C63 AMG Coupe review by InsideLine.

-=Hot|Ice=- · 05-31-2011, 05:44 PM

C&D's turn!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarAndDriver

Since the 2008 C63 AMG went on sale, Mercedes has sold nearly 20,000 examples worldwide of the sedan and its not-for-the-U.S. wagon counterpart. Not bad for a hard-core enthusiast machine, but Mercedes still thinks it’s leaving something on the table. Enter the latest addition to the C-class AMG lineup, this C63 coupe. It just so happens that the C63’s biggest competition, the BMW M3, comes in coupe and sedan shells, too.

According to Tobias Moers, AMG’s “Dr. Frankenstein” and director of vehicle development, the C63 coupe was engineered according to a strict “no compromises” brief. When pressed, Moers admits that the Benz marketers added a two-pane glass roof as standard equipment. According to him, the added bulk barely affects the curb weight or center-of-gravity height. But the 17-year AMG veteran still claims he can feel it.

Most drivers won’t. They will be too busy basking in the glory that is 451 horses underhood bucking upwards of 7200 times a minute. Tack on another 30 with the AMG Development package (DP). Normally, when an option pack uncorks a few ponies, it does so with virtual octane, i.e., by remapping the engine computer. While the AMG DP does indeed include a reflash, it also throws in SLS-borrowed engine internals (forged pistons and a lightweight crank and connecting rods) for the 6.2-liter V-8. The new parts reduce reciprocating and rotating mass by seven pounds. Peak torque remains more than satisfactory, at 443 pound-feet, while the top-speed governor jumps from 155 mph to 174.

Pricing is still in limbo, but expect the AMG DP to add no less than $6000 to the estimated base price of $63,500 when the coupe hits showrooms in September. Those fluent in the styling language of AMG will recognize the AMG connection by the red brake calipers and the small carbon-fiber lip spoiler on the trunk. The really nosy ones will see synthetic-suede trim on an ovoid steering wheel.

Compared with the C63 sedan, the coupe is, well, short two doors and one seating position. As in the four-door, aggressive AMG styling cues start at the large, lower-grille opening and finish in back with a diffuser. The new coupe reaps the benefits of the sedan’s 2012 chassis tweaks, too. The wheels are aligned with increased negative camber, and every bushing has been retuned, as have the springs and shocks. The wet-clutch-pack engine-to-transmission coupler got the nod, thanks to its improved efficiency (fewer losses than a torque converter) and quicker shifts (as little as 0.1 second).

At 3900 pounds, the coupe is some 100 pounds lighter than the sedan. But as before, off-the-line traction is the limiting factor in initial acceleration. Thankfully, the updated transmission includes launch control, slingshotting the C63 with DP to 60 mph in no more than 3.8 seconds, with the quarter-mile mark passing in 12.1. Non-DP C63s will lag slightly behind in the quarter.

Speaking of traction, the old C63 was notoriously adolescent—it just loved ass-happy antics. Chassis updates quell this a bit, inching the balance closer to neutral. The back still comes around in lift-throttle situations and with salubrious applications of throttle. Catching the tail is child’s play despite light steering and the extra corrections needed to hold a cornering line. Plus, there is more wiggle room on center than we prefer.

If the firm ride doesn’t remind passengers that they are in a special Benz, the high-side seats and wicked exhaust wail will. A comparison with the M3 is imminent. Until then, let’s just call this another in a line of monster AMGs.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review

cuban335i · 05-31-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

C&D's turn!

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review

0-60 in 3.8, and the 1/4 mile in 12.1!!

The power and weight of the car with p31 package is almost identical to the non-facelifted Nissan GT-R... Shows how much a dual clutch tranny does for a car. That new transmission seems not too bad though...

Garduna · 06-01-2011, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuban335i

0-60 in 3.8, and the 1/4 mile in 12.1!!

The power and weight of the car with p31 package is almost identical to the non-facelifted Nissan GT-R... Shows how much a dual clutch tranny does for a car. That new transmission seems not too bad though...

Gotta love all the little mods via SLS + SL for this C63!!!

Garduna · 06-01-2011, 03:27 PM

Cute little commercial of the C63 Coupe

stickypaws · 06-01-2011, 04:01 PM

This is the only thing that bothers me about the new coupe:

"According to Tobias Moers, AMG’s “Dr. Frankenstein” and director of vehicle development, the C63 coupe was engineered according to a strict “no compromises” brief. When pressed, Moers admits that the Benz marketers added a two-pane glass roof as standard equipment. According to him, the added bulk barely affects the curb weight or center-of-gravity height. But the 17-year AMG veteran still claims he can feel it."

Hopefully there will be a pano roof delete option in the US market. I have the pano on my E63 and don't like it. It's quite a bit of weight sitting in the wrong place. I wonder if they felt a CF roof was too expensive or too copycat-like.

Garduna · 06-01-2011, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stickypaws

This is the only thing that bothers me about the new coupe:

"According to Tobias Moers, AMG’s “Dr. Frankenstein” and director of vehicle development, the C63 coupe was engineered according to a strict “no compromises” brief. When pressed, Moers admits that the Benz marketers added a two-pane glass roof as standard equipment. According to him, the added bulk barely affects the curb weight or center-of-gravity height. But the 17-year AMG veteran still claims he can feel it."

