The New Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
Published: 4th July 2007
Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
Redesigned front axle with 35 mm wider track
The C 63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff 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 more stability and precision in all driving situations: the redesigned wheel location at the front axle is 100 per cent more rigid, leading to a considerable improvement in steering precision. Another benefit makes itself felt when braking, as the new wheel location ensures an immediate response even under high dynamic stresses.
In combination with completely newly configured elasto-kinematics, the new wheel location provides greatly improved lateral dynamics and allows the driver of the C 63 AMG to benefit from significantly higher cornering speeds. A larger torsion bar stabiliser, 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. A more rigid Hardy disc in the steering column, as well as modified steering characteristics, make a further contribution to increased precision.
The multi-link independent rear suspension has also been thoroughly re-engineered, with a 12 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 C 63 AMG.
The completely newly developed AMG sports suspension combines outstanding handling dynamics with the long-distance comfort to be expected of a Mercedes - which also means that the C 63 AMG has the characteristic virtues of a genuine AMG.
18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, 19-inch wheel/tyre combination on request
The C 63 AMG is appropriately 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 shod with wide-base tyres in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear). Even more dynamic handling is made possible by the optionally available 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. The front wheels are in size 8.0 x 19 with 235/35 tyres, with 9.0 x 19 wheels and 255/30 R 19 tyres at the rear.
Generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system
Internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all-round reside behind the spokes of the AMG wheels. The front brakes have size 360 x 36 mm discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while deceleration at the rear is by 330 x 26 mm discs with four-piston fixed callipers. The AMG high-performance braking system is characterised by great sensitivity and high fade-resistance.
Three-stage ESP® with Sport function as a new feature in the C 63 AMG The Electronic Stability Program ESP® is specifically configured for the dynamic performance of the C 63 AMG, which is the first AMG model to feature the three-stage ESP® with a Sport function. This system offers three different control settings, and is a logical further development of the AMG ESP® philosophy. The ESP key in the centre console enables the driver to choose between three modes - “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF”; the currently active mode is shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster.
Mercedes Benz C-Class
Our Mercedes Benz C-Class Guide lists the full specification of the current UK C-Class range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £23,350 - £51,425
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 23
We have road tested the Mercedes Benz C-Class, to read our in-depth car review:
Mercedes Benz C-Class Review - Sep 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 28th Nov 2008
