AMG Driving Academy | Road Atlanta 2010:

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Video:

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG:

2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG:

SLS AMG GT3:

New Model Priced At $63,500

The C63 AMG is the ultimate expression of the AMG philosophy, providing benchmark engine performance along with outstanding handling characteristics. The C63 AMG will contribute to the continued success of the all-new C-Class line-up and has all the attributes to dominate in terms of performance, handling, luxury, value and price. Available in Canadian Mercedes-Benz dealerships in early May, the new C63 AMG will be priced at $63,500.

AMG V8 Power for the C-Class

One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the 6.2-litre AMG engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts.

Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminium alloy, the engine features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket-type cam followers (rather than rocker arms), and a variable intake manifold. Designed exclusively by AMG, the engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines.

A first for a production engine, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders.

Due to its large displacement, the engine develops over 30 percent more torque than comparable engines. The electronically controlled fuel delivery also adds to the outstanding performance of this engine. The sound emanating from this engine produces a very special resonance.

In the interests of optimal reliability, the C63 AMG has a particularly efficient water cooling system and large engine and transmission oil coolers. Located behind the large apertures in the AMG front apron, these coolers ensure non-critical operating temperatures at all times – even under extreme driving conditions.

Every new AMG engine is hand-assembled one at a time by expert technicians at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany and is bench-tested to ensure maximum performance. Mercedes-AMG follows a philosophy of “one man, one engine.” This means that a single technician – identified by the signature plate affixed to the engine – is responsible for the complete assembly of an AMG high-performance engine from start to finish. With the utmost care, the craftsman installs each and every part – from the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons to the intake system. Individual workmanship and skill still count here.

A High-Performance Seven-Speed Transmission

This high-performance eight-cylinder engine has the perfect partner in the form of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed Automatic Transmission. Equipped with the AMG steering wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission allows a decidedly sporty or more comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver’s preference. The different modes – "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed. Gearshifts in "S" mode are around 30 percent faster than in "C", and no less than 50 percent faster in "M" mode.

The new C63 AMG is the very first AMG car to have a new double declutching feature during downshifts, which maintains vehicle balance during cornering. This ensures more dynamic handling and enhanced safety thanks to more rapid downshifting and reduced braking torque on the drive axle.

Redesigned Front Axle with 35 mm Wider Track

The C63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension with an all-new three-link front axle design. The 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 mm wider track – visible by the more widely flared wheel arches – and therefore ensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering. A number of features make for substantially greater stability and precision in all driving situations: the redesigned wheel location at the front axle is 100 percent more rigid, leading to a considerable improvement in steering precision. Another benefit is realized when braking, as the new wheel location ensures an immediate response even under high dynamic stresses.

In combination with the completely new elasto-kinematics configuration, the new wheel location provides greatly improved lateral dynamics and allows the driver of the C63 AMG to benefit from significantly higher cornering speeds. A larger torsion bar stabilizer, new head bearings and dampers with rebound buffer springs further enhance this stability and precision. Steering feedback is also improved by the new kinematics. The speed-sensitive AMG sports steering has a ratio of 13.5:1, but feels more direct as a result of moving what is termed the instant centre of motion at the front axle.

The multi-link independent rear suspension has also been thoroughly re-engineered, with a 13 mm wider track and more camber leading to improved cornering performance. Reinforced drive shafts and drive joints increase fatigue strength and round off the improvements to the rear suspension of the C63 AMG.

The newly developed AMG sport suspension combines outstanding handling dynamics with the long-distance comfort to be expected of a Mercedes – which also means that the C63 AMG has the characteristic virtues of a genuine AMG.

18-inch AMG Light-Alloy Wheels

The C63 AMG is fitted with new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey, these high-sheen wheels in size 8.0 x 18 and 8.5 x 18 are fitted with wide-base tires in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear).

AMG High-Performance Braking System

Excellent stopping power for the C63 AMG is provided by large, internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes. Matched to its power and speed capability, the front brakes of the C63 AMG have a size of 360 mm discs with six-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are 330 mm discs with four-piston fixed calipers.

3-Stage ESP with Sport Function

The new C63 AMG is the first AMG model to feature the new 3-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with a Sport function. The ESP button in the centre console allows the driver to choose between three ESP modes; “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF.”

While in ESP ON, briefly pressing the ESP key activates “ESP SPORT” mode. When it comes to high-performance driving style on private tracks, the ESP Sport mode considerably boosts driving enjoyment, with full control (traction and handling controls) always available for every driving situation. During Sport mode, the handling control allows a corresponding drift angle before intervening. As soon as the driver applies the brake, ESP is restored to its normal function. Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates "ESP OFF". There is no intervention to control the handling dynamics, and no reduction in engine torque – thus increasing driving enjoyment even further. "ESP OFF" should only be used by experienced drivers under controlled driving conditions. In this mode too, operating the brake pedal also restores all the normal functions of ESP.

AMG Performance Unleashed

Available for model year 2009 vehicles, the C63 AMG can achieve an electronically-limited top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph) (250 km/h (155 mph) on standard) when equipped with the P30 AMG Performance Package. Other features include an alcantara steering wheel, composite brakes, and a locking rear differential.

Exclusive AMG Styling, Inside and Out

The C63 AMG departs from past AMG C-Class models with a unique hood, with two power domes, widened front fenders and a special front fascia and other body components not shared with any C-Class model.

The rear of the C63 AMG, features the standard LED lights, along with the black diffuser insert and the AMG sport exhaust system with two twin chrome tailpipes. The AMG spoiler on the trunk reduces lift and ensures greater handling stability at high speeds.

