2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe

Back in February 2011, Mercedes-Benz announced that they are re-introducing the C-Class Coupe and I am sure that I am not the first person to say that the new Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe is 100x better looking than the prior iteration of the Coupe. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz also noted they will produce a high performance AMG version. Specifically, it will be a Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe and this time Mercedes' AMG division claims that it was purpose built from the ground up for performance. That said, yes every AMG model has solid performance figures, but the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG, CL63 AMG or CLS63 AMG essentially had "bolt-on" performance modifications. The C63 AMG Black Series on the other hand was crafted to encroach on BMW M territory.

And like other AMGs with the 63 badge, this Mercedes Benz has the 6.3-liter V-8. However, unlike the other AMGs, this engine shares the same pistons, crankshaft and connecting rods from the SLS AMG and as a result the Black Series produces 510 horsepower. This represents a ~12% increase in horsepower compared to the C63 AMG Coupe (non-Black Series) which has a modest 457 horsepower engine. The improvement in torque is a more modest 3% to 457 lb-ft in the Black Series from 443 lb-ft in the C63 AMG Coupe. And to make this model more "track-friendly", AMG optimized the engine oil cooling system giving the oil cooler a cooling surface which is 50% larger.

To transfer all of the power to the rear tires, this Black Series has the innovative AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission which has 4 transmission modes, a double-declutching function and a "Race Start"function.In the "Sport Plus" and "Manual" transmission modes the gear changes take a mere 100 milliseconds.

The front tires are 255/35 R 19 while the rear tires are a little wider at 285/30 R 19. These tires are mounted on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. These are vast improvements in size over C63 AMG which in the front has 235/40 R 18 and in the rear 255/35 R 18. These wider tires transfer power to the tarmac and allow the Black Series to reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and help the car maintain grip around tight corners.

The Black Series' party piece is its adjustable coil-over suspension system. The track width of the axles has been widened by 1.6 at the front and 3.1 inches at the rear and the system offers numerous setting options allowing the driver to create his/her own personal set-up. That said, this model is said to have better grip and a low roll angle which makes it feel more like a sports car rather than a luxury car that Mercedes-Benz is known for.

This Mercedes will give BMW 's M division a run for its money. I personally love the look of this Black Series. I love the wider more aggressive stance, the 19-inch AMG wheels, the interior styling and all of the performance bells and whistles. That said, I would strongly consider purchasing this if I was in the market. This C63 AMG Black Series will surely give BMW's M Division a run for its money.

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