Official Pictures And Specs: Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series

We revealed spy shots two weeks ago, but now Mercedes-Benz has officially released details of the most powerful C-Class ever — the C63 AMG Black Series.

Interestingly, the official pictures (below) show a car wearing the same licence plates as the one our spies spotted at the Paul Ricard race circuit, meaning we probably inadvertently gate crashed the photoshoot that Mercedes organised to bag these very shots!

The spec:

- 6,208cc V8 (this is what AMG refers to as the ’6.3′)
- 517bhp at 6,800rpm
- 457lb/ft at 500rpm (!!)
- 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds
- 155mph top speed (restricted)
- CO2 emission of 286g/km
- 23.3mpg combined cycle

Running through what makes the Black Series stand out, we find vents in the front apron improve cooling; and twin vents in the bonnet to help expel heat from the engine bay.  A black front splitter helps improve air flow to balance the car better at speed.

A new front axle sports an increased track, requiring the front wings be stretched outwards by 28mm (an inch) on each side.  A vent behind each front wheel arch adds to the aggressive look, with ’6.3′ badges leaving observers in no doubt as to what’s hiding within the front of the car.

Black strips on the side skirts are new.  Following the line to the back, the eagle eyed will note an increased rear track, with vented rear wings that are 42mm wider on each side.

The rear gets a new bumber with large diffuser which, like on the SLS AMG GT3 race car, juts proud of the apron.  Four squared chrome tailpipes hint at the cars intent.  The bootlid mounted lip spoiler is body coloured and the ‘Black Series’ badging is unique to this model.

The 19 inch wheels are forged alloy using the same process as for those on the SLS AMG, making them 11kg per wheel lighter than comparable rims.  They are finished with a high sheen titanium paint and shod with 255/35 and 285/30 tyres front and back respectively.

The engine has been reworked from the standard M156 AMG unit to find an extra 60bhp compared to the 457bhp of the regular C63 AMG.  Forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft all come from the SLS AMG.  A new ECU ensures the engine is mapped to make best use of the enhanced internals.  An uprated oil cooler using components from, again, the SLS AMG has a 50 per cent larger cooling area and is able to handle race track loads.  Like the standard C63 AMG, the engine is normally aspirated.  The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven speed sports transmission guides power to the rear wheels, with four different modes to ensure best power delivery regardless of whether the car is on road or track.

New coil-over suspension is fitted at both ends and the steering has been retuned for the Black Series.  Three stage ESP enables the driver to select just how much nannying they receive, while the brakes are also upgraded to help slow the faster car down — six piston fixed callipers grip 390mm discs at the front, while four  grab the 360mm rear discs.  All are vented.

The interior gets sports buckets seats, with the rear bench omitted, as is common with the hardcore Black Series cars.  A rotary switch that controls the tranmission modes sits on the centre console next to the ‘RACE START’ launch control button.

Two extra packages will be available to enable drivers to tune their cars further.  An AMG Track Package offers track biased tyres and additional rear axle cooling; while the AMG Aerodynamics Package will provide further carbon fibre aero add ons, an adjustable front splitter and larger fixed rear wing, to enhance downforce.

No pricing yet for the UK, but we’ve estimated before that it will be in excess of £100,000 with deliveries starting in early 2012.

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