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The next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 ditches the previous twin-turbo V8 for a new hybrid unit promising a shocking performance with F1 tech inside.
Mercedes-AMG is set to introduce the next generation of the C63 high-performance sedan later this week. First, it was the C43 making its entrance with Mercedes-AMG's new hybrid engine system, and now the C63 is ready to come down the aisle with a similar plug-in hybrid engine that promises more power with a four-banger. While purists won't like the idea that Mercedes has adopted hybridization even for the high-performance sedans, all we can say is, "Time takes it all, whether you want it to or not."
However, Mercedes-AMG has tons of experience with its AMG Petronas F1 team, and they have found a decent replacement for V8s. The new AMG C63 will come equipped with a hybrid engine coupled with an electric turbocharger, which is designed to offer a 661 horsepower. Wonder how it works? Read Below.
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Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that the upcoming AMG C63 will feature the M139 2.0-liter handcrafted turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with best-in-class hybrid technologies.
The next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 features the M139 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine coupled with a 48-volt starter motor and an electric-gas turbocharged-a technology derived from the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar as well as technologies used by the brand's F1 team. With the 48-volt starter motor and the electric-gas turbocharger fitted into the engine, Mercedes-Benz has created the world’s most powerful four-cylinder powerhouse, capable of producing 464 horsepower. Furthermore, according to Mercedes, the electric turbocharger offers a spontaneous performance by eliminating turbo lag.
On top of these, the C63’s rear axle will come equipped with a 201-horsepower high-performance electric motor mated with a separate 2-speed automatic gearbox and a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. With the turbocharged engine, 48V electric starter motor, and electric gas turbocharger combined, the C63 will offer 661 horsepower and 553 foot-pounds of torque. This unit will be mated to the same 9-speed automatic gearbox, channeling power to all four wheels.
With the hybrid system, the new C63 should be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds making it as fast as the Porsche Panamera. In comparison, the new plug-in hybrid engine offers 158 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the previous model and 188 hp and 147 lb-ft less than the current-generation BMW M3.
With the hybrid engine making its way into the C63, the next generation C63 features all-wheel-drive system that uses an electric motor mounted at the rear axle. This ensures a perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution ratio. In addition, the four-cylinder engine weighs just 353 lbs compared to the 460-pound twin-turbo V8 in the previous model. However, the additional components for the hybrid system may offset, if not make the car heavier that before with the batteries and electric motor.
The upcoming C63’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system will come equipped with a rear-biased torque distribution system with four-wheel torque vectoring for better handling. The system will also come with Dynamic Select drive models and adaptive suspensions with an AMG Ride Control function. AMG may also equip the new C63 with larger and stronger brakes for more responsive braking performance. So, we expect it to offer supercar-like handling and sharp response.
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The next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 heavily differs from the previous generation, and it is the sportiest C-Class sedan to date. The AMG C63 is outfitted with an AMG-specific comprehensive body kit, which gives it a more aggressive and muscular appearance. The C63's overall body structure looks more aggressive than ever before. The face looks sharper with front air vents. The AMG Panamericana grille looks wider, and the dark black headlights give the front a distinct character.
The side exterior features a set of new fenders with faux vents, a set of new 11-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, and large ventilated disc brakes with red calipers.The rear exterior adds some elements as well. AMG has outfitted the C63 with a new bumper that features a more aggressive stance with a set of AMG-styled trapezoidal exhausts, large air dams, and a trunk-mounted spoiler.
The new performance sedan will be called the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance. Mercedes will debut the new four-door hybrid performance machine tomorrow on September 21. So stay tuned for more details.
Sourav hails from Siliguri, a city very close to the Himalayas in the northern part of West Bengal, India. Anything that has to do with wheels fascinates him. He has a soft spot for Lexus and BMW. He rides a Royal Enfield Thunderbird and is often seen with his group of friends in nearby hill stations. He also loves doing photography and making music. After working with CARHP and CAR INDIGO for more than 15 months, he joined HotCars to continue in automotive writing. He's currently crushing upon the Triumph Tiger 1200.