this segment. The C 63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds; the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Power transmission is in the capable hands of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Equipped with AMG steering-wheel shift paddles and featuring three drive programs, the seven-speed automatic offers everything from a seriously sporty to a comfort-oriented driving style.

The revving function when changing down is a completely new feature. In conjunction with the newly developed front axle, AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the new, 3-stage ESP®, the AMG sports suspension with 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels ensures both outstanding driving pleasure and exemplary driving dynamics.

The AMG high-performance brake system with large-dimensioned internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all-round ensures flawless deceleration even during highly dynamic driving.

Design and equipment: more distinctive than ever before
The quality of design and equipment in the new C 63 AMG is more than a match
for its outstanding technology. The AMG eight-cylinder range-leader differentiates
itself from the production C-Class more than ever before: in addition to AMG
bodystyling, characteristic brand features include the bonnet with power domes,
the distinctive AMG radiator grille, flared front wings, the AMG rear apron with a
black diffuser insert, the AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin
tailpipes and the AMG spoiler lip.
The interior is dominated by the distinctive AMG sports seats with integrated head
restraints, the AMG performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with a
365-mm rim diameter and a flattened lower section as well as the tubular-design
AMG instrument cluster with its AMG main menu.
The combination of expressive design, a decidedly sporty interior and superb
everyday practicality makes the C 63 AMG a unique high-performance vehicle.
Deliveries to Australian customers will now commence. The recommended retail
price of the new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG is $139,500 (price excludes dealer
delivery and statutory charges).
190 E 3.2 AMG from 1987 was the inspiration for the C 63 AMG
To coincide with the 40th birthday of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, the new C 63 AMG
cuts a very self-assured figure. This V8-powered range-leader is already the fifth
generation of the AMG C-Class. The family tree goes right back to the 1993 C 36
AMG – the very first vehicle to emerge from the cooperation between Daimler-
Benz and AMG.

But the first steps were taken six years before.
The 190 E 3.2 AMG, unveiled in 1987, marked the beginning of the successful
career of the dynamic and exclusive mid-range model from Affalterbach.

Engine and drive system:
Engine capacity king with 336 kW
Wide, road-hugging and ready for action: the very appearance of the new C 63
AMG raises expectations. The bonnet with its prominent power domes is the first
indication of the exceptional drive system of the new AMG high-performance car.
Under the bonnet you will find an independently developed AMG 6.3-litre V8
engine, which generates a dominant 336 kW at 6800 rpm from a displacement of
6208-cc.
In this respect, the C 63 AMG comes very close to the 470 or so horsepower
delivered by the AMG C-Class racing touring car in the German Touring Car
Masters (DTM). Such high output also benefits the power-to-weight ratio, which is
a very favourable 3.6 kg/hp.
The torque developed by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine need also fear no
comparison. The maximum 600 Nm at 5000 rpm is unrivalled in this class and
the torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always
has more than 500 Nm on tap – ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine
speed range.
Thanks to its superior capacity, the AMG eight-cylinder engine delivers 30% more
torque than comparable engines in its performance class.
AMG 6.3-litre V8 based on thoroughbred racing technology
Introduced to Australian customers in 2006, the V8 engine is installed in
numerous AMG high-performance cars and excels with its thoroughbred motor
sports technology.

Perfect cylinder charging is ensured by the vertical arrangement of the intake
and exhaust ducts, as well as the magnesium variable intake manifold with two
integral throttle flaps.
Other high-tech features include variable camshaft adjustment, four-valve
technology with bucket-type tappets, a particularly rigid aluminium crankcase of
closed-deck design and the low-friction TWAS coating on the cylinder contact
surfaces.
Key figures for the C 63 AMG at a glance:
C 63 AMG
Cylinder arrangement/ Valves per cylinder V8/ 4
Displacement cc 6208
Bore/stroke mm 102.2/94.6
Compression ratio 11.3:1

Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h s 4.5
Top speed km/h 250**
ADR 80/01 combined fuel consumption in l/100 km 13.5

Electronically limited
AMG sports exhaust system for typical AMG eight-cylinder vocals
One of the outstanding strengths of the next-generation V8 engine from
Mercedes-AMG is its high-revving flexibility. It reaches its maximum at 7200
rpm.

