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2011 Mercedes C63 AMG "Red Brown Arrow" by Modern Horsepower
Understanding why people sometimes think that what they have isn’t enough despite the evidence suggesting otherwise is a very tricky thing to figure out. But to each his own, and you just have to shrug your shoulders and accept it. This particular Mercedes C63 AMG is a perfect example of that. Already packing an impressive 451 horsepower, the owner of this C63 AMG, Keith Brantley, thought that he could get in touch with a tuning company and squeeze a little more juice on his high-powered Mercedes. So, he hooked up with Modern Horsepower and gave them specific instructions: give me more ponies to play with. The result, as you can expect, is arguably the fastest C63 AMG on the planet. Dubbed the “Red Brown Arrow”, MHP gave the C63 its very own Stage 3 CMR package, giving the vehicle’s naturally aspirated V8 engine an output of 652 horsepower and 595 lb/ft of torque. If you’re not doing the math, that’s an increase of over 200 horsepower and 152 lb/ft of torque. But that’s not the end of it. Continued after the jump. Full story 2014 Mercedes C-Class Convertible
 
Now that Mercedes has a sedan and a coupe version for the C-Class, anyone would expect to find a convertible staring at them in the near future. These people would absolutely be right, but the new convertible may contain a few differences compared to the current C-Class models. While the general design lines will remain the same, the C-Class Convertible model will not compete with the usual BMW 3-Series and Audi A5. Instead, Mercedes may be opting for a model that will be placed in a class below these competitors. This decision shouldn’t be too surprising considering the company has just brought the E-Class Convertible on the market and offering a similar model wouldn’t make good business sense. Following the usual trend lines, the C-Class Convertible will also get an AMG version, but while the entry level models will get a four-cylinder engine, the AMG version will use the same 5.5 biturbo V8 engine used in the CLS63 AMG. The only difference provided for the engine will be that power will be reduced to about 420 HP compared to the current 525 HP. Customers will also have the possibility of opting for a Performance Package that will increase the total output to about 450 HP. This will ensure a 0 to 60 mph sprint of about 5 seconds, while top speed will be limited to 155 mph. Expect to see the Mercedes C-Class Convertible on the streets at or a little before 2014. 1995 Mercedes C36 AMG
Believe it or not, once upon a time Mercedes was not producing more powerful and agile versions of its best sedans. AMG was a separate tuning company not exclusively owned by Mercedes Benz. They operated much the same as any other tuner, such as Brabus or Lorinser. Most automotive manufacturers dismiss the aftermarket world and few would ever market an aftermarket design through its own dealership network. The relationship between Mercedes and AMG was different and the two brothers from Großaspach, Germany were able to catch their biggest break in the early 1990s. Mercedes Benz realized that it needed to compete in the sports sedan market and its down right boring C280 model was just not enough when up against a BMW M3. The two companies soon signed a contract allowing AMG to use the extensive worldwide dealer network that was at Mercedes’ disposal to market and sell their cars. The first was to be called the C36 AMG. There is some debate as to what was actually the first AMG car, but this was certainly the first to be sold by Mercedes as an AMG model. Racing collaborations had taken place in previous years, but never sold to the public in this fashion. The C36 proved to be a success, even though many AMG enthusiasts may dismiss it. The car was more powerful than an M3 and the limited production run made it desirable to Mercedes buyers looking for a special vehicle. Production of the C36 stopped in 1998, but Mercedes would soon after take a controlling 51% share in AMG and begin using it as an exclusive tuning arm. Hit the jump for more details on 1995 C36 AMG. Full story 2011 Mercedes C63 AMG by Wimmer
You might as well change those two ’Ms’ with two ’Ns’ because the guys of Wimmer RST are unquestioned winners in our minds. As one of those tuning companies that take painstaking lengths in refining their past products, the German tuning firm went back to their prior program for the Mercedes C63 AMG and gave the Merc’s 6.3-liter V8 engine more pop under its hood. From their past project, which gave the car 580 horsepower from the standard 457 horsepower, Wimmer went back to the shops and re-tuned the engine, which now boasts of an output of 601 horsepower and 532 lb/ft of torque. That number translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 2.79kg/horsepower and a new top speed of 204 mph, up from the electronically limited 189 mph figure of the previous incarnation. The engine upgrade was made possible by the addition of of new modifications, including a sports camshaft, re-tinkered cylinder heads, a new optimized air intake, custom manifold catalytic converters, a sports air filter, and a new stainless steel exhaust system. Controlling the added power is a set of BBS CH-R alloy wheels (8.5 or 9.5 x 19 inches), wrapped in Dunlop tires, 235/35-19 at the front and 265/35-19 at the rear. According to Wimmer, all these modifications will cost the owner around €19,900, which is about $28,156 based on current exchange rates. Add that to the price of the Mercedes C63 AMG and you’re looking at an $85,000 investment. Hey, that’s the price of cool and apparently the price of a weird yellow, white, and black paint job. 2005 Mercedes C55 AMG
