This car will eat the new M3 for breakfast. Article from Edmunds:

Edmunds First Drive:

It's the fourth lap and I'm beginning to get the hang of getting the most out of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

Nudge the brakes to settle the rear of the car, flick the steering wheel into the corner entry while grabbing 2nd gear with the shift paddles, then turn sharply left but not so aggressively as to accelerate the weight transfer, and finally allow the inside tires to mount the painted curb at the apex as we nail the throttle hard.

An early whiff of understeer quickly but progressively gives way to mild oversteer as the 6.2-liter V8's prodigious reserves are unleashed to the rear wheels and the limited-slip differential goes to work, bringing the tail of the car around on the exit as the tires scramble for traction. Keeping our right foot planted on the floor, the slip angle increases until we're grappling with a full quarter turn of opposite lock.

We can't help but laugh out loud as we grab a fleeting glance in the rearview mirror and see a trail of white tire smoke billowing from behind.

No Stability Control Here
The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is making a solid impression at Circuit Paul Ricard in the South of France. In fact, we're wondering if the new BMW M3 will be able to match the C63 AMG's dynamic prowess.

It's not the baritone exhaust note or the straight-line speed but instead the precise handling at the limit that marks the new C63 AMG as a far more sporting proposition than its predecessor, the C55. The new C63 goes beyond the conventions that have defined each and every AMG model for the good part of the past decade, adding a welcome degree of finesse to the driving experience.

But that's not to say the C63 lacks any of the unadulterated performance muscle we have come to expect from Mercedes-Benz's storied performance-car division. It still does the old point-and-squirt routine as well as any rival. In fact, AMG's entry-level model is now more rapid than ever, and it gets to 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds, a whopping 0.7 second faster than the former C55 — and 0.3 second faster than the forthcoming BMW M3.

The car's top speed has been limited to 155 mph, although C63 customers will have the opportunity to bring 174 mph within reach by ordering an optional Sport package that includes such goodies as the limited-slip differential and a set of spectacular-looking 19-inch wheels adorned with Bridgestone Potenza REO50A tires, 235/35ZR19s in front and 255/30ZR19s in the rear.

Hardware To Challenge the M3
Based on the new third-generation C-Class, the C63 has been equipped with hardware specifically to counter the performance of the new BMW M3 with its V8 engine. Much like the CLK 63 AMG Black Series, the C63 AMG has a wider front track with exceptionally stiff wheel bearings to withstand higher cornering loads. It doesn't sound like much, but as you set off down the road for the first time, you can tell the difference.

With a quicker steering ratio that yields 2.5 turns lock-to-lock, the steering also feels highly accurate, especially straight ahead where it is terrifically precise. You have an immediate impression of greater agility, added response and better feedback.

AMG has also thoroughly rethought its philosophy regarding electronic stability control. Switch off the stability control by holding down the dashboard-mounted button for longer than 3 seconds and now it remains off. Also there's no further electronic intervention when a predetermined threshold is detected, except under heavy braking when the stability control helps to stabilize the front end as you're bearing down on a corner. But once you get back on the power again, the stability control disengages and there's plenty of opportunity for heavy doses of oversteer — not to mention the ability to light up those sizable rear tires when accelerating with gusto from a standstill.

But wait. There's more! The AMG-calibrated stability control has a Sports mode in which the intervention threshold allows the rear end to step out of line without the electronics prematurely dumping power from the engine and applying the brakes. It seems like the perfect solution for those like us who like to explore what the chassis has to offer but also like the idea of stability control working away in the background just in case something goes terribly wrong. Meanwhile, it's best to keep the stability control engaged during everyday driving.

On the Track and on the Road
The C63 feels more fluid and better balanced than the C55 ever was. It is an altogether more satisfying and accommodating car to drive, and it responds to driver inputs with added sharpness and a degree of communication no other regular production Mercedes-Benz model offers. As it approaches the limit, the chassis balance is almost neutral, and the dynamic boundaries are clearly defined thanks to the clear messages coming through the steering wheel. Exceptional body control makes cornering a pleasure.

