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.

2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Sedan

Specifications
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  • Model: 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Sedan
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The AMG C-Class

Recent years, and the introduction of the W204 C-class, gave Mercedes a big boost in terms of overall satisfaction for the customer. For the first time in many years, the C-class had a combination of classic Mercedes styling, luxurious interior appointments, on-par performance, and a level of quality not seen for a long time.

The most recent AMG C-Class model was a departure from previous versions in several aspects. It became a much more in your face experience with a combination of flashy styling cues, pulse pounding V8 power, and an interior with quality to match. You knew when a C63 AMG drove by you on the freeway, but the C55, C32, C43, and C36 AMG models failed to even be more than noticeable to the trained eye. We're not saying that those were bad cars, consider that the C43 was the first of any sports sedan in this segment to use a V8, but they did not excite enthusiasts like the purebred M3. The CLK63 Black Series utterly stunned the automotive world with its level of race car performance and no other manufacturer took a stab at defeating it, hopefully AMG plans on taking the C-Class to this level.

Exterior and Interior

Information is a bit scattered for this future model and we’re sure that’s just what Mercedes wants. The longer a manufacturer can keep a new model secret than the longer it will take for the competition to catch up. In this ultra competitive segment this type of secrecy is paramount, but the new Black Series has been spied with no camouflage in winter testing.

For the test mule, engineers have decided to use the old front fascia, but expect a new front end with integrated spoiler and F1 styling cues. The rear end will most likely receive the same treatment with a more aggressive diffuser and exits for a larger diameter quad exhaust system. In keeping with Black Series tradition the use of carbon fiber should be extensive and could include the hood, trunk lid, and mirrors.

The Power

The C63 uses a big and loud 6.2-liter V8, which is far more powerful than what you would get in the BMW M3->ke2366 and the Audi RS4->ke742. A power increase should be in the neighborhood of 29hp to a grand total of 510hp coming from this engine. This is likely subject to final tweaks and changes, but any car this size with 500hp should be a formidable competitor.

The torque curve is very impressive, as it ranges from 2000 to 6250 rpm, meaning that the driver always has more than 360 pound-feet on tap and it really shows. The haul to 62 mph takes 4.5 seconds according to Mercedes, but we imagine that it's more like 4.2 seconds.

A new seven-speed AMG automatic transmission with paddle shifting provides plenty of choice for driver comfort. The different modes are Sport Comfort and Manual. Gearshifts in Sport mode are around 30 percent faster than in Comfort, and no less than around 50 percent faster in Manual mode, according to Mercedes.

The vehicle has sensational handling dynamics thanks to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff configuration of the springs and shock absorbers makes for optimal road contact and low body movements when taking corners. That being said, it does make it rather hard, something we think will be amped up for the Black.

To stop this car there are ceramic disks along with a dual circuit system to ensure maximum brake performance.

There might be a few upgrades to the suspension and to the motor, but we'll have to wait and see.

When Will It Be Here

We should be seeing the Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Sedan sometime in 2011 coming in as a 2012 model.

The Competition

The two rivals to the C63 are the M3 and the RS4. That being said, a harder and more expensive Mercedes Black might take it above and beyond the other two German vehicles. Still, no matter what Merc does, the C-Class will always be compared to the BMW and the Audi.

Unlike the Merc, the M3 and the RS4 are handling machines. Their motors are much less powerful than the 6.2-liter V8 in the C63, but they will easily take the lead around the bends. The Audi steps up with all-wheel drive stability, while the BMW leads the charge with the best driving dynamics you'll ever see.