Monday 25th July 2011

Wraps Come Off C63 Black Series

Mercedes finally unveils official pictures and spec details for its uber C-class

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Mercedes has finally revealed the full details of the new Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series, several weeks after images of the car were leaked onto the internet.

The new C63 AMG Black Series - which Mercedes is describing as the most powerful C-class of all time - is based on the new C63 AMG coupe, but takes the already impressive C63's performance and dynamics to a dramatic new level (not to mention the styling).

The C63 Black Series' 6.2-litre V8 makes 510bhp and 457lb ft (59bhp and 15lb ft more than the 'regular' C63), enough for it to sprint to 62mph in 4.2secs. The 'M156' motor is basically the same as the more humble C63, but uses forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft from the SLS AMG supercar.

The V8's power is transmitted to the rear wheels via Merc's MCT-7 7-speed gearbox, with a double de-clutch function and a 'Race Start' mode.

The chassis, meanwhile, has been treated to coilover suspension at the rear, with the car's track widened by 40mm at the front and 79mm at the rear respectively and there's a limited-slip diff to help with traction.

If you want to get even racier, AMG will sort you out with a 'track pack'. This includes sticky Dunlop tyres, developed specifically for the C63 Black Series, and active rear axle transmission cooling. Another optional extra is an AMG aerodynamics package, which includes carbon fibre 'flics' on the front apron, an extra front splitter, and an adjustable rear wing.

Like all Black Series models before it, the C63 Coupe Black Series is a two-seat affair (and a fixed-roof coupe, for that matter - Merc says it will never make a four-door or drop-top Black Series), with the rear bench removed as part of a weight-saving programme that drops the car's kerb weight by 20kg, down to 1635kg.

You can specify the car with four seats should you want to, but to do so you will have to forego the front bucket seats.

UK pricing and specification for the new C63 Black Series has not yet been announced, but the car costs 97,000 euros before tax in Germany, so we can probably expect a price tag for UK-bound right-hook models of around £100k. Sales are expected to start toward the end of the year, though Mercedes is not clear how many it will make, beyond the rather vague 'not many'.

Key data at a glance:

	C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series
Displacement	6208 cc
Bore x stroke	102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio	11.3 : 1
Output	380 kW (517 hp) at 6800 rpm at 6800/min
Max. torque	620 Nm at 500 rpm
Engine weight (dry)	196 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	12.2 l/100 km*
CO2emissions	286 g/km*
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.2 s*

* Preliminary data

[giggity]

I want this!!

[Arun_D]

What's this double de-clutch function all about then? Can't get my head round it on a transmission like this

[The Kraken]

I'll take one in black please!

[muthaducka]

I've stopped trying to keep track of the various fasts Merc's now as there are so many different variations. You know they all have more torque than bhp and 500bhp plus. What a sound though, Mercedes have the v8 thunder! A 'black' passed me this morning walking the dog and I'm sure the ground shook as it passed me. Two more (slk55 and s class) toying around on the same stretch on Sunday morning with the same 'thunder' sound track which is never tiresome.

[minimatt1967]

That looks mental, does need to be black though.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Over-priced Mercedes saloon with a dubious body kit IMO.

[ikky85]

LOVELY !!!

[Dagnut]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Over-priced Mercedes saloon with a dubious body kit IMO.

Considering BMW got 125k for the M3 GTS it seems about right to me..

[mackie1]

Looks like a serious bit of kit. My first thought was "that's expensive" but then it's similar money to the Audi R8 V10 and in black at least a lot more subtle.

[wtdoom]

Heres the Aero kit .

[kambites]

Hmm, that's ugly but I can't decide whether it's because of the aero-kit or just because it's white.

[sinbaddio]

0-60 in 4.2 secs doesn't seem very quick for a car with over 500bhp and costing £100k?

[FamilyDub]

So. Much. WANT!

Black one, please!

[kambites]

sinbaddio said:

0-60 in 4.2 secs doesn't seem very quick for a car with over 500bhp and costing £100k?

It'll be grip limited. Does 0-60 really matter?

[UltimaCH]

1635kg is still a pretty serious heavy weight. 300kg less would be nice indeed

[ikky85]

wtdoom said:

Heres the Aero kit .

Looks odd like that Lambo Performante.

Clarkson had his Black Series out on the track on Top Gear last night. Very nice! Id have this over an R8 any day

[Johnboy Mac]

Yes please.

[British Beef]

Dagnut said:

Ozzie Osmond said:

Over-priced Mercedes saloon with a dubious body kit IMO.

Considering BMW got 125k for the M3 GTS it seems about right to me..

Relative to BMW, I would say this is an absolute bargain.

Much better looking, very similar performance I expect and £25k cheaper, plus it can be spec'd with rear seats.

(On a side - my £100k would still go on a 2 year old Aston DBS)

[vescaegg]

Ill have a DR520 (513bhp) instead please for considerably less.

Estate also

[E30M3SE]

key data said:

Max. torque 620 Nm at 500 rpm

Surely not??

What's with all the chrome trinkets, spoils it imo.