The journalists of the UIGA, the Italian association of motoring journalists, have voted the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG "Europe Tuning Car of the Year 2008". Scoring more than 30% of the votes, the C 63 AMG secured the award in its fifth year since it came into being. The award ceremony took place at the My Special Car Show, as the concluding event of a car market analysis symposium organised by Anfia, Unrae, Centro Studi Promotor, the University of Bologna and UIGA.
Available in saloon and estate versions, the top C-Class model is powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine. Developing a peak output of 336 kW/457 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm, the high-revving, naturally aspirated engine delivers unrivalled figures in this segment. The C 63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (estate 4.6 seconds); the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Power transmission is in the capable hands of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7GTRONIC. Equipped with AMG steering-wheel shift paddles and featuring three drive programs, the seven-speed automatic offers everything from a seriously sporty to a comfort-oriented driving style. The revving function when changing down is a completely new feature. In conjunction with the newly developed front axle, AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the new, 3-stage ESP?, the AMG sports suspension with 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels ensures both outstanding driving pleasure and exemplary driving dynamics. The AMG high-performance brake system with large-dimensioned internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all-round ensures flawless deceleration even during highly dynamic driving.
The AMG eight-cylinder top model differentiates itself from the production C-Class more than ever before. In addition to AMG bodystyling, characteristic brand features include the bonnet with power domes, the distinctive AMG radiator grille, flared front wings, the AMG rear apron with a black diffusor insert, the AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes and the AMG spoiler lip. The interior is dominated by the distinctive AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints, the AMG performance steering wheel in a threespoke design with a 365-mm rim diameter and a flattened lower section as well as the tubular-design AMG instrument cluster with its AMG main menu. The combination of expressive design, a decidedly sporty interior and superb everyday practicality makes the C 63 AMG a unique high-performance vehicle.
To coincide with the 40th birthday of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, the new C 63 AMG cuts a very self-assured figure. The V8 top model is already the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class. The family tree goes right back to the 1993 C 36 AMG - the very first vehicle to emerge from the cooperation between Daimler-Benz and AMG. But the first steps were taken six years before. The 190 E 3.2 AMG unveiled in 1987 marked the beginning of the successful career of the dynamic and exclusive mid-range model from Affalterbach.