Heading off the track and onto the roads around the Circuit Paul Ricard in Southern France, we discover the C63's ride is indeed firm, but soft suspension bushings and a good deal of wheel travel ensure it never gets too harsh or noisy even on poor pavement. It is only really when you hit something abrupt that the stiffly sprung underpinnings and a general lack of compliance in the tires combine to send a nasty shock up through the chassis. Predictably, the 14.2-inch front discs and 13.0-inch rear discs help deliver massive levels of stopping power, although pedal effort isn't high.

Aggression You Can See
The C63 AMG is a real head-turner, with the sort of visual potency to match its on-road muscle. The aggressive good looks begin with a heavily reworked front end that receives a unique bumper, with sizable ducts to cool a whole armada of radiators crammed in front of the engine. It is supported by a special twin-blade grille, headlamps boasting special titanium inserts designed to give them a meaner look, and reworked fenders with heavily flared wheel arches.

Toward the rear there are widened rocker sills, a subtle trunk-mounted spoiler, dark taillight lenses, a quartet of chrome tailpipes and a bumper that incorporates a diffuser to draw hot air from the rear differential. It is all set off by a confident stance thanks to a 15mm lower ride height and standard 18-inch wheels.

Aggression You Can't See
The steel hood has a couple of power domes to provide clearance for the crushingly powerful 6.2-liter AMG V8. While the C55's V8 peaked at 362 horsepower, the normally aspirated AMG V8 ups the ante some 95 hp to 457 hp. By comparison, the 4.0-liter V8 in the new M3 kicks out 420 hp.

The new engine really enhances the driving experience. Throttle response is noticeably sharper than before, and the revs build with a free-flowing intensity and then shut down quickly when you lift the throttle (no emissions-related throttle delay here). With torque peaking at 442 pound-feet at 5,000 rpm, acceleration is effortless regardless of speed. Indeed, it pays to keep a watchful eye on the C63's speedometer, as acceleration can be quite deceptive, especially in higher gears where a lack of strain keeps the noise down.

Despite toying with the idea of equipping its latest sport sedan with a new dual-clutch sequential manual gearbox that is nearing production, AMG has once again used its seven-speed automatic with three different modes: Comfort, Sport and Manual. This seven-speed with its conventional torque convertor has been reworked to apply a healthy blip of the throttle to speed downshifts. Under light loads, the transmission swaps cogs seamlessly, but as you dip into the prodigious torque offered by the engine, the shift action tends to become less than smooth.

AMG Brings You More Than Just Speed
While its engine continues to provide heady levels of high-speed entertainment, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG manages to offer much more than pure straight-line speed.

In outright dynamic finesse, the C63 is a far more attractive proposition than the old C55. Indeed, we'd say this car is superior to any other regular Mercedes-Benz model. There's true precision in the way it goes about its business. What's more, it delivers the sort of response you just don't expect from a Mercedes-Benz. In this respect, it is very much a standout.

The big question now is, can the C63 AMG properly challenge the new M3? By week's end we'll be able to give you a subjective assessment, but the real answer will have to wait until later this year when we get a chance to put the two up against each other in anger.

C63 AMG

Cylinder arrangement/
valves per cylinder: V8/4

Displacement cc: 6208

Bore/stroke mm: 102.2/94.6

Compression ratio: 11.3 : 1

Output hp at rpm: 451 @ 6800

Max. torque Nm at rpm: 443 @ 5000

Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.5

Top speed mph: 155*
*Electronically governed





I'm not a fan of the high weight, but I like how they're all about the car's handling. Should be priced less than the M3 too, around ~$65k

7/10/2007 1:35:24 PM

still some junk

7/10/2007 2:01:22 PM

in your thread

?topic=471564

7/10/2007 2:53:32 PM

yay another auto.

7/10/2007 10:38:41 PM

there's not a chance in hell the m3 will be over 60k base. BMW would be stupid to do that.

7/11/2007 7:27:37 AM

i've got to admit....i like the styling a lot better on the merc then i do on the M3. if it wasn't for the slushbox i'd be all about it.

7/11/2007 8:56:23 AM

Quote :

"still some junk"

7/11/2007 8:59:45 AM

front end looks awesome

back end not so much

7/11/2007 9:17:06 AM

How is this, or any Mercedes "Junk" Yeah they had some electronic reliability problems a few years ago, which they've taken care of.

