Think of the new C63 AMG as Mercedes' Beauty and the Beast, suggested product czar Joachim Schmidt.
Mercedes-Benz will roll out “at least” four new high-performance AMG models this coming year, the maker reported, giving the first of these a send-up at the 2011 New York Auto Show.
The new C63 AMG becomes the most powerful version of Mercedes’ “entry-level” model ever offered in the U.S. With its naturally-aspirated 6.3 liter V8, the compact luxury model will make a full 451 horsepower, announced global product chief Joachim Schmidt, and 443 horsepower.
The engine drives the rear wheels through a 7-speed Speedshift MCT transmission.
During a presentation at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, Schmidt made reference to a long-running play staged a mile north, on Broadway, dubbing the C63 AMG, “our own version of Beauty and the Beast.”
The C63 AMG's 6.3-liter V8 makes 451 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
Despite the bump in power and performance, Schmidt said the new C63 will deliver improved mileage, so figures weren’t immediately available.
What else is in store from AMG, the high-performance brand-within-a-brand? Schmidt would only point to one other model under development, the next-generation E63 AMG. That badge is a bit misleading because the midsize muscle car will migrate to a 5.5-liter biturbo V8.
The U.S. is by far the world’s biggest market for AMG offerings, accounting for half of its sales – and half of those, in turn, are distributed in Southern California.
(Mercedes will develop four different versions of the new A-Class minicar. Click Here for more.)