Hopefully there will be a pano roof delete option in the US market. I have the pano on my E63 and don't like it. It's quite a bit of weight sitting in the wrong place. I wonder if they felt a CF roof was too expensive or too copycat-like.

cf roof would have been nice

-=Hot|Ice=- · 06-01-2011, 04:51 PM

I'm waiting for C&D to tell me the M3 ZCP gets to 60 in 3.8.

-=Hot|Ice=- · 06-01-2011, 05:33 PM

AutoCar Review!

michaelthepsycho · 06-02-2011, 01:34 AM

I know, I know... They dubbed a high-strung inline-four for the Ducati engine... But we're here about the Mercedes

stickypaws · 06-02-2011, 04:55 AM

Garduna · 06-02-2011, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stickypaws

LFMAO!!!

Brandon26pdx · 06-04-2011, 11:53 PM

It's a nice looking machine. Too bad they never offer these cars with 6mt.

CAPSGOD · 06-05-2011, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

Albeit not the same type of motoring as the C63 and a big price gap.

If I was in a position to buy a new MB w/o doubt it would be a CL550. Right there with the AMG version in most statistics and it looks..

That is a CL63

TK-421 · 06-05-2011, 12:14 AM

Now I can finally say I made the right decision when I didn't order an E92 M3. This will be my next car for sure.

EDIT:
Dear God I can't wait for the Black Series.

stickypaws · 06-05-2011, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

That is a CL63

Um, yes it is. And...?

Gonzo knows that, too: "Albeit not the same type of motoring as the C63 and a big price gap. If I was in a position to buy a new MB w/o doubt it would be a CL550. Right there with the AMG version in most statistics and it looks.. "

CAPSGOD · 06-05-2011, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stickypaws

Um, yes it is. And...?

Gonzo knows that, too: "Albeit not the same type of motoring as the C63 and a big price gap. If I was in a position to buy a new MB w/o doubt it would be a CL550. Right there with the AMG version in most statistics and it looks.. "

He was talking about the CL550.

Garduna · 06-05-2011, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK-421

Now I can finally say I made the right decision when I didn't order an E92 M3. This will be my next car for sure.

EDIT:
Dear God I can't wait for the Black Series.

I bet Clarkson will shit is pants once again when he drives the c63 coupe black series :P

Speaking of that, does anyone know the ETA for the black series???

cuban335i · 06-05-2011, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

He was talking about the CL550.

I can think of so many cars I'd rather spend $115-125k on. My very short list would include a brand new 911 GT3, and if I was looking for more of a cruiser (more of a car like the CL550) I'd probably get a 1 year old 911 997.2 TT or a new Audi R8.

kindafast · 06-05-2011, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuban335i

0-60 in 3.8, and the 1/4 mile in 12.1!!

The power and weight of the car with p31 package is almost identical to the non-facelifted Nissan GT-R... Shows how much a dual clutch tranny does for a car. That new transmission seems not too bad though...

Shows more what AWD does than the transmission

cuban335i · 06-05-2011, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindafast

Shows more what AWD does than the transmission

That's true.. The combination of the two is deadly

stickypaws · 06-05-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

He was talking about the CL550.

Which is why he posted the pic of the AMG while saying, "Right there with the AMG version in most statistics and it looks.. "

Not sure why it's not that hard to understand.....

CAPSGOD · 06-05-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stickypaws

Which is why he posted the pic of the AMG while saying, "Right there with the AMG version in most statistics and it looks.. "

Not sure why it's not that hard to understand.....

You're not very quick but that's ok.

06-01-2011, 03:27 PM	#26
Garduna Brigadier General 167 Rep 4,013 Posts Drives: Sedona 1er\|Yellow S3\|NardoTTRS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5)	Cute little commercial of the C63 Coupe
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06-01-2011, 04:01 PM	#27
stickypaws Dictator 57 Rep 1,811 Posts Drives: people crazy Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: where you want to be iTrader: (0)	This is the only thing that bothers me about the new coupe: "According to Tobias Moers, AMG’s “Dr. Frankenstein” and director of vehicle development, the C63 coupe was engineered according to a strict “no compromises” brief. When pressed, Moers admits that the Benz marketers added a two-pane glass roof as standard equipment. According to him, the added bulk barely affects the curb weight or center-of-gravity height. But the 17-year AMG veteran still claims he can feel it." Hopefully there will be a pano roof delete option in the US market. I have the pano on my E63 and don't like it. It's quite a bit of weight sitting in the wrong place. I wonder if they felt a CF roof was too expensive or too copycat-like.
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06-02-2011, 01:34 AM	#31
michaelthepsycho Lieutenant Colonel 82 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: 11 Montego Blue E90 335i Step Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	I know, I know... They dubbed a high-strung inline-four for the Ducati engine... But we're here about the Mercedes __________________ Former car 2011 BMW 335i Step - Montego Blue / Chestnut Brown
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06-02-2011, 04:55 AM	#32
stickypaws Dictator 57 Rep 1,811 Posts Drives: people crazy Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: where you want to be iTrader: (0)	it made Harris giggle like a 5 year-old
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06-04-2011, 11:53 PM	#34
Brandon26pdx Lieutenant Colonel 29 Rep 1,938 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	It's a nice looking machine. Too bad they never offer these cars with 6mt.
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06-05-2011, 12:14 AM	#36
TK-421 Registered Sex Offender 617 Rep 4,757 Posts Drives: E46 M3 \| 1JZ S13 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Now I can finally say I made the right decision when I didn't order an E92 M3. This will be my next car for sure. EDIT: Dear God I can't wait for the Black Series.
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