Yeah its an automatic, but at least it blips the throttle properly now during downshifts. And if you read the article you'll see MB is working on a dual clutch transmission, which will in all likelyhood be used on this model down the road.

And it will undercut the new M3 in price.

[Edited on July 11, 2007 at 1:03 PM. Reason : k]

7/11/2007 1:02:20 PM

Quote :

"And if you read the article you'll see MB is working on a dual clutch transmission, which will in all likelyhood be used on this model down the road."

when that happens i'll be in love

7/11/2007 3:32:07 PM

Quote :

"And it will undercut the new M3 in price."

You keep mentioning this. What price have you heard for the m3?

7/11/2007 6:12:15 PM

Quote :

"How is this, or any Mercedes "Junk""

because mercedes has the worst reliability record.

7/11/2007 6:27:02 PM

and how would that be?

7/11/2007 10:20:19 PM

because everything breaks in the duh.

7/11/2007 10:54:17 PM

Well since it doesn't I wanna know why Brian's a playa hater

7/12/2007 1:28:24 PM

just from reading lists of vehicles with the best and worst reliability history, mercedes always ranks top of the list on worst.

7/13/2007 9:39:01 AM

they've always been high for drivetrain. they had problems with electrical stuff. and they've fixed it. so unless you've had firsthand experience, don't perpetrate things that are no longer true

7/13/2007 1:07:21 PM

i've had recent first hand experience.

i purchased an newer s550 recently and i hadn't had it more than 3 months before the passenger side seat broke, the interior electrics started acting funny and the headlights

7/13/2007 1:45:08 PM

^^well i've had 2nd hand experience since a buddy owned an amg55. it was only 2 years old and dropping a quart a week on his driveway, a HID headlight would only work half the time, radio shit the bucket, and his right side power window would go up less than half the speed of the other side. so yeah, i know.

7/14/2007 7:18:09 AM

i dunno. My dad owned one for over 10 years and didn't have a single mechanical problem. So I have no problem giving them slack for their electrical misgivings over the past few years, as they've taken care of it recently.

7/15/2007 3:08:52 AM

he must've had the ole 300 diesel! tan in color.

7/15/2007 8:03:18 AM

C63 AMG Estate

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9070905.005/mercedes-c-63-amg-estate-revealed

Phreakin gorgeous!

9/5/2007 9:29:25 PM

Looks like a nice dog hauler.

9/5/2007 10:13:01 PM

apparently, Mercedes hasn't fixed their problems yet.

http://autos.msn.com/advice/CRArt.aspx?contentid=4023544

9/5/2007 10:37:41 PM

damn, THAT is a hot ass wagon...

9/5/2007 10:45:01 PM

i would def drive my kid around in that.

i wonder if he'd get whiplash?

9/5/2007 11:46:57 PM

mercedes of cary has a cl63

[Edited on September 6, 2007 at 10:57 AM. Reason : .]

9/6/2007 10:55:50 AM

#s from the new Car and Driver

0-60 3.9
1/4 mile 12.3 @ 116mph

Smoked the M3 and RS4.

base price $1,000 more than the M3, way less than the RS4.

11/7/2007 1:55:17 PM

and it still can't turn ohh yeah and there is that bitchy auto that always shifts when you don't want it and with too much power on tap can really get you into trouble.

11/7/2007 3:30:27 PM

yeah, i'm sure you've driven a lot of them at the limit.

11/7/2007 4:58:44 PM

Quote :

"0-60 3.9"

HOLY SHIT

That's approaching the SL/CL/S 65 AMG times!!!

11/7/2007 5:14:40 PM

Quote :

"and it still can't turn ohh yeah and there is that bitchy auto that always shifts when you don't want it and with too much power on tap can really get you into trouble."

Perhaps you should read some reviews on this car. You know, like all the ones saying they prefer the steering and handling of the C63 over that of the M3. And the ones that talk about how great the transmission is.

11/7/2007 7:17:21 PM

yawn

11/7/2007 8:09:13 PM

bump

4/22/2010 4:10:15 PM

auto-trans is an instant dealbreaker.

