Happenings

Mercedes-Benz Announces The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series.

BY Krado Low

If you thought the C63 AMG was mad enough, say hello to the most powerful C-Class ever!

The motoring new scene was rife with leaked images of the C-Class Black not too long ago. Finally, we have official word (and images too) from Mercedes-Benz about the new track burning brute.

The 6.3 litre V8 engine shares components from the more expensive SLS AMG cousin, receiving the lightweight forged pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft. With a new engine control unit, the Black kicks out 517 hp and a torque of 620 Nm. The 0-100 km/h is over in an estimated 4.2 seconds.

More bits from the SLS AMG includes an oil cooler a larger cooling surface. Power is dealt with by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, featuring four transmission modes, the double-declutching function and RACE START for storming performance off the line. In the “Sport plus” and “Manual” transmission modes, the gear changes take a mere 100 milliseconds.

The Black's coil-overs suspension offers numerous setting options, and allows the driver to create their own personal set-up. The track width of the axles has been widened by 40 mm at the front and 79 mm at the rear. The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering has the retuned map control for the power assistance for better precision.

The 3-stage ESP offers three modes: “On”, “Sport Handling” and “Off”. A larger braking system is now used, with discs featuring motorsport proven brake pad compounds at the front axle. With six-pot calipers in the front and four-pot calipers at the rear, braking performance is enhanced with perforated, fade-resistant brake discs.

The Black Series is filled with black with red highlights inside. Two AMG sports bucket seats offer lateral support. The black DINAMICA microfibre upholstery on the centre panels of the seats and doors is a new type of synthetic fibre. There are no rear seats as standard, but you can have the Black Series with rear seats from the C 63 AMG Coupé.

Not enough? AMG has two special packages to offer for enhancing driving dynamics even further: the Track Package comprises 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear sports tyres from Dunlop. They have been exclusively developed for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, and they offer more grip. It also includes active rear-axle transmission cooling with the radiator located in the rear apron.

The Aerodynamics package including flics, a functionally tuned front splitter and an adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil. These components not only increase the lift at the front and rear axle; they also optimise the vehicle’s aerodynamic balance.

Other optional extras include: AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package, matt black forged AMG light-alloy wheels, AMG carbon-fibre trim, Fire extinguisher (!), Intelligent Light System (ILS), KEYLESS-GO and tinted side and rear windows.

The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is celebrating its world premiere during the Formula 1 race on the Nürburgring, the German Grand Prix (23 – 24 July 2011). Deliveries will start early in 2012.