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02-27-2008, 12:53 PM | #1 |
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Motor Trend - C63 AMG First Test!!
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...AMG_first_test
Something evil this way comes The new-for-2008 C-Class has only been on sale a few months, but Mercedes has wasted no time in bringing us the Maximum Strength version. You know the usual AMG brew: take a standard model, add bags of power, sharpen up the handling, super-size the brakes/wheels/tires, upgrade the interior, add some body armor, and limit the production to a handful to keep things exclusive. Behold the C63. In case you're wondering how this sophisticated, 451 horsepower, pit-bull-of-a-compact sport sedan compares to the BMW M3 and Lexus IS-F, we'll have that answer for you soon enough. But the Bad Little Benz out-powers both (the BMW spools out 414 horsepower, the 5.0-liter Lexus is rated at 420). Power isn't everything...but it's an important something to many enthusiasts. Even though the car is named in honor of the original Mercedes 6.3-liter limo motor from the 1960s, it's actually 6.2-liters in displacement. Another important number is torque: 443 pounds feet of torque. Chrysler's vaunted 6.1-liter Hemi - an impressive piece, for sure - is rated at 420. This machine grabs you the minute you light the motor, and the four big exhaust pipes erupt. It gurgles to the delight of everyone, inside or outside the car. Let off the throttle, and it burbles on the overrun.Wonderful. The seven-speed, AMG calibrated paddle tranny shifts quickly and responsively; not quite like the best DSG type robotic manual boxes, but snappy on the upshift with a rev-matching blip on the downshift. Leave it in Comfort mode, and it melts from gear to gear. Select Sport, and the shifts are faster, and come at higher rpm. Choose Manual, and drive it off the steering wheel paddles. No, there's no manual or DSG tranny to be had, but Mercedes makes this one work just fine. The cabin is all biz, with firm, thickly bolstered sport seats. Although a couple of our staffers felt they were too firm, most agreed they were appropriate for the car, and perfect for the race track. The steering wheel that's squared off on the bottom just like a racecar's, and the sides of the wheel are upholstered in grippy, dimpled leather. We appreciated the pop-up nav screen that's there, and large, when you want it, and gone when you don't feel like staring at one. Sure, there are lots of buttons on the IP and center stack, but many still prefer this to BMW's iDrive controller philosophy. If there's another downside to this (or any new) C-Class, is a dearth of rear seat legroom, even though this new gen C is longer than the last. The aforementioned body work includes flared fenders, bulging to cover the racy rolling stock, and a 1.4 inch increase in track. The C63 boasts nicely weighted, communicative steering; something we used to beat up on Mercedes-Benz for not delivering. The ride is firm, as you'd expect, but not punishing. The brakes deliver supercar-like 103 foot stops from 60, but don't communicate as well as the steering does. And how 'bout 0.95 on the skid pad? Talk about sticktion. And I can confirm, with no hesitation, that this musclecar Benz has no trouble hitting its 155 mph, electronically capped speed limit. The word is that, beginning with the '09 model year, buyers will be able to specify an option that deletes the limiter. At that point, expect an easy 185. The C63 is shockingly quick, and a well balanced piece, as most AMG models are. And there's a masculine character about it that's been lacking in every previous C-Class. The Bauhaus design works well, especially when fully kitted to AMG spec. More than anything, I love its high level of emotion - something more cars need more of. POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS Drivetrain layout: Front engine, RWD Engine type: 90 V-8, alum block/heads Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves/cyl Displacement: 378.8 cu in/6208 cc Compression ratio: 11.3:1 Power (SAE NET) 451 hp @ 6800 rpm Torque (SAE NET) 443 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm Weight to power: 8.9 lb/hp Transmission: 7-speed automatic Axle/final: 2.85:1/2.08:1 Suspension, front; rear Control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar Steering ratio: 13.5:1 Turns lock-to-lock: 3 Brakes, f;r: 14.2-in vented disc: 13.0-in vented disc, ABS Wheels: 8.0 x 18; 8.5 x 18.0 in, cast aluminum Tires: 235/40-18; 255/35-18, Pirelli PZero 95Y DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 108.9 in Track, f/r : 61.7/60.0 in Length x width x height: 186.0 x 70.7 x 56.6 Curb weight: 4004 lb Weight dist., f/r: 53/47 % Seating capacity: 5 TEST DATA Acceleration to mph 0-30 1.6 sec 0-40 2.3 0-50 3.2 0-60 4.1 0-70 5.3 0-80 6.6 0-90 8.1 Passing, 45-65 mph 2.0 sec Quarter mile 12.5 sec @ 113.5 mph Braking, 60-0 mph 103 ft Lateral acceleration 0.95 g (avg) MT figure eight 24.9 sec @ 0.78 g (avg) Top-gear revs @ 60 mph 1700 rpm CONSUMER INFO Base price: $55,925 Price as tested: $63,930 Stability/traction control: Yes/yes Airbags: Dual front, front side Basic warranty: 4 yrs/50,000 miles Powertrain warranty: 4 yrs/50,000 miles Roadside assistance: Unlimited Fuel capacity: 19.5 EPA city/hwy econ: 12/19 CO2 emissions: N/A Recommended fuel: Premium On Sale: April 2008 |
02-29-2008, 08:14 PM | #4 |
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i bet 09 model will get the DSG from the SL63...
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03-04-2008, 07:44 PM | #5 |
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03-12-2008, 04:20 AM | #7 |
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Drives: AW E92 M3/AW F87 M2
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Irvine,CA
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Garage List 2016 BMW F87 M2 Coupe [10.00]
2014 BMW F20 M135i [9.00] 2011 BMW F10 5 series [9.00] 2008 BMW E92 M3 Coupe [10.00] |
The handling test numbers are better than I expected. I'm tempted to get one as my daily, and keep the M3 a weekend car.
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03-12-2008, 06:01 AM | #8 |
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No doubt it is a fast car. I don't like the look of the new C-class although the AMG treatment make it a little better. The Top gear comparison says it all for me - they almost couldn't keep the car on the track.
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