4/22/2010 4:15:28 PM

^don't discount it so easily Duke. It's amazing how it adapts to your driving. It holds gears when it should, it blips the throttle when downshifting. I tailed one at Roebling Road during one track session and from his crazy loud (104 dB) exhaust it sounded like someone was rowing the gears manually. Of course I knew that wasn't the case.

But when you can turn low 11 1/4 mile passes with a tune, air box, long tube headers and drag radials you know you've got a serious machine.

4/22/2010 4:23:06 PM

Anyway, I had this thread bumped to post a little tidbit about an optional package available (and that apparently has been available for over a year). The AMG Development Package:

Adds 30hp for a total of 481hp
Lightweight AMG Forged Pistons
Lightweight Connecting Rods
Revised Crankshaft
New Engine Management
AMG compound Braking System
Red Painted Brake Calipers
Carbon Fiber Trunk Spoiler
Exclusive Engine Intake Runners in Titanium Grey
Top Speed at 174 mph (electronically limited, 190+ possible otherwise)
AMG Leather/Alcantara Performance Steering Wheel

Not that I can even afford the car, but all that for $5950 is a pretty good deal.

4/22/2010 4:30:24 PM

Quote :

"Red Painted Brake Calipers"

that alone is worth $5950

4/22/2010 5:00:42 PM

coincidentally, most of the C63 owners on the msg boards would prefer leaving that item out

4/22/2010 10:55:15 PM

^^^^ that's a step in the right direction, and I'm sure it's good in those regards (though I still don't buy that it never screws shit up), but regardless, it still has a spongy torque converter.

If it was an automanual (especially the dual-clutch type), I wouldn't turn up my nose at it.

4/24/2010 4:21:46 AM

^^sigh, everyone knows red=speed

4/24/2010 11:15:40 AM

bump

10/4/2010 2:11:14 PM

:drool:

Quote :

"Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG w/P31 Development Package by Chris Paukert (RSS feed) on Oct 4th 2010 at 11:57AM As Subtle As Dropping A TV Set From A Hotel Balcony"

Quote :

"It's really hard to overstate this next point: the cooking C63 already sounds brutally sensational, but if anything, the Dev Pack's lighter internals allow the 6.2-liter V8 to jump and bark with even greater finesse. Between the automatic throttle blips on downshifts and the multitude of fierce pops and burbles on overrun, the C63 sounds like Orville Redenbacher is being processed through The Devil's Own popcorn machine. Our panhandler friend may have wrongly assumed our C63 possessed a modified exhaust, but his appreciation was spot-on. In this car, you will find yourself in third gear on the freeway – already breaking the posted limit – just to hear the engine in its upper reaches. You will drive with the windows open when it's 95 degrees in the city just to hear the spent gasses caroming off of nearby buildings. You will risk confettiing your license on a daily basis, or at the very least, your gas card (EPA estimates: 12 miles per gallon city, 19 highway)."

Quote :

"Some may argue that a BMW M3 is a more exacting tool – especially for trackday work – and they're probably right. But the two Teutons are closer than you might think, and we reckon the C63's vastly superior 443 pound-feet of torque and its accompanying hellfire soundtrack will provide more entertainment for most drivers on a daily basis – even with the automatic. In reality, the closer foil for the C63 in character is the admittedly wonderful Cadillac CTS-V."

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/04/2010-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-w-p31-development-package-review-road-test

10/4/2010 3:03:24 PM

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/60-year-old-woman-takes-her-11-second-amg-to-the-track/#continued

Fast forward to the 1:15 minute and enjoy. That engine sounds like heaven

4/26/2013 8:56:19 AM

Quote :

"Published on May 4, 2012"

4/26/2013 10:09:26 AM

yeah I dunno why AB just posted it recently. However a sweet ass exhaust note never ages!

4/26/2013 3:19:03 PM

imo tinny and raspy

4/26/2013 5:30:51 PM

dang son

4/26/2013 7:15:51 PM

Isn't the c class equivalent to the m5

4/27/2013 12:05:01 AM

Drove a current S550 today. I have to say it's a pretty good car. Blows the 7 series out of the water. Kind of odd that the Merc would be the drivers car of the two. :/

4/27/2013 12:11:25 AM