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Looking Ahead: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe

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AMG C63 Coupe

At the Frankfurt International Motor Show next month, count on a number of eye-catching new models making global debuts. One of the most anticipated and visually appealing vehicles will come from the host country, Germany, as Daimler unveils the sinewy 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.

Dubbed by the manufacturer as “the sportiest C-Class ever,” the new coupe does what every product from Mercedes-AMG does best: advance the latest technical features while lifting design and performance benchmarks.

C63 and C63 S Coupes

Available in standard and S Coupe models, the snazzy coupe is powered by a 4.0-liter, V-8 bi-turbo engine with 469 standard horsepower and 503 horsepower in the S Coupe. The engine is the workmanship of the AMG engine plant in Affalterbach. AMG also contributes the rear-axle limited-slip differentials, the engine mounts, the ride control system with electronically controlled shock absorbers, and the dynamic select transmission modes.

Mercedes-AMG will premier the C63 Coupe on September 15, 2015, in Frankfurt. US dealers will begin receiving the new model by early summer 2016.

AMG C63 Coupe

An Exceptional C63 Coupe

Much about the Mercedes-AMG model is different from the standard Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. Indeed, only the doors, roof and trunk are the same, while the rest of the body is unique to the C63 Coupe. Notably, an increased track width required changes to the front and rear axles, affecting everything from the front end to the rear assembly. Moreover, new front and rear fenders, and wider, flared wheels are also evident.

The aluminum hood measures 2.36 inches longer and is marked by a pair of power domes, what advances this model’s muscular countenance. Large air inlets, a twin blade grille with AMG lettering, and a three-dimensional front spoiler that does double duty as an air deflector for the three cooling air inlets are also present. The front splitter, set at the bottom of the front apron, is tasked with reducing front-axle lift.

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Large wheels enhance the coupe’s profile, which finish flush with the body on the far outside and standout side skirts. Distinctive character lines run from the headlamps to the tail lights; a second set of profile lines sweep up from the rocker panel. The roofline suggests a coupe always in motion with the narrowest of B pillars present.

To the rear, a pair of chrome-plated twin tailpipes are mingled with the diffuser. Rear airflow is managed by means of laterally optimized optical air outlet openings. Even the trunk lid has been specially designed to incorporate a spoiler lip that is both stylish and functional. Specifically, it is tasked with reducing rear-axle lift.

AMG C63 Coupe

AMG Motoring Heritage

The 2017 C63 Coupe features an interior that Mercedes says is composed of only the finest high-grade materials. To advance the coupe’s motoring heritage, numerous AMG-specific controls are present. Available performance seats provide a lower seating position and come with more generously formed bolsters in a bid to enhance lateral support.

The C63 Coupe accelerates from 0-to-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and in 3.8 seconds with the S Coupe. Wider tires and shorter-legged rear-axle ratios give this model a slight performance edge over the sedan.

Mercedes-AMG pairs the biturbo engine with a 7-speed sport automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The AMG Speedshift MCT transmission is designed to execute upshifts and downshifts faster than the previous model. Four different transmission modes are present; the S Coupe gains an additional “Race” mode.

AMG C63 Coupe

Suspension Changes and New Differentials

Changes to the suspension system equipment and geometry include a four-link front suspension with radial, racing-style brake connections with proprietary steering knuckles and a wider track, to provide greater lateral acceleration.

A newly redesigned rear axle advances a multi-link concept with the wheel bearing contact surfaces shifted slightly to the outside when compared with the sedan. Camber and tuning changes were also accomplished.

The C63 Coupe is outfitted with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential; the S Coupe has the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Both differentials act to reduce slippage on the inside wheel when cornering without activating the control interventions from the braking system.

Better handling, increased stability and a more satisfying driving experience are among the positive results evident.

AMG C63 Coupe

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Photos copyright Mercedes-AMG.

Maybach Returns in the Guise of a Mercedes S-Class

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2016 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

This April, Maybach makes its return…as a Mercedes.

Maybach is the quintessential Mercedes-Benz brand, a Daimler marque founded in 1909. The brand disappeared for five decades following the cessation of World War II, then enjoyed a 15-year revival as a collection of luxuriant models were presented. In 2012, Daimler canceled the brand, citing declining sales.

Well, Maybach’s demise has now led to its resurrection. Indeed, come the 2016 model year, the pinnacle of Daimler brands will reappear, even if that restoration comes in the guise of a sub-brand to Mercedes-Benz.

2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600

Last week, Daimler announced pricing for what will officially be known as the Mercedes-Maybach S600, with the Benz name nowhere to be found. The new model will occupy the top of the S600 range, carry a sticker price of $189,350, and go on sale in April.

The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 made its world premiere at auto shows in Guangzhou and Los Angeles, a fitting joint introduction as the sedan should find a sufficient source of customers in China as well as in the United States.

Spacious, Sumptuous and Chic

Exclusivity is the operative word for the Mercedes-Maybach, what will blend the excellence of the S-Class with the singularity of the Maybach. The differences between models may seem subtle at first, but is best evidenced by looking at its profile. There, the rear doors have been shortened by 2.6 inches, to give it the appearance of a seamless fusion into the sedan’s overall architecture.

Those doors are absent the triangular window found in other models. Instead, it has been relocated to the rear pillar. Mercedes says that the modification was accomplished with an eye toward increasing privacy as well as exclusivity. Further, the stylized Maybach Manufaktur logo – representing a double M inside of an arched triangle – bedecks the rear pillars on both sides.

In the cabin, the Maybach edition provides passengers with what is described as “lounge-style, modern luxury.” The designers outfitted this sedan with a purpose, bringing in a host of refined materials and stylish controls, advancing an atmosphere that is at once sensual as it is opulent.

To bolster the sedan’s exclusivity, the front center armrests are covered with choice Nappa leather or an available semi-aniline upholstery feature embossed with Maybach crests. On the dashboard sits an analog clock with an IWC design.

Additional embellishments include hand-stitched door trim, wood/chrome and leather trim, ambient lighting on the side of the armrest, and additional rear space — gained by extending the sedan’s wheelbase by 7.9 inches. For the customer’s maximum acoustic pleasure, a Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system is included.

Biturbo Power Extraordinaire

Under the hood, the Maybach is powered by a 6-liter, V-12 Biturbo gasoline engine making 523 horsepower at 4,900 to 5,300 rpm and 612 foot-pounds of torque at 1,900 to 4,000 rpm. That beefy engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The sedan has an estimated 0 to 60 mph time of exactly five seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

The Maybach edition will have all the features of the S-Class and then some. A standard air-balance package provides fragrancing, ionization and improved filtration. This model also comes equipped with a pair of prime, silver-plated champagne flutes made for the onboard bar by Robbe & Berking, silversmiths in Flensburg, Germany.

Other standard equipment will include: a panoramic sliding sunroof, small roller sun blinds for the triangular windows, electric roller sun blinds in the rear door, a business console and leather options. A range of proprietary finishes will also be offered.

S-Class, Halo Edition

Few of us can afford the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the top-of-the-range Maybach, what will raise the model line’s exclusivity further. Therefore, annual sales will probably number in the low hundreds, effectively maintaining this halo model’s scarcity.

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Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.