New C63 AMG Coupe revealed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the wildcard in its 2012 C-Class pack, in the form of the 2012 C 63 AMG Coupe.

Power for the superfast coupe comes from the same 6.3 litre V8 driving its sedan sibling, offered in two output specifications.

The first, a 336kW version, propels the AMG-tuned coupe to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds - a shade slower than the 358kW top-shelf AMG Performance package, which brings up 100km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Torque for the two specifications is listed at 600Nm, available in at 5000rpm, and fuel consumption is listed at 12.0 l/100km for both.

Both variants are available with one transmission: AMG's SpeedShift MCT seven-speed automatic transmission, featuring driving modes that include Controlled Efficiency (C), along with the usual automatic S and S+ modes and the manual M mode.

Selected with the same rotary controlled featured in the SLS AMG supercar, the S+ and M modes offer gear changes in just 100 milliseconds. A new Race Start launch control function is also featured, allowing the driver "to explore the vehicle's full acceleration capability."

The C 63 AMG also benefits from a tweaked chassis that includes a three-link front suspension arrangement, along with a reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension set-up and, of course, a a dose of negative camber and a wider track at the front and rear.

The new AMG Coupe gets 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 rubber up front and 255/35 at the rear. Behind the wheels sit high-performance brakes with composite front discs.

Larger 19-inch wheels are also available, in either a multi-spoke titanium grey finish or the same design in a matt black finish.

Setting it apart from the pack, AMG's new Coupe gets a front splitter, carbon fibre lip spoiler and a rear diffuser. There's also an aluminium bonnet and LED daytime running lights specific to the AMG range.

The 2012 C 63 AMG Coupe will make its European debut in July. Australian launch scheduling will see the C 63 AMG line-up, in Coupe, Sedan and Estate forum, arrive in September.