With an all-new sporty AMG sound developed during extensive testing, the eight cylinder Affalterbach engine offers the unique appeal of a high-revving, naturally
aspirated motor – unmistakable at low, medium and high engine speeds.
To minimise exhaust back pressure, the continuous dual-flow AMG sports
exhaust system features two chromed twin oval tailpipes with large crosssections.
The high-performance catalytic converter technology ensures optimum emission
control. And it goes without saying that the C 63 AMG complies with all current
emissions limits, including EU 4.
The specific requirements of the US market, such as the LEV-II standard, On-
Board Diagnosis II and the lambda sensor diagnosis present no obstacle.
The fuel consumption of the C 63 AMG according to ADR 80/01 is 13.5 l/100 km
and 321 g/km of CO2.
The inspiring agility and spontaneous response of the V8 engine to the touch of
the accelerator also have their roots in electronic fuel supply. Equipped with new
components, they operate at a demand-actuated system pressure of 3.8 to 5.0 bar.
According to power requirements and external temperature, fuel pressure is
adjusted and regulated at lightning speed. The signal from the accelerator pedal
is converted in milliseconds by the engine electronic system into the
corresponding fuel pressure setting. Such control ensures rapid vehicle response
and a sporty thrust across all load ranges and at all engine speeds.
Large radiators for optimum stability
In the interests of optimal reliability, the C 63 AMG has a particularly efficient
water cooling system and large engine and transmission oil coolers. Located
behind the large apertures in the AMG front apron, these coolers ensure
critical operating temperatures at all times – even under the extreme stress of the
racetrack.

Like all AMG high-performance engines, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 is built in the AMG
engine shop according to the traditional “one man, one engine” principle. This
means that one technician is responsible for hand-assembling a complete V8
engine to the highest quality standard; which is attested to by their signature on
the AMG engine plate.

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
aluminium 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% faster than
in “C” and no less than around 50% faster in “M” mode.
Pressing a button next to the selector lever is sufficient to activate the desired
driving program.

The new C 63 AMG is the very first AMG car to feature an automatic throttleblipping
function during downshifts. This not only enhances the driver’s
engaging experience – the virtually jolt-free downshifting process also reduces
the load-change responses and has a particularly positive effect when braking
before bends on the racetrack.

Chassis and brake system:
Dynamism to perfection
The dynamic driving talent of the new C 63 AMG is apparent at first glance.
The flared wings conceal a completely new-design three-link front
suspension with a wider track and new speed-sensitive AMG sports steering
for high-speed cornering and awesome agility. The firmly-set springs and
gas-filled shock absorbers on the all-new AMG sports suspension ensure
optimum contact with the road and low body movement when taking
corners at high speeds.
The new front axle features a track width increased to 35-mm to reduce dynamic
wheel load when cornering. A series of measures ensure substantially increased
stability and precision in all driving scenarios.
The new-design suspension at the front axle is 100% firmer, which makes for
significantly improved steering precision. A further advantage becomes apparent
when braking. The new suspension ensures instantaneous brake system
response even under dynamic loads.
In combination with completely newly configured elasto-kinematics, the new
wheel location provides greatly improved lateral dynamics and allows the driver
of the C 63 AMG to benefit from significantly higher cornering speeds.
A larger torsion bar stabiliser, 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 centre of motion at the front axle. A more rigid
Hardy disc in the steering column, as well as modified steering characteristics,
make a further contribution to increased precision.

Improved multi-link independent rear suspension with increased track
width
The multi-link independent rear suspension has also been thoroughly reengineered,
with a 12-mm-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 C 63 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 C 63 AMG has the characteristic virtues of a genuine
AMG.

18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels
The C 63 AMG is appropriately fitted with new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in
a five-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey, these high-gloss wheels in size 8.5
x 18 and 9.0 × 18 are fitted with wide-base tyres in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and
255/35 R 18 (rear).
Generously dimensioned, fade-resistant AMG high-performance brake
system
Internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all-round reside behind the
spokes of the AMG wheels. The front brakes have 360 × 36 mm discs with sixpiston
fixed callipers, while 330 × 26 mm discs with four-piston fixed callipers
handle deceleration at the rear.
The AMG high-performance brake system is characterised by precisely metered
braking, the shortest stopping distances and high fade resistance
3-stage ESP® with Sport function as a new feature in the C 63 AMG

The Electronic Stability Program ESP® is specifically configured for the dynamic
performance of the C 63 AMG, which is the first AMG model to feature 3-stage
ESP® with a Sport function.
This system offers three different control settings and is a logical further
development of the AMG ESP® philosophy.
The ESP® button in the centre 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® button 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
C 63 AMG benefits from considerably more active driving pleasure.
ESP® is restored to its normal function as soon as the brake pedal is operated.
Prolonged pressure on the ESP® button 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
ESP®.
The system’s traction logic is active in all three ESP® modes. If one of the drive
wheels threatens to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to virtually create the
effect of a mechanical differential lock. This means that the engine power is
transferred to the road even more effectively.

