Even though the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe hasn't been unveiled yet, as its official launch is expected at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show,->ke235 the model's 2017 AMG version has already started testing. A camouflaged, pre-production prototype was recently spotted near a Mercedes-Benz->ke187 testing center in Stuttgart, Germany.
Despite the heavy camouflage, most of the extra design features are easily distinguishable, and if my eyes don't deceive me you are looking at a pretty beefed-up C-Class,->ke1593 even compared to the C63 sedan. There is a touch of extra aggressiveness thanks to the lower suspension and the wider front fenders, while those with a keen eye can also check out the traditional, A-shaped, front bumper with larger air intakes, an oversized brake system with cross-drilled rotors, and a quad-tip exhaust system.
Oddly enough, the spied prototype features different front and rear wheels, with the front ones identical to those found on the Mercedes-AMG C63 S and Edition 1 models. At first glance, the rear wheel-and-tire combo seems slightly larger than on the C63 sedan, where 265/35 R19 is the largest option. Like the sedan, the 2017 C63 Coupe will come in two flavors initially, both powered by different versions of the same powerplant -- a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8 that is nearly identical to the one from the Mercedes-AMG GT.->ke4853 The "regular" model will deliver 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, while the C63 S Coupe will feature 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, both versions making it the most powerful coupe in its segment.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.
Why it matters
The 2017 C63 Coupe will arrive in a segment that was until recently dominated by the BMW M3->ke2366 Coupe, and is currently led by the BMW M4.->ke4183 Despite clearly outgunning the M4 in terms of power and at least straightline performance, the new AMG->ke8 model will also have to battle the likes of the Lexus RC F->ke4714 – which is less of a threat performance-wise – and the pretty potent 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, which features two fewer cylinders but almost as much horsepower as the "basic" C63. A new Audi RS5->ke2628 is still a long way from coming, so the aforementioned trio will be the main contenders in this highly disputed segment for a couple of years.
The ample amounts of both horsepower and torque will probably keep the C63 Coupe as tail-happy as its predecessor, but the improved AMG suspension and lower weight could transform it into the an M4-killer on the track as well – obviously, depending on the track.
2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe - Spy Shots