The AMG side of Mercedes Benz began as something completely different than it has grown into today. Essentially two Daimler engineers were sitting at home late at night and tinkering with various Mercedes models to make them faster and more powerful. These grease monkeys were eventually recognized by Mercedes and began to collaborate for racing and eventually production models. The first of these was a C36 model that sold in Europe. It was a fantastic car that packed 276hp, but AMG did not find real traction in the United States market until the introduction of the E55. For starters, the E-class was already a best-selling model for Mercedes and its combination of size, luxury, and price fell directly in the middle of the Mercedes demographic. When AMG began to tune this model, it was clear that a V8 would need to be used and the standard 5.0-liter from the E500 would be the starting point. After being completely bored out and reconfigured, the 5.4-liter legend was born. As competition in the entry-level segment began to heat up during the 1990s, Mercedes and AMG saw the opportunity to up the ante in the C-Class and include the same 5.4-liter V8. It was not the first time a V8 would be used in a C-Class, but the new platform introduced in 2005 gave engineers and designers the opportunity to create a model that would rival the other German brands. Hit the jump for more details on 2005 Mercedes C55 AMG. Full story
1998 Mercedes C43 AMG
In 1998, if you were growing out of your boy racer faze and becoming a man that was still looking for driving excitement to go with his morning coffee, then your options were slim. Entry level luxury sedans were still in their infancy and BMW had utter dominance in the segment. The E36 M3 models were the enthusiast’s weapon of choice and they also offered luxury coupled with everyday drivability. Other manufacturers such as Audi began to use displacement as their weapon of choice and the horsepower wars began. It started with each manufacturer utilizing the specialties of their in house tuning shops more and more, but it has progressed to epic proportions today. Consider that most of these small sedans have changed little in overall size and the “performance” models of the 1990s were powered by small and efficient engines pushing under or just above 300hp. Today, 300hp in a sports sedan would be laughed right off the autobahn by cars pushing at least 400hp with V8s or twin turbo V6s. Nonetheless, this was the beginning and Mercedes was poised to take things to a new level. A new engine had been developed for use in the ML, CLK, and S-class models as an entry-level V8. It was the 4.3-liter model that was coded 430 on the badges of the vehicles. Before it even made an appearance in those other models for standard duty, AMG was able to get their hands on it and make some major improvements. The beast that emerged would be forced into the C43 AMG in order to take on the other German brands. Hit the jump for more details on the 1998 Mercedes C43 AMG. Full story 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Sedan
Mercedes’ tuning arm, AMG, has been building some of the most radical Benz’s to ever hit the streets since it was fully acquired. The Black Series models were initially controversial and borderline insane. They had lost nearly every luxury aspect of the vehicles, but once enthusiasts got their hands on them they became instant classics. The Black Series is akin to a DTM racing model of the past - think CLK-DTM, typically with wide-body kits, improved suspension, and increased output. The Black Series has also come to mean lightweight and the extensive use of carbon fiber. AMG’s Black Series is like the special agent of the SIS, as it takes an already aggressive piece of kit and cranks it up a notch. The Black Division has already created three devilish machines, the SL, CLK, and the SLK AMG Black. Each of these vehicles is fast enough and hard enough to make your head spin and now, there might be a new one. In order for Mercedes to produce a Black Series car for the C-Class, they would have to ensure dominance over every other manufacturer. That means beating the mighty M3, which until this point Mercedes has failed to do with every iteration of the AMG C-Class and the C-class in general when compared to the 3-series. It seems like every time a new model comes out, Mercedes addresses the biggest flaw that has been found between the 3-series competition, but then lets us down in a different area. Hopefully with the help of a no-holds-barred AMG massaging, the little Merc will be able to call itself King. UPDATE 10/11/2011 : The future Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Sedan has been caught testing, revealing a more aggressive look with a big deep front spoiler and wider fenders. UPDATE 10/11/2011 : We have a new rendering for you today for the Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Sedan. We hope we enjoy it! Hit the jump to read more on the Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Sedan. Full story Mercedes will bring new concept and new AMG model to NY Auto Show
