Friday, May 16, 2008

2008 mercedes benz

2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
A gateway to the luxury AMG brand

Arv Voss

Friday, May 2, 2008
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Imagine a 6.3-liter, 32-valve, free-revving V8 engine that delivers 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque with a 7200 rpm redline, in a C-Class sedan that rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.35 seconds. Doesn't make any sense, you say? Well, initially, it didn't make sense to me either, since the C-Class is in essence the entry-level vehicle for the prestigious German marque. In that context, it probably doesn't make sense to the majority of auto enthusiasts, but looking at the scenario in a somewhat different light, it seems to make perfect sense. The Mercedes-Benz C63 sedan for 2008 just happens to be an AMG model, and since AMG has now officially become its own brand within the ranks of Mercedes-Benz, the C63 five-passenger sedan is the perfect gateway car for the AMG brand, raising it to a position significantly higher than simply an entry-level C-Class sedan. An integral part of the Mercedes-Benz organization, Mercedes-AMG has become synonymous with factory-developed high-performance vehicles.

The C63 isn't simply a C-Series sedan with a big engine and "go-fast" attributes. It is a different car altogether. It sports a longer wheelbase and is more than 6 inches longer overall than the regular C-Series models. The new front axle has a 1.4-inch wider track - visible by the more widely flared wheel arches, ensuring lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering. The big 6.3-liter mill adheres to the basic AMG philosophy of "One Man, One Engine" wherein each engine is hand-assembled one at a time by a single expert technician at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, and is bench-tested to ensure maximum performance. The 6.3-liter V8 connects to the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed automatic transmission, which includes a new double de-clutching feature on downshifts that maintains vehicle balance during cornering, while delivering shift times up to 50 percent faster than before. Equipped with the AMG steering-wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission allows for a sporty, comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver's preference. The various modes - "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed. Designed exclusively by AMG, the engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines.

The C63 AMG's exterior differs from other C-Class models with a unique power domed hood, widened front fenders and a special front fascia as well as other body components not shared with any C-Class model. The AMG spoiler on the trunk reduces lift and ensures greater handling stability at high speeds. The C63 AMG rides on new, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design, painted high-sheen titanium gray. While the power delivery from the 6.3-liter V8 is impressive, the braking power for the C63 AMG is no less impressive with the large, internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes.

The new C63 AMG is the first AMG model to feature the new three-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with a Sport function. The ESP button in the center console allows the driver to choose between three ESP modes: "ESP ON," "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF."

The purposeful performance theme of the C63 AMG isn't confined to the exterior styling; it continues in the interior, which provides special AMG sport seats with integrated head restraints for the first time. The seats feature a new design and adaptive backrests with adjustments for the side bolsters and lumbar support. Perfect handling control is assured with the new AMG performance flat-bottom steering wheel in a three-spoke design. The side sections of the wheel are covered in perforated leather and two silver AMG shift paddles.

The signature AMG instrument cluster features newly styled dials, AMG-specific lettering, the "6.3 V8" logo in the tachometer and a new night-time illumination design. The AMG main menu in the central display allows numerous settings, with "Warm Up," "Set Up" and "Race" modes activated via buttons on the steering wheel.

The C63 AMG will become available in U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealerships in May, and will be priced at $54,625, which includes the $825 destination fee.

My test Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG came with a base price of $53,800, which with the destination charge of $825 totaled $54,625. The standard equipment inventory includes: a power glass sun roof, the AMG Speedshift 7-speed transmission, heated seats, Comand controller, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius satellite radio and split folding rear seat backs. Other available features and equipment include: Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated headlamp washers, a navigation system with 7-inch power retractable display, six-disc CD/DVD changer, leather upholstery and memory seats. With all of the available features and equipment, the final price would top $63,000. In 2009 the AMG Performance Package becomes available for another $3,900.

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG makes perfect sense as a gateway vehicle to the AMG brand, rather than a hot-rod C-Class entry-level ride, while representing an outstanding value in the process. The performance is phenomenal on all levels, which was aptly demonstrated during spirited exercises on the road course at Arizona's Firebird International Raceway. There were no casualties, only challenging maneuvers in trying to keep up with professional driver/instructors piloting CLK 63 AMG Black Series lead cars.

The C63 AMG is at home on the road or on the track. It can be a comfortable cruiser, or a worthy competitor on the track. Is it worth the price? Well, when one adds the sound emanating from this engine's exhaust note, the special resonance warrants a yes.