2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

The next version of the C63 AMG will drop the beastly 6.3-liter V-8 for a smaller, more powerful, and likely more efficient twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 making almost 30 more horsepower, bringing the total count to around 480.

Australia could be in line to get the fastest version of the next generation Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG thanks to a decision to build the all-wheel-drive version in right hand drive.

Australia currently misses out on AWD Mercedes passenger cars – called 4Matic in Benz-speak – because they are only made in left hand drive. That means our high performance E63, CLS 63 and upcoming S 63 have slightly slower acceleration figure thanks to a relative lack of traction from their two-wheel-drive transmissions.

Now a shift in Mercedes-Benz model development strategy means that if features such as AWD are fitted to a particular model, that feature will apply to all markets.

According to Mercedes’ head of research and development, Dr Thomas Webber, the previous strategy was to launch a large number of engine and transmission variants with a new car, then tailor individual market requirements and stagger launches in different markets accordingly.

“Now our strategy is [to build cars] as fast as possible for all markets, including right hand drives markets, as fast as possible all wheel drive, but maybe with restrictions on the drivetrain side,” he said.

“The decision was made some years ago for a full roll-out [of AWD and RHD] beginning with the new upcoming C-Class next year.”

The new C-Class is due in Australia later in 2014 with the AMG version coming soon after. Mercedes-Benz spokesman David McCarthy said the company would look at importing the C 63 AMG.

“The only thing is that it would have to be either all 2WD versions, or all AWD versions, so we would have to make that decision,” he said.

In markets where customers have the option between rear and AWD AMG sedans (not counting the range of performance SUVs) the take-up rate of AWD is more than 80 per cent, according to AMG.

The latest E63 sedan gives a clue as to what difference AWD makes to the twin-turbo V8-powered sedan’s rate of acceleration, and how that would translate to the smaller C 63.

The E63 4Matic will hit 100km/h from standstill in 3.6 seconds, while the Australian RWD version takes a relatively sluggish 4.1 seconds.

The C63 will have a less powerful engine than the 430kW, 5.5-litre turbo V8 in the S version of the E63 sold in Australia, but it remains to be seen whether it will retain its current non-turbo 6.2-litre V8, which Mercedes refers to as a 6.3-litre.

According to Dr Weber, the writing is on the wall for the brawny but thirsty larger engine.

“The 6.3 naturally aspirated engine will run out, because although it’s powerful and the sound is perfect, but fuel economy-wise its time will come to an end,” he said

“With its huge 6.3-litre volume it’s clear the name of the game on the AMG side will be downsizing. They will go into turbocharged engines, the displacement will be smaller driven by regulators.”

AMG boss Ola Kallenius agreed the naturally aspirated engine’s days were numbered, but would not confirm it would be replaced by a smaller turbocharged V8 in the upcoming C-Class.

AMG is developing a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for the SLS Gullwing replacement, which has begun testing under the codename C190 and is being targeted as a direct rival for the Porsche 911. Whether this engine will be reserved the SLC sports coupe or could make power the C63 AMG is yet to be confirmed.

“It will happen, for technical reasons in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions,” he said.

As we move on in the next five, six, seven, eight years if we want to keep on upping performance while drastically improving fuel efficiency and meet the extremely strict emissions laws, the technical road is downsizing, turbocharging or other charging systems and very sophisticated injection systems that give you superior thermodynamics.”

And while AMG has branched out into four cylinder technology in the 2.0-litre, 265kW A45 and CLA 45, the good news is the C-Class is unlikely to get a version of Mercedes’ twin-turbo V6 in the near future, but will stick with a V8.

“At this point my official position is we don’t have a six cylinder engine in development,” Mr Kallenius said.

According to Dr Weber though, the future for AMG could well involve a hybrid petrol-electric powertrain to go with capacity downsizing, forced induction and cylinder shut-off technology.

“The key question is how fast we will see hybrids or something like this, but as you know we do hybridization on the highest possible level on the formula one side, so why not do these kind of technologies at later times also in super-powered cars,” he said.

Power will still be sent to the rear wheels, though through a traditional automatic transmission and not the 7-speed dual-clutch techno-box in the current C63 AMG . The automaker cites lower costs and a lack of consumer demand for the switch, a Mercedes source told Leftlane News.

The new turbocharged powertrain helps poise the C63 directly against the BMW M3 and M4 pair. Upping the ante even further, Mercedes continued spilling the beans to Leftlane about a range-topping S version that will come with more power, upgraded brakes, and unique visual attributes.

The report continues, indicating the C63 will be offered as a sedan, coupe, convertible, and even a wagon. Of course, the AMG version of each will include performance add-ons, bespoke wheels, stickier rubber, and a sport suspension with a lowered stance. A performance-oriented cabin with heavily bolstered seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and an AMG-specific instrument cluster will likely be present as well.

We’re expecting the C63 AMG to make its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show this October with sales beginning the last quarter of 2015 as a 2016 model.