Mercedes has its slots filled for this year’s New York Auto Show, as the company will be unveiling the new C63 AMG Coupe, a new concept car, and another AMG model during the show. If we take previous marketing exploitations as a hint of the future, then expect to see the SLS AMG Roadster teased back in February in the Mercedes Super Bowl commercial on this roster as the second AMG model. As for the concept car, it will surely follow along the usual concept criteria, which involves previewing the company’s future technology. Alongside the three models making their world premieres, Mercedes will also be busy with another three models making their North American debuts: the Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster, C-Class Coupe, and C-Class will all be in attendance to strut their stuff for the American crew. Hang tight and we’ll bring more coverage of the event and news of Mercedes’ expected debuts as soon as we get it. 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Estate F1 Medical Car
After the political tensions in Bahrain caused the delay of the 2011 Formula One season, the world’s most prestigious racing series is finally set to turn on the green light at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. While the obvious attractions of the race are the Formula One race cars themselves, a few other tricked out vehicles are gearing up to make their services available for the 2011 season. Serving as the official medical car is the 2012 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Estate. Despite already serving the same role for the past three seasons, the C63 AMG Estate that will be used this year comes with a number of improvements, from a refreshed design, updated technology, and of course, a performance upgrade. All of these refreshments and upgrades still underlie the car’s official purpose out on the track for all the races of the 2011 Formula One season. It’s there to provide immediate medical assistance for any harrowing crashes and, while all of us are probably united in saying that we hope that we don’t ever get to see this car out on track, it’s always a good idea to have a car as capable as the C63 AMG Estate to be on-call when an accident - or worse, tragedy - strikes. Details on the Mercedes C63 AMG Estate F1 Medical Car after the jump. Full story 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
It has not been an easy life for the smallest Mercedes in the United States. It certainly hasn’t been as tough as the European A-Class, but the road to success for the C-Class has been paved with hardship and tough competition. In that very segment, buyers will find one the best vehicles ever produced, the BMW 3-Series. Here is a vehicle that has dominated the German sports saloon segment with strong sales and a driving experience that is second to none. If that wasn’t enough to damn the C-Class, Audi has brought along the A4, a strong 3-Series rival that offers up a brilliant interior and build quality that has stood the test of time. On top of all this, Mercedes has fallen behind in other areas as well. BMW offers their 3-Series in coupe form and Audi has the A5, but what does Mercedes offer? Well, until now, nothing, but that is all scheduled to change with the new C-Class Coupe. Update 01/07/2010: The first official images for the 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe have been leaked! Check them out in the gallery provided. Also a bit of interesting news; the Mercedes C-Class Black Series will use a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 570 HP and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque! Update 02/14/2011: Mercedes has finally revealed the official specs and details on the new C-Class Coupe that will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Hit the jump to read all about it and see the picture gallery for high res images. Updated 02/18/2011: After the first images and details were revealed just the other day, Mercedes has unveiled the first video of the new C-Class Coupe. The video shows the car both inside and out, illustrating its dynamic design, sporty appearance, and efficient engines. Enjoy! Updated 05/05/2011: Mercedes has unveiled a 10-minute movie in which the main star is the new C-Class Coupe. But noticing the car might be a challenge considering it is surrounded by beautiful young girls. Hit the jump to watch the video. UPDATE 09/21/11: We hardly thought of the Mercedes C-Class Coupe as a car being shackled by its own company, but the latest commercial featuring the aforementioned Merc seems to point in that direction. "More power, more style, less doors" was the overall theme of the ad. Certainly, we couldn’t argue with any of those claims, except that the car was already awesome to begin with. But if Mercedes felt the need to point it out, then more power to them. Check out the new C-Class Coupe commercial by clicking on the photo above. UPDATE 04/28/12: Mercedes has released a new promo - they’ve billed it as a "beauty" promo. Not sure why - of the C-Class Coupe. Check it out by clicking on the photo above. Hit the jump to read more about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. Full story | featured reviews:Mercedes C-Class latest reviews:
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