Merc reveals huge power for AMG C63

MERCEDES-BENZ has released official power figures for its new C63 hot rod and they’re big. Like, really big.

The all-new C63, which is expected to officially break cover at next month’s Paris motor show, will produce 375kW and a whopping 700Nm – a jump of 2kW and 90Nm over the current, range-topping C63 507.

It’s the torque figure that’s the big news, with the C63 producing 50Nm more than the most powerful version of AMG’s new GT sports car that is powered by the same all-new M178 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

It’s a number likely to strike fear into the heart of BMW, given its new M3/M4 twins produce ‘just’ 317kW and a measly 550Nm, and also knocks off the Lexus RC F with its 351kW and 550Nm.

Despite speculation of four-wheel drive, AMG is determined to shuffle the C63’s grunt solely through the rear wheels via an updated version of its seven-speed Speedshift gearbox, with the company talking a big game about how well the new C63 transfers its colossal power to the road.

“The new C63 will have traction like no other RWD car,” a Mercedes insider told Wheels.

Key to the new car’s boosted traction is a heavily reworked version of AMG’s traditional steel suspension set-up, which gets unique track widths and lower ride height, and firmer springs and dampers.

Time will tell if the C63’s boost in grunt is usable.

But don’t think Mercedes has forsaken fuel economy to achieve a headline-grabbing power figure. The company claims the new C63’s high performance V8 will sip just 8.2L/100km, a number that undercuts its automatic BMW M4 rival.

Like the new C-Class on which it’s based, the new C63 will be about 100kg lighter, 95mm longer and 44mm wider than the current car, while its wheelbase will grow 80mm – which can only be good for predictable, tail-happy dynamics.

It will also boast bigger brakes, while a new fully electric steering set-up will replace the old electro-hydraulic system.

And this is just the starting point for the new-generation C63. Our mouths are already watering over the inventible Black Series variant.