Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe revealed 20 | 08 | 2015
THIS IS THE first image of Mercedes-AMG new second-generation C63 Coupe which will go head-to-head with likes of the BMW M4, Audi RS5, and Lexus RC-F.
Scheduled to be unveiled officially at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show, ahead of entering Scottish dealerships in January, it's powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine as the recently introduced C63 saloon and estate.
And it's impressively powerful. In range-topping S form, the new rear-wheel-drive C63 Coupe delivers 503bhp, an increase of 23bhp over the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 used by the first-generation C63 AMG Coupe with an optional Performance Package.
More significantly, compared to the RS5, M4 and RC-F, it's 59bhp and 199lb ft, 78bhp and 111lb ft and 33bhp and 125lb ft more powerful respectively. That makes it the most powerful car in its class.
And it's quick. Official figures released today by AMG confirm the car will rocket from standstill to 62mph in just 3.9sec: that's 0.4sec faster than its direct predecessor. And though top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, buyers can specify the new car with a Driver’s Package that lifts it to 180mph.
Related: Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe leaked
The new C63 look significantly different to Mercedes' second-generation C-Class Coupe. In fact the only exterior elements shared between the two cars are the frameless doors, roof and boot lid. And its aggressive look is enhanced by a wider body — front wheelarches by 64mm and rear by 66mm — which houses a revised chassis featuring unique tracks both front and rear.
The C63's external appearance is further enhanced by the addition of a heavily structured front bumper with a black insert and integral front splitter, a prominent grille featuring an oversized three-pointed star emblem, 'V8 turbo' identification along the flanks.
The cat also gets black exterior mirror housings, beefed up side sills, subtle boot deck spoiler, uniquely designed rear bumper and four trapezoidal-shaped tail pipes integrated into the rear valance and diffuser element.
Inside the car's cabin, there are typical AMG-specific instruments, controls, gear lever and trim applications, along with a flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel and sports seats.
There's a choice of two power outputs, as is the case with the latest C63 saloon and estate. That means the 'standard' model gets a 469bhp twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. Step up to the halo S, and you get 503bhp.
That power is channeled to the rear wheels via MG’s seven-speed Speedshift MCT (MultiClutch Transmission) automatic gearbox fitted with a shorter final drive than in the C63 saloon and estate.
It's worth highlighting that despite being more powerful and faster, the latest C63 Coupe is significantly more economical than its predecessor, delivering 32.8mpg for both models, and CO2 emissions of 200g/km.
Related: Mercedes reveals new GLC
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Jim McGill