Design and equipment:
More AMG than ever before
Both technologically and visually the new C 63 AMG is more distinctively
different from the production C-Class than ever before. In combination with
the sports functionality of the standard equipment, this high-performance
saloon is unmistakable in its role as an exclusive and dynamic top model.
The front end of the C 63 AMG is dominated by the new bonnet with its two
pronounced power domes, as well as the trademark AMG radiator grille with a
central star and two louvres with chrome inserts. The honeycomb pattern of the
grille is also reflected in the large air dams of the new athletically contoured front
apron, which forms part of the AMG-specific bodystyling.
The front fog lamps with chrome surrounds are spaced well apart, acting together
with the flared front wheel arches to accentuate the width of the car. A real eye catcher is the striking transition from the front apron to the wings. The side air
vents in the front apron serve to expel the hot air from the oil coolers. The C 63
AMG’s headlamps are also dark-tinted.
Eye-catching features when viewed from the side include the 18-inch AMG lightalloy
wheels, the harmoniously integrated “6.3 AMG” lettering on the front wing
and the AMG side sill panels. At the rear, the standard LED rear lights, the AMG
rear apron with its black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuser fins, as
well as the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome twin tailpipes, provide
further visual highlights that are hallmarks of the brand.
The AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift and ensures greater handling
stability at high speeds.
Interior with new AMG sports seats and AMG performance steering wheel

This decidedly sporty theme is continued in the interior of the C 63 AMG, which
now has special AMG sports seats with integral head restraints for the first time.
The seats not only feature a new design with cross-piping and AMG lettering, but
also an adaptive backrest with adjustments for the side bolsters and lumbar
support.
The standard upholstery in soft nappa leather is available in a choice of black,
reef grey or black/sahara beige.
Optimum handling control is assured with the new AMG performance steering
wheel in a three-spoke design, which has a 365-mm rim diameter and a flattened
lower section. The upper section is covered in perforated leather and two silver
AMG shift paddles enable the gears to be shifted manually.
Other AMG-specific equipment features include the aluminium-look door sill
panels with embossed AMG lettering and brushed stainless steel sports pedals.
AMG main menu with a wide variety of displays
The distinctive AMG instrument cluster in a tubular design was specially
designed for the C 63 AMG. It features newly styled dials, AMG-specific lettering
and a new night-time design.
Eye-catching details include the 320 km/h speedometer scale, AMG lettering, red
needles and the “6.3 V8” logo in the rev counter.
The AMG main menu in the central display allows numerous settings, with
“Warm Up”, “Set Up” and “RACE” modes activated via multifunction buttons on
the AMG performance steering wheel.
“Warm Up” displays the engine oil and coolant temperature, “Set Up” the current
ESP® mode and the transmission mode “S”, “C” or “M”. “RACE” mode makes the
RACETIMER available, with which the driver is able to measure lap times on a
racetrack.

Amazing value: rich standard equipment levels
C 63 AMG standard equipment includes:
• Active bi-xenon headlamps
• Airbags for the driver and front passenger
• Aluminium trim panels on dome, doors and centre console
• Anti-theft alarm system with IR interior motion sensor
• Acceleration skid control (ASR)
• Armrest with roller-top compartment
• Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
• Electric tilting/sliding glass sunroof
• Outside temperature display
• Brake Assist
• ADAPTIVE BRAKE system with hill-start assist
• Through-loading facility and armrest with double cup holder, load
securing and 1/3:2/3 split-fold rear seat backrest
• 3-stage ESP®
• Headlamp Assist
• Power windows (4)
• Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for the front and outer rear seats
• Air-conditioned glove compartment
• Black roof liner
• Steering column adjustable for height and reach
• Lighting package
• Front fog lamps
• Tyre pressure loss warning system
• ELCODE locking system with infrared/radio remote control
• Sidebag for driver and front passenger
• Bag hooks in the boot/luggage compartment
• Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter
• Front seats electrically adjustable for height and backrest angle with
memory function
• Leather selector lever
• Tinted glass
• Windowbags
• Central locking with crash sensor Sidebags in rear
• Harman Kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system
• THERMOTRONIC comfortable automatic climate control system with
three-zone air conditioning
Due to the high standard equipment level, optional extras are limited to the
following features:
• Electric roller blind for the rear window
• KEYLESS-GO automatic lock/unlock and drive authorisation system
• AMG carbon fibre trim elements
Practical: Mercedes safety concept for every accident phase
The new C 63 AMG is the safest car in its market segment. No other vehicle in
this class offers so many safety innovations and has been so uncompromisingly
designed to reflect real accident scenarios as the new C-Class.
The comprehensive Mercedes safety concept PRO-SAFE™ goes well beyond
compliance with standard crash test regulations, taking every aspect of safe
driving into account – from accident prevention with systems such as ADAPTIVE
BRAKE, Brake Assist, adaptive brake lights and ESP® to occupant protection with
two-stage front airbags, driver kneebag, front sidebags and windowbags.
The preventive protection system PRE-SAFE® developed by Mercedes-Benz is
fitted as standard equipment (as it is in all C-Class models), which makes the C Class the only car in the world in this market segment to feature such trailblazing
safety technology.