This decidedly sporty theme is continued in the interior of the C63 AMG, which has special AMG sport seats with integrated head restraints for the first time. The seats not only feature a new design with cross-piping and AMG lettering, but also an adaptive backrest 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, which has a rim diameter of 360 mm. The side sections are covered in perforated leather, and two silver AMG shift paddles.

The trademark AMG instrument cluster features newly styled dials (with red needles), AMG-specific lettering, the “6.3 V8” logo in the tactometer and a new night-time 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. "Warm Up" displays the engine oil and coolant temperature, "Set Up" the current ESP mode and the transmission mode "S", "C" or "M". "RACE" mode makes the RACETIMER available, where the driver is able to measure lap times on a racetrack.

Development and Design

Beginning in 2004, the new C63 AMG was first constructed as a digital model, to examine potential development. In spring 2005 the first 1:4-scale design models were produced based on drawings and computer images, and the first testing & development vehicles were built on the basis of the C55 AMG. This made it possible to test major assemblies such as the drive train, brakes and axles.

The latest onboard measuring technology provided valuable data such as engine oil, coolant and brake disc temperatures – but other aspects of interest were lap times e.g. on the north loop of the Nürburgring, as well as measurable, precisely defined handling maneuvers to provide comparisons between different axle configurations. These tests were accompanied by extensive aerodynamic tests on the bodyshell of the C63 AMG.

Following approval of the concept in the autumn of 2005, the first fully-fledged prototypes of the C63 AMG were built. At the same time the high-performance sedan was also produced as a digital prototype. Computer simulations made it possible for the "real" development prototypes to exhibit a very high level of maturity during the first rollout. These simulations included the most important vehicle functions, such as handling dynamics, the engine and drive train, bodyshell durability, suspension performance, passive safety, the engine’s thermal characteristics and performance/fuel consumption.

These tests are supplemented with extensive crash simulations and real crash tests, to provide the necessary evidence for country-specific certifications without which no registration would be possible. The end result is final vehicle approval – the green light for the launch of the C63 AMG.

About AMG

The abbreviation AMG stands for Hans-Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Erhard Melcher (M), who founded AMG in 1967, and Aufrecht’s birthplace of Grossaspach (G). Both had been employees of Mercedes-Benz and officially described themselves as “engineering, design and testing specialists in the development of racing engines.” The fledgling firm initially based itself in an old mill in Burgstall (near Affalterbach).

From its beginnings as an independent racing and tuning firm of Mercedes cars, Mercedes-AMG has grown into a supplier of exclusive high-performance cars, now with some 750 employees, an extensive model range and customers around the world. An integral part of the Mercedes-Benz organization, Mercedes-AMG has become synonymous with factory-developed high-performance vehicles. Far more than a tuner or marketing division, Mercedes-AMG is a self-contained entity responsible for all aspects of its vehicles, from development and testing to marketing, with some aspects of production shared with Mercedes-Benz facilities.

On January 1, 1999, H.W. Aufrecht sold a majority shareholding in AMG, and the company was incorporated into DaimlerChrysler AG, allowing the newly founded Mercedes-AMG to benefit even more from DCAG’s global resources. The engine factory, showroom and two development buildings, built and operational in 2003, have more than doubled the space of its Affalterbach facility from 199,000 to 426,000 square feet.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 990 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 18 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 18,547 vehicles in 2007, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Mercedes-Benz AMG Contacts: JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 caza@mercedes-benz.ca or Arden Nerling 416-847-7556 nerling@mercedes-benz.ca

More info from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available here. 

Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK63 Video – Arrival in New York

Click here to view the embedded video.

Benz has already developed a two-pack system available as a special order on its AMG performance cars.

The companies believe that going matt could accelerate development of cars that need less washing and body maintenance, as well as using fewer toxic chemicals when they are being painted. A low-gloss surface is also less likely to show minor dents and blemishes.

The BMW system is some way from production, though it was displayed last year at the press preview of the Z4 M coupe in Spain. But Mercedes will sell a matt-finish AMG car to anyone with the desire and the cash. "It is something that we offer. But we don't promote it, so we have not done many cars,” AMG-Mercedes marketing chief Mario Spitzner says. "Paint and colour is the perfect opportunity to make some differentiation for our cars. It is something exclusive.”

The AMG-Mercedes system is called Alu-beam and it was announced earlier this year for the CL65 AMG coupe. More at Cars Guide here.

A quick glance with an untrained-eye at the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL63 and you might think it was a CL550. A closer look shows that this is no regular CL. The CL63 is a road-hungry Autobahn killer destined to greatness by its AMG builder. More from the Sun Times here.

Miscellaneous News 

Mercedes-Benz Brings Diesel to California
October 15, 2007 – On the runway at this week’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) unveiled a version of its E320 BLUETEC, a diesel sedan that will immediately be available in limited numbers to California customers through a special two-year/24,000-mile lease.

Following the CL65 AMG, the 2008 C-Class sedan entered the stage.  The new C-Class will be launched this summer with three V6-powered models – the C350 Sport, the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport.

Mercedes-AMG CEO, Volker Mornhinweg, followed the C-Class by introducing the CLK63 AMG Black Series, a street legal version of the Official F1™ Safety Car.  After lighting a fuse that caused an explosion of light and smoke, the CLK63 AMG Black Series was revealed.  The Black Series is a 500 horsepower version of the AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine, with 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.

Autoblog.nl reports (in German, with pics) that the mystery AMG set to debut at the New York Auto Show this week is the CLK63 Black Series – a sports version of the CLK63 introduced last year.

Jalopnik posts a brief write-up here that includes a few pics for those interested.