Mercedes has announced a C63 AMG version of its new C-class coupe.
 
The new car won’t get AMG’s latest blown 5.5-litre V8, instead using the wonderful 6.2-litre naturally aspirated unit from the existing C63 saloon. With 451bhp and 443lb ft on tap, it’s got more than enough firepower to worry rivals from BMW and Audi.
 
Mercedes is also offering the AMG Performance Package for the new coupe. As well as gaining new interior touches and carbon-ceramic brakes, the engine benefits from uprated pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft, as used in the 6.2-litre motor in the SLS AMG gullwing supercar. It raises peak power to 480bhp, whilst torque remains unchanged.
 
The performance pack upgrades are enough to get the C63 Coupe from 0-62mph in 4.4sec (0.1sec faster than the standard car), while the top speed remains limited to 155mph.
 
Like the saloon, the only transmission on offer will be AMG’s seven-speed Speedshift automatic. Expect a number of operating modes, the sportiest of which will reduce shift times to 100 milliseconds. The coupe will also be the first C63 model to feature launch control.
 
The suspension set up for the C63 differs from the standard coupe, with a three-link set up at the front and multi-link at the rear. The car also gains thicker anti-roll bars, a wider track, revised spring and damper rates and an increase in negative camber.
 
Visually, the AMG model will make itself known with a large front splitter, rear diffuser, twin chromed exhaust tips and five-spoke AMG alloys. Inside, drivers will be treated to AMG sports seats covered in ‘Dinamica’, a new breathable man made fibre. An Alcantara AMG performance steering wheel and a piano black instrument cluster complete the interior makeover.
 
Officially launched in July, prices have yet to be announced. However, expect the C63 Coupe to be priced to compete with the M3 coupe, at around £57,000.
 
And the M3 could have quite a fight on its hands: insiders at Mercedes tell us that the coupe AMG version is one of the best cars they've ever made. We can’t wait to bring the two together in the summer.

See our huge new Mercedes C63 AMG saloon gallery

Mercedes C63 AMG saloon v BMW M3 saloon

Mercedes SLS AMG v all its supercar rivals

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