Development and testing:
Doing it the hard way
Creating a new car is a complex undertaking and this certainly applies to
the new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG. Its conceptual phase started as early as
2004. This began with the fundamental feasibility study known as
packaging.
The new C 63 AMG was first constructed as a digital model, where the engine,
cooling system, fuel system, drive train and axles were “married” with the
bodyshell to examine build feasibility.
In the European Spring of 2005 the first 1:4-scale design models were produced
on the basis of drawings and computer images and, in addition, the first testing
and development vehicles were already built on the basis of the preceding C 55
AMG.
This made it possible to test major assemblies such as the drive train, brakes and
axles. The latest onboard measuring technology provided valuable data such as
engine oil, coolant and brake disc temperatures – but other aspects of interest
were lap times, such as those achieved on the famous north loop of the
Nürburgring, as well as measurable, precisely defined handling manoeuvres to
provide comparisons between different axle configurations.
These tests were accompanied by extensive aerodynamic tests on the bodyshell of
the C 63 AMG and it was only then that the final design was approved.
Following approval of the concept in the autumn of 2005, the first fully fledged
prototypes of the C 63 AMG were built. At the same time the high-performance
saloon was also produced as a digital prototype. Computer simulations made it
possible for the “real” development prototypes to exhibit a very high level of
maturity during the first rollout.

These simulations included the most important vehicle functions, such as
handling dynamics, the engine and drive train, bodyshell durability, suspension
performance, passive safety, the engine’s thermal characteristics and
performance/fuel consumption.
From Affalterbach to every climatic zone on earth
The standardised and highly sophisticated AMG development and test
programme for the C 63 AMG began in the European Summer of 2005.
Over the next couple of years around 20 vehicles were dispatched all over the
world from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach. The objective: strenuous tests
in every climatic zone on Earth. Test, analyse and optimise – that is the creed of
the specialists at AMG to achieve the objectives laid down in the book of
specifications.
Another decisive aspect was an ongoing dialogue between Design and
Development, so that any necessary technical modifications were also
implemented in design terms.
The major test stages at a glance:
Development testing of the engine, transmission and drive train
• Altitude tests in Denver, Colorado (USA), Lesotho (South Africa), Mont
Ventoux (France) and Granada (Spain)
• High temperature tests in Death Valley, California (USA), Upington
(South Africa), Idiada proving ground (Spain) and Phoenix, Arizona (USA)
• Driving trials in Los Angeles, California (USA)
• Cold temperature tests in Arctic Falls (Sweden)

