[addicted 2 turbo]

Diamler-without-Chrysler has released their response to BMW's ///M3.

Mercedes has taken the wraps off its 2008 C 63 AMG — the most potent version of its new C-Class sedan. The car delivers a whopping 457 horsepower, putting it comfortably ahead of BMW's all-new M3.

In typical AMG fashion, the C63 features large performance-oriented tires and wheels, an aggressive bodykit, a much sportier interior, and suspension and chassis improvements.

The sprint to 62 mph takes a scant 4.5 seconds according to Mercedes — and that's likely a conservative estimate: real world acceleration is typically even quicker than claimed times.

Maximum torque of 443 pound-feet comes at 5000 rpm. The torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 360 pound-feet on tap — ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

A new seven-speed AMG automatic transmission with paddle shifting provides a wide range of driving modes. The different modes are "S" (Sport), " C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual). Gearshifts in "S" mode are around 30 percent faster than in "C", and no less than around 50 percent faster in "M" mode.

The C 63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff configuration of the springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers ensures optimal road contact and low body movements when negotiating serpentine bends at speed.

The new front axle has a 35-millimetre wider track – visible by the more widely flared wheel arches – and therefore ensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering.

The front brakes have size 360 x 36-millimeter discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while deceleration at the rear is handled by 330 x 26-millimeter discs with four-piston fixed callipers.

The Electronic Stability Program offers a variety of settings. In "ESP ON" mode, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque. Briefly pressing the ESP key activates "ESP SPORT". In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold. Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates "ESP OFF," whereby there is no intervention.

[skimo]

The front of the car looks like...transformers!

[addicted 2 turbo]

I prefer this one

[kt157]

wow... looks good. but damn a 6.3 liter in there? the frontend must be stupid heavy.

[ChronoJ1]

I am in love with the new body stylel.
It looks like a baby CL class.

[NaTuReB0Y]

Originally Posted by kt157

wow... looks good. but damn a 6.3 liter in there? the frontend must be stupid heavy.

actually....it's a 6.2L

[Oz]

I really like the way it looks but I am concerned about reliability, and how will the standard V6 compare against the 3 series inline6.

I am really impressed with the new designs MB has been coming out with (CLS,and this) and looks like they have a good future..

[omg516]

I think it looks great. I love the look of the S class and this definitely has some serious resemblance. Supposedly it's supposed to be similarly priced if not cheaper than the M3, I think we'll be seeing a lot more of these on the roads than the previous c55's.

[karliejai]

i too am in love with it.

[Javier]

[kt157]

the price for a MB is never cheaper then a BMW...

[DanMardik]

I hate the fact that they flared out the front fenders and left the rear alone... If you look back into MB history, it seems as if widening the front fenders are a norm for their previous high performance vehicles. Especially back in the 90's.

[s4iscool]

AMGs gotten quite gaudy over the years...andyoull see that AMG body kit offered on the standards C class..typical lame AMG/MB practices

[DCJAX]

Hot car, but is it fair to compare an AMG with a factory BMW? I imagine the better comparo would be the regular Mercedes against the m3.

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by skimo

The front of the car looks like...transformers!

[SteveMD]

That's nice.

Price according to Autospies will be $62 base which should be in line with the M3.

Also, the engine has been detuned so as not to muddle the choice between the C63 and the other more exclusive/expensive AMG cars. It will be no problem to get the power back up to 500HP or so I've read.

And, apparently, it handles!

[disruptv]

this may be my next car....it should be way quicker than 4.5 from 0-60...i bet it'll be arnd 4.1-4.3 seconds

[aspiring335]

For me the test will be whether it has better steering feel / feedback than the existing AMG lineup.

[Revlis]

Front End = Dodge Ram Fugly or more like the Grill off of their own Minivan... I mean R class...

Rest of the car is heavenly, however the new C-Class front end is going to do amazing things for 3 Series sales...

[aspiring335]

Another sleeper contender in this class is the rumored Alfa Romeo 159 GTA, which may be coming to the US. The most recent rumors suggest it could have a Ferrari V8, similar to the one in the 8c sports car.

[hotrod2448]

Nice but, like the M3 too much money for me though.

IDK who mentioned it but, don't think because it's a 6.2 liter it is much heavier than any other V8 (ie: the new M3 motor). Displacement is not directly linked to the weight of the engine.

[Bubbles]

Is it just me or does that car have one too many lines. It's a very busy design. Not my cup of tea, but I'm sure there will be a ton of them sold around this area.