Just_me

STUTTGART, Germany — When Mercedes-Benz pulls the wraps off its redesigned C-Class sedan at next spring's Geneva Motor Show, don't be surprised to see a special edition on the company's stand: a new C63 AMG, powered by a 6.2-liter V8 delivering upward of 450 horsepower.

U.S. enthusiasts can only hope the new AMG-massaged C-Class will come to the States. The most potent C-Class model currently sold here is the 2006 C55 AMG, which features a 362-hp 5.4-liter V8.

Inside Line has learned from company sources that the C63 AMG should be able to outgun the 420-hp Audi RS4 as well as the upcoming BMW M3, which is rumored to deliver 415 to 420 hp. That should give the hotter C-Class a clear edge in the power sweepstakes.

The car will look the part of a compact muscle car too, promises Mario Spitzner, AMG director of marketing and sales/branding.

"It would be sportier and more crisp in the future," he said. But don't expect full-on German Touring Car regalia. "The world doesn't need two M3s," Spitzner said.

That likely means the C63 will remain understated compared to its Munich rival, with ride and handling that are suitably refined for the three-pointed star.

"If you drive our cars over long stretches, you don't get out of them with a backache," Spitzner said.

That means not only comfortable seats, but a smoother ride and steering that emphasizes stability. "It should tell me what it is doing, but it should not scream at me," Spitzner said.

A C63 AMG wagon variant is promised as well, but not before model-year 2009. The standard C-Class, in addition to all-new sheet metal and an upgraded cabin, will continue to offer 4Matic and a choice of gas and diesel power plants to customers on both sides of the Atlantic. The first cars should reach U.S. dealers in fall 2007.

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The Artist

wow gr8 article just what i expected..
besides some shockers..like the unveiling at geneva..thats like before the M3--haha
ohh and the 450hp..

Bruce

Can't wait for this little hot road saloon. The current C55 is a car i very much like, this will take it to a new level. Thanks for the information Just_me

siko

I am fully expecting the C AMG to be more potent that the RS4/E9x M3... but that doesn't mean it'll be more performant.

cawimmer430

Excellent information indeed.

I have high hopes for the new C-Class. It will definitely be sportier, but at the same time stick to traditional MB values and thus satisfy traditional clients as well as attract newer ones.

PC Valkyrie

hmmmm......this basically is saying that the new C-AMG car will likely outpower the competition (which has been the trend in recent history), BUT it will NOT aim to be as hardcore/focussed as the M3, meaning there will be a bias towards a slightly more comfortable ride.

Of course, this means the C-AMG car will likely once again be 2nd rate from a driving dynamics point of view (which it always has been in recent history). The C55 was the first time a C-AMG car had driving dynamics which came close to the M3. I guess they don't want to get any closer.

Some things never seem to change......I guess MB feels this is a better position to take rather than take on the M3 head on.

cawimmer430

For most people, the C63 AMG will probably drive hardcore enough. You have to remember that even most AMG owners still want a Mercedes that is simply faster and better handling than the standard models, yet also comfortable.

Imhotep Evil

Positioning will be the key tough.

The C55 AMG as a M3 and/or S4/RS4 head to head competitor ended up in being left on dealer show-rooms were it was marketed as such. This coming form people who work at MB dealerships.

Centurion

I beleive the C63 won't be near as hardcore as the RS4 or the coming M3. MB builds luxury cars and luxury refers back to the word comfort. Comfort is exactly what people expect when they buy a MB, even a high performing one. Hopefully MB will give us a C63 black edition or something similar.

Merc1

True. I think they'll go with incremental changes as they have with the latest AMG models. A little more steering feel, body control and finesse along with a huge increase in power over the C55. A manual for the SLK63 and C63 would be nice, but ah...

M