Development testing of the cooling and fuel systems

• Various driving trials on the high-speed tracks in Nardo (Italy) and
Papenburg
• Trials in Upington (South Africa) and Death Valley, California (USA)
• Tests in the Daimler wind tunnel
Development testing of the braking and control systems
• Brake testing on the high-speed track in Nardo (Italy) and the
Grossglockner Alpine pass (Austria)
• Testing of dynamic control systems on the Idiada proving ground (Spain),
in Arjeplog (Sweden) and on the Boxberg proving ground (Germany)
In addition, various endurance trials were run with the aim of simulating the
vehicle’s entire lifecycle under the most severe conditions:
• North loop of the Nürburgring: The car’s drive train, suspension, wheel
location system, dynamic control systems, tyres and brakes are tested on
the world’s most demanding racetrack.
• Long-term testing on different roads: All the components and systems
are tested together in everyday operation. Loaded up to their permitted
gross vehicle weight, the test cars are put through a precisely defined test
programme on country roads, motorways and in city traffic.
• Endurance testing on the Daimler proving ground in Papenburg:
Extreme acceleration and braking manoeuvres with a high proportion of
full load operation, making extreme demands on the cooling and fuel
delivery systems.
• Endurance testing in the Swabian Alb region: The vehicles are loaded
up to their permitted gross vehicle weight and driven on country roads
with numerous uphill and downhill gradients, placing extreme loads on
the transmission and drive train.
• “Heide” endurance testing: (named after the poor post-war roads across
the “Lüneburger Heide”): 2000 kilometres of extreme trials on the test
track or on state-of-the-art test rigs. In this case the focus of the
developers is on the durability of the drive train components, the entire
bodyshell and the integral subframe on which the front axle, steering and
engine are mounted. The test cars are loaded up to their permitted gross
vehicle weight.
These tests are supplemented by extensive crash simulations and real crash tests
to provide the necessary evidence for country-specific certifications without
which no registration would be possible. The end result is final vehicle approval –
the green light for the launch of the C 63 AMG.

History:
Twenty years of excitement and exclusivity
As the top model of the new C-Class generation, the new C 63 AMG can look
back at an impressive heritage. It has four direct predecessors (C 55 AMG, C
32 AMG, C 43 AMG and C 36 AMG), all of which are powerful AMG high performance
vehicles.
It all began with the 190 E. When this compact Mercedes saloon appeared in
1982, only four-cylinder engines were on the market. But with the launch of the
six-cylinder 190 E 2.6 in 1986, AMG in Affalterbach pinpointed the potential for
developing a powerful sports saloon.
In 1987, exactly 20 years before the launch of the C 63 AMG, the 190 E 3.2 AMG
made its first appearance.

• 190 E 3.2 AMG: the inspiration from 1987
In 1987, AMG surprised the industry with the 190 E 3.2 AMG. Featuring an
engine capacity increased by 600 cc to 3205 cc, it generated previously unknown
levels of dynamism. Output increased by 54 kW to 172 kW and maximum torque
rose to 317 Nm. Fitted as standard with a five-speed manual transmission, the
performance of the 190 E 3.2 AMG was highly respectable: 7.7 seconds were
needed to accelerate from 0-100 km/h; the top speed was 244 km/h (four-speed
transmission: 7.6 s and 240 km/h).
The AMG sports chassis with its 16-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and larger brake
system proved to be the ideal partners for the powerful AMG six-cylinder engine.

• C 36 AMG: the first result of the cooperation contract
A milestone was reached 26 years after the company was founded: in 1993 AMG
and Mercedes-Benz launched their first jointly developed and produced car – the
C 36 AMG. The sports saloon with the new name was presented at the Frankfurt
International Motor Show. Market launch was initially limited to Europe. The C
36 AMG was launched in America one year later.
The top model of the successful first generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class
featured a 3.6-litre in-line six-cylinder engine with two overhead camshafts and
four-valve technology. The maximum output of 206 kW was reached at 5750 rpm;
the 385 Nm peak torque at 4000 rpm. The C 36 AMG accelerated to 100 km/h in
6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.
An automatic transmission with four – later five – gears transferred power to the
rear wheels. The AMG sports chassis with 17-inch AMG light-alloy wheels
ensured optimum roadholding and the hallmark Mercedes long-distance comfort;
the large AMG high-performance brake system ensured premium deceleration
characteristics.
By 1997, only four years after its world premiere, 5000 C 36 AMG vehicles had
been sold. This first co-production was not only an economic success; it also
marked an important milestone in the company’s history and rapidly enhanced
the profile of AMG.

• C 43 AMG: featuring a new V8 engine and available for the first time
as an estate model
In September 1997, the successor to the C 36 AMG was presented at the
Frankfurt International Motor Show: the C 43 AMG featuring a new AMG V8
engine. Boasting a 4.3-litre capacity, the eight-cylinder engine developed 225 kW
and 410 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h acceleration was achieved in 6.5 seconds and
the top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h. AMG addressed an
emerging lifestyle-oriented target group by launching the C 43 AMG Estate in
addition to the saloon.
The new model featured a five-speed automatic transmission. The AMG sports
chassis with 17-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and the AMG high-performance
brake system also contributed to optimum performance.

A highly exclusive development was the limited-production C 55 AMG. Virtually
indistinguishable from the C 43 AMG to look at, the top model featured a 5.5-litre
eight-cylinder engine familiar from the CLK 55 AMG and developed 255 kW and
510 Nm torque.

