Hong Kong Witnesses First Aston Martin One-77 Crash

2013 Volkswagen CC Gets Sporty R-Line Trim

Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix Weather Forecast
Sarrazin Gains Final Seat For Toyota Racing At Le Mans

Indy 500 Carb Day Practice To Franchitti; Dixon Takes IZOD Pit...

Volkswagen Golf R Cabrio Patent Photos Revealed
2013 Cadillac XTS Configurator Launched

BMW Zagato Coupe Unveiled At Villa d'Este

New Firestone Indy Lights Formula For 2014

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Photos Leak

Keith Buglewicz

Contributing Writer

LATEST ARTICLE
Audi, BMW and Volvo Take Ward's Auto Interior Awards
We all go ga-ga over a car's sheetmetal when we first see it. But when you stop to think about it... Read More

N/ALEADERBOARD RANK
76ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
0COMMENTS POSTED

1,340 views Jan 28, 2011

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

HI-RES GALLERY: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class got a facelift for the 2012 model year, but now we're seeing what those changes mean for the high-horsepower AMG version. These images leaked onto the web, and Car and Driver is saying that they're not "product correct," meaning that the final version of the car will look slightly different.

No matter, it's still plenty to go on. Not surprisingly, the AMG version sports similar styling tweaks as the less enthusiastic models. The headlights, hood, front fenders, grille and bumper have all been revised, giving the car a cleaner and more modern look. Under the new aluminum hood is the same naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 engine, with output of 451 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque; a Development Package ups horsepower to 481, and removes the 155-mph speed limiter, allowing the C63 AMG to top out at 174 mph.

What's particularly newsworthy is the new transmission. The new C63 AMG will use the new seven-speed Speedshift MCT automatic. Instead of a torque converter, the new automatic uses a clutch pack, which AMG says makes for quicker and smoother shifts.

Personally, I'm a little torn on the engine choice. On one hand, the new twin-turbo V-8 that's in the CLS63 AMG puts out more power, which is rarely a bad thing. However, the big 6.2-liter V-8 has one of the most glorious engine sounds I've ever heard. Besides, it's not like the current car is slow or anything.

Official pics will be available as the Geneva show approaches in the beginning of March.