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2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: The “All Money Getters”
Let me be very clear here folks! The latest generation AMG C-Class is faster than the latest generation BMW M3. How about a 4.3 second zero to sixty time compared to 4.7 for the Bimmer. I didn’t want to believe it either. But after driving the vehicles back to back in similar settings on public roads and racetracks, I could offer no excuses. I also had to forfeit my pride and honor to Editor-in-Chief Brian Armstead who warned me of the C63’s magical powers before we headed to Paradise Valley, Arizona for the testing. Whatever dude!
In reality though, I’ve always respected what AMG means to the Mercedes brand. It’s always been more than just a name and big engine. It’s a marriage between a vehicle and its performance. Not only do you get the bride but also her family, friends and traditions. See, AMG was founded by a pair of German engineers some forty years ago who go by the names Hans-Werner Aufrecht (A) and Erhard Melcher (M), Aufrecht’s birthplace, Grossaspach, represents the “G” in AMG. The brand prides itself on the “one man, one engine” philosophy, meaning each AMG engine is hand-built by one master technician. The three-hour process ends with the tech’s name being immortalized with the engine forever by way of special nameplate engraving. Open the hood of your AMG to find your maker. The ending result for the C63 AMG is its vantage point: “twice as good, half as much,” as many top contenders in the performance division. Should I dare mention Porsche, Aston Martin, and Ferrari? And contrary to belief, the $54,625 (destination and delivery included) C63 is only the gateway vehicle into AMG’s performance society. If you want a Battleship then call up the CLK63 AMG Black Series with its F1 motorsports technology including an adjustable suspension, forged alloy wheels and carbon fiber body panels. However, only 400 happy customers will be dialing its number as AMG has limited production numbers for exclusivity purposes. If you want a Destroyer, then the 600 plus horses in the $200,000 CL63 AMG should do.
The heart of this fifth generation C-class AMG is a stealthy 6.3-liter, 32-Valve naturally-aspirated V8 with 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Its advanced AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS seven-speed transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters makes the hard work easy. Three driver-selectable operational modes are available: Sport, Comfort and Manual with each altering the attitude of the transmission’s performance. For example, in Manual mode shifts occur 50% faster than Comfort mode. Redline occurs at 7200 rpm.
AMG is known on the block as the “All Money Getter,” and there may be some truth to that with the AMG brand’s median household income of about $350,000. AMG has amassed a reputation for being as trendy and fashion setting as Dolce & Gabbana haute couture or the latest Swiss timepiece from Panerai. And yes, we called it a brand, because that’s where Mercedes is shifting the marketing efforts for this three pointed superstar.
For performance, the C63 AMG features an advanced Sport Suspension and a new 3-Stage ESP (Electric Stability Program) system with ESP ON, ESP SPORT and ESP OFF modes. We were able to evaluate this function during our hot laps at Firebird International Raceway. ESP Sport increases the drift angle before ESP kicks in to either spoil or save the day. In ESP OFF mode, there is no brake assist or engine torque reduction, so make sure your skills behind the wheel are up to par. Six piston front brakes and four piston rear make sure the vehicle slows just as quickly as it starts. But even with all of its technologies, the C63 AMG is no match for the BMW M3 when it comes to technology, dynamics, and performance. Indeed the AMG will walk the M3 down on a runway but that’s the only advantage it has. AMG does offer a performance package called “P30” which adds the AMG performance steering wheel, a compound brake system, performance suspension, limited slip differential and another $3,900.
For style points the C63’s front end is stretched and features a powerdome hood for its big V8, while massive air intakes provide ventilation. Bi-Xenon headlamps and LED rear lights, a rear spoiler, side skirts, a set of dual exhausts tips and 18” staggered alloys sets off the tone of the vehicle’s physique. The C63 AMG comes as a four-door; no coupe or convertible is offered at this time. The M3 can be had in all three variants.
Inside, the AMG’s adjustable seats hold you tight. Switch on the ignition and the 7” screen rises to occasion. Yet, I was not impressed with its COMAND Navigation since its guidance leaves open to much driver judgment. And its iPod connection is not up to speed. Once connected you should be able to fully control the unit via COMAND, but you can’t. Yet, the harman/kardon LOGIC7 audio system is good.
The C63 AMG is one of the most affordable luxury performance cars on the planet. The choice is yours. Worry about your fuel savings and the sad state of energy in this country or go circle some laps on the track faster than speeding bullets!
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