Mercedes C63 AMG 2012

This is the Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe Black Series, a £100k rival for Porsche’s 911 GT3, Maserati’s MC Stradale and BMW’s M3 GTS. The C63 Black has a more powerful 6.2-litre V8, unique motorsport-inspired suspension, and that Black Series badge isn’t just applied to any old hot rod Merc. There have been just three prior Black Series models, with a total of only 1170 having ever been built. Expectations are high, so read on for our first drive review of the Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe Black Series.

For those looking for even more power, the AMG Development Package ups output to 481 ponies by borrowing forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft from the SLS AMG’s engine. Torque remains unchanged. Mercedes claims the package will scoot the car to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds; in the real world, expect times in the high 3-second range.

A seven-speed automatic transmission dubbed the SPEEDSHIFT MCT utilizes a wet clutch pack in place of a traditional torque converter. The result is gear changes that can occur in just one tenth of a second in the transmission’s sportiest shift mode. The transmission features smooth rev-matching during downshifts and has a launch mode for stoplight racing; if drivers want to take control into their own hands, aluminum paddle shifters situated behind the wheel allow them to do just that.

The Electronic Stability Program offers a variety of settings. In “ESP ON” mode, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque. Briefly pressing the ESP key activates “ESP SPORT”. In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold. Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates “ESP OFF,” whereby there is no intervention.

Inside, the C63 AMG features the wide range of standard sybaritic comforts one would expect at it’s price point: A sunroof, 8-way adjustable power seats with a heating function, dual zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth audio streaming are all included.

So in other words, it’s AMG’s best ever car!