• C 32 AMG: new supercharged V6 engine with 354 hp peak output
In 2001, Mercedes-AMG GmbH entered new territory: a new supercharged V6
engine generating 260 kW and 450 Nm torque was developed for the C 32 AMG.
The powerful six-cylinder engine was closely related technically to the 368 kW
AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine of the SL 55 AMG. Available as both a
saloon and estate, the C 32 AMG was at the head of its segment in terms of peak
performance and torque value, producing performance figures previously only
achieved in sports cars: 0 – 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds (estate 5.4 s), 200 km/h
after 18.8 seconds (estate: 18.8 s) and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically
limited).
A further new development was the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic
transmission with active engine-braking downshift, optimum gear function,
torque converter lockup and particularly rapid gearshifting. An AMG sports
chassis with 17-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and an AMG high-performance
brake system ensured dynamic handling. AMG bodystyling and a full range of
standard equipment added a note of dynamic exclusivity to the C 32 AMG.

• C 55 AMG: with large-volume eight-cylinder powerhouse
The new C 55 AMG was launched to coincide with the presentation of the new generation C-Class in 2004. Boasting an optimised and enhanced AMG 5.5-litre
V8 engine, the new eight-cylinder top model took first place in its competitive
segment. 270 kW and 510 Nm of torque ensured superb vehicle performance:
accelerating from 0 – 100 km/h in a mere 5.2 seconds (estate: 5.4 s), the C 55
AMG (available in both saloon and estate versions) reached a top speed of 250
km/h (electronically limited).
When it comes to visual impact, the C 55 AMG had a more athletic appearance
than its predecessor. With a distinctive front end, larger track width, 18-inch

AMG light-alloy wheels, new AMG bodystyling and AMG sports exhaust system
with two sets of twin chromed tailpipes, the V8 model displayed what it was
capable of. This was backed up by its equipment, featuring an AMG ergonomic
sports steering wheel including steering-wheel gearshift, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT
five-speed automatic transmission with a manual drive program, AMG sports
chassis, AMG high-performance brake system and direct-transmission steering.
22,000 C-Class models made by AMG
Around 22,000 AMG high-performance versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
were sold between 1993 and 2007. The most important markets were the United
States, Germany, Western Europe and Japan.
Global sales from the C 36 AMG to the C 55 AMG at a glance:
Model In production Quantity
C 36 AMG (W 202) 1993 – 1997 5400
C 43 AMG (W/S 202)
C 55 AMG (W/S 202)
1997 – 2001
1999 – 2001
3850
59
C 32 AMG (W/S 203) 2001 – 2004 8250
C 55 AMG (W/S 203) 2004 – 2007 4600

Technical data: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
Engine
No. of
cylinders/arrangement
8/V, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement Cc 6208
Bore x stroke mm 102.2 × 94.6
Rated output kW 336 at 6800 rpm
Rated torque Nm 600 at 5000 rpm
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Mixture formation Microprocessor-controlled petrol
injection, HFM
Power transmission
Drive system Standard drive system
Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC
Ratios Final
drive 1st
gear 2nd
gear 3rd
gear 4th
gear 5th
gear 6th
gear 7th
gear
Reverse
2.85
4.38
2.86
1.92
1.37
1.00
0.82
0.73
-3.42/-2.23
Chassis
Front axle Three-link suspension, anti-dive, coil
springs, gas-pressure shock absorbers,
stabiliser
Rear axle Multi-link independent suspension, antisquat
and anti-lift, coil springs, gasMercedes-

pressure shock absorbers, stabiliser
Brake system Disc brakes all round, internally
ventilated and blind-drilled, foot-operated
parking brake at rear, ABS, Brake Assist,
3-stage ESP®
Steering Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering,
steering damper
Wheels Front: 8.0 J x 18; rear: 9.0 J x 18
Tyres Front: 235/40 ZR 18; rear: 255/35 ZR 18
Dimensions and weights
Saloon
Wheelbase mm 2765
Track width front/rear mm 1569/1525
Overall length mm 4726
Overall width mm 1795
Overall height mm 1439
Turning circle m 11.75
Boot/luggage compartment
capacity**
l 475
Kerb weight acc. to EC kg 1730
Payload kg 440
Perm. gross vehicle weight kg 2170
Tank capacity/reserve l 66/8
Performance and fuel consumption
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h s 4.5
Top speed km/h 250**
Fuel consumption NEDC combined l/100 km 13.4