Geneva show: Mercedes throws C63 hand grenade

AN EVEN more potent version of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG will hit Australia in small numbers in the second half of 2013.

To be officially unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March, the C63 AMG Edition 507 will feature a tweaked version of the familiar hand-built 6.3-litre V8 producing 373kW of power (507 horsepower, hence the name) and 610Nm of torque.

This figure is 37kW and 10Nm more than the regular model and 15kW/10Nm greater than the special C63 Performance Package. However, it falls just short of the sold-out 380kW/620Nm C63 Black Series that was available in limited numbers in 2012.

Benz says the improvements come courtesy of a “technology transfer” from the SLS AMG supercar. Additions include forged pistons from the SLS, new connecting rods, a lightweight crankshaft and a new engine control system.

As a result, the Edition 507 sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds as a coupe and sedan – or 4.3 as a wagon – topping the regular version by two-tenths and taking bragging rights over the Performance Package by one-tenth.

By adding the AMG Driver’s Package, the electronically limited top-speed is lifted to 280km/h – perfect for autobahns but a tease in Australia.

The extra horsepower under the bonnet is tamed by more powerful lightweight composite brakes, including 360mm front discs and red callipers both front and rear.

Externally, the Edition 507 gets unique styling touches including the distinctive twin-nostril aluminium bonnet from the Black Series, cross-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels available in grey or matte black, subtle matte grey side strips, gloss-black spoiler and mirrors and darkened headlights.

Inside, the Edition 507 can be had with either ‘porcelain’ or black leather, an Alcantara AMG steering wheel (with 12 o’clock marking), red instrument cluster highlights and AMG badging on the automatic transmission shifter.

All Edition 507 buyers will get a voucher to attend a drive training session at the Australian AMG Driving Academy.

Mercedes-Benz Australia enjoyed enormous success with its AMG range in 2012, with the local market the sixth-largest in the world (number one in the southern hemisphere) and the single largest on a per-capita basis.

Last year, the company sold 1233 AMG vehicles, including 765 C63s. Benz sold a little more than 9000 C-Class sedans, wagons and coupes, meaning C63 (priced from $153,900 plus on-road costs) made up 8.5 per cent of all C-Class sales.