Latest C 63 AMG bona fide game changer

I remember the time I did a burnout in front of a large group of bikies in a smoking C 63 AMG. What a special car and what a crazy, irresponsible thing to do, but sometimes you just have to do these things -- am I right?. For many people, myself included, the C 63 AMG remains the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz experience. It just doesn't get any better than this, at least at a price that's within reach of mere mortals (cashed up ones anyway) Fast forward and Benz has just taken the wraps off a new C 63 that has all the makings of a game changer, a car with the most powerful production four cylinder engine in the world. And, you guessed it -- it's a hybrid. Yes, that's right. That stonking V8 that everyone loved so much, especially the sound -- is no more. But take heart because the new setup pumps out 500kW of power and 1020Nm of torque, can blast from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds -- and here's the best bit -- uses just 6.9L of fuel per 100km. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, but can be boosted to 270km/h as an option. The sound is also 'enhanced' via the car audio system. Until now, it's fair to say that AMG has been all about performance, but with the release of this car AMG demonstrates a change of thinking. that. "With the C 63 S E Performance, we are opening a new chapter in the history of our brand," says Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG, Philipp Schiemer. "Even 55 years after our company was founded, we at AMG continue to show the boldness and the will to realise the creative, to deliver something special." Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance brings technology developed in Formula 1 to the road. A two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle supports the 2.0-litre turbo engine that is mounted longitudinally at the front. Power delivery and torque build-up occur almost immediately. As in Formula 1, the electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while at the same time the electric drive pushes powerfully from a standstill. The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400 volts are AMG-exclusive, in-house developments. Agai, just like Formula 1, the battery is specifically designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The combined system pumps out 500kW of power, while combined maximum torque is 1020Nm. These are new benchmarks for C-Class. Oh, and here's the best bit. It can travel up to 13km (WLTP) under electric power alone, enough perhaps to get you from home to the motorway without waking up the neighbours. Other highlights of the new model series, being launched simultaneously as a sedan and wagon (a first for C 63), include a fully variable all-wheel drive system with a 'Drift' mode. Added to this is active rear axle steering as standard, another unique feature in this segment. "With its Performance hybrid drive and electrically assisted exhaust turbocharger, the new C 63 S E Performance is a technological masterpiece that takes a new approach," AMG's Chief Technical Officer Jochen Hermann said. "The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience. The immediate response of the electric drive at the rear axle, the rapid torque build-up as well as the fast power output and also draw of our battery are very special features. "Add to this the standard-fit rear axle steering and the fully variable all-wheel drive with Drift Mode - the new C 63 once again illustrates the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses." A new distinguishing feature and one that is exclusive to the C 63 S, is a low profile air outlet in the centre of the bonnet. And, for the first time on a Mercedes-AMG production model, an AMG emblem replaces the Mercedes star on the bonnet. Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance is expected to lob mid-2023, in sedan form only for Oz, with a price that will be somewhere north of the V8 it replaces -- putting it around the $180K mark.

Footnote: The bikies cheered by the way.