After months of leaks, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is finally official, complete with U.S. specs and imagery. Though European markets will also get a wagon, we'll only be getting the sedan from this latest release. The car will be shown officially at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

A coupe is also rumored, but remains, as yet, unannounced.

But on to the specs: as predicted, the C63 AMG keeps the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter (Mercedes/AMG insists on calling it a 6.3-liter) V-8 engine, rated at 451 horsepower base and 481 horsepower with the optional AMG Development Package.

Power from the potent V-8 is sent though the AMG SpeedShift MCT seven-speed transmission, which pairs a wet clutch with a traditional planetary gear layout, briding the gap between true dual-clutch transmissions and automatics. Four driving modes range from comfort to full manual, and a Race Start function provides for quick, minimal-slip launches. Gear changes are completed in just 100 milliseconds, and the transmission automatically rev-matches.

Acceleration is pegged at an official 4.4 seconds to 60 mph, and top speed is limited to 155 mph without the AMG Development Package. With it, top speed rises to 174 mph.

Aesthetic changes for 2012 include a new grille with a single cross bar, a new front fascia with a black lower crossmember/splitter, daytime running lights, single-vent side air outlets, new head light lenses, new five double-spoke AMG alloy wheels in titanium grey, shod in 235/45 and 255/35 18-inch tires. At the rear, a new bumper cover with integrated three-fin black diffusert finishes off the changes.

Inside, the 2012 C63 AMG sports a new dashboard design and integrated TFT display screen. Leather upholstery, aluminum trim, gloss piano black, and more are all found standard, and can be further customized if desired with Designo treatments.

Technologically, the 2012 C63 AMG also gets five new driver assistance systems: adaptive highbeam assist, attention assist, parktronic parking assistance, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot assist, each doing exactly what it sounds like. Mercedes' latest COMAND system is also fitted, including a 3D display for virtual city views.

Hit page two for the full list of standard and optional equipment.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Equipment List

February 01, 2011

Standard Equipment

Comfort/Convenience

Power sunroof with express open and close
Dual-zone automatic climate control with dust filter
8-way power front seats with lumbar support and Driver Memory
Heated Front Seats
Single disc CD/ MP3 /AM/ FM/ Weatherband radio
HD Radio*
iPod®/MP3 Media Interface
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Bluetooth Audio Streaming*
8-speaker sound system with auxiliary input, USB port
harman/kardon LOGIC7® Surround-Sound System
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
Central controller with 5.8" display*
Multifunction leather steering wheel*
4.5" color instrument cluster display*
Front and rear cupholders
Rain sensor
Integrated rear view mirror compass
Auto dimming mirrors
Integrated garage door opener
Tilt & telescoping steering column
Cruise control
Intermittent wipers
Power windows with express up and down
Automatic headlamps with twilight sensor & locator lighting
Trip computer
Split folding rear seats
Black Ash Wood Trim*
Performance/Handlin

451 (481**) Horsepower @ 6,500 RPM
443 lb-ft of Torque @ 5,000 RPM
Front suspension: 3-link independent strut-type with stabilizer bar
Rear suspension: Multi-link independent with stabilizer bar
18" Twin 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels*
235/40R18 (f) / 255/35 R18 (r) performance tires
Dual twin exhaust with chrome outlets
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-Speed MCT automatic transmission w/4 shift modes and Race Start function*
 

 

Safety/Security

ATTENTION ASSIST*
New vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty
24 hr. roadside assistance program
Owner information kit
Mercedes-Benz maintenance system
LED Daytime Running Lamps
LED Tail Lamps*
Steel-reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones
Front & rear outboard seatbelts with pre-tensioners & force limiters
Dual two stage front airbags
Side airbags mounted in front seat backrests
Head protection curtains
Dual front pelvic airbags
Drivers side knee airbag
Active front head restraints
4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Brake Assist System
3-stage AMG Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
LATCH-lower anchors and tethers for children
Antitheft alarm with engine immobilizer
SmartKey with panic button
Tire pressure monitoring system
First Aid Kit
Option Packages

Lighting Package ($ TBD)
Headlamp cleaning system
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
Adaptive Highbeam Assist*

Multimedia Package ($ TBD)
 

COMAND system with hard-drive navigation (40GB)
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
SIRIUS® real-time traffic service
In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
Gracenote® media database
10GB hard-drive with Music Register
Rearview Camera

Lane Tracking Package ($ TBD)
Blind Spot Assist
Lane Keeping Assist

Full Leather Seating Package ($ TBD)
Leather Upholstery
Power / Memory Front Seats

AMG Development Package ($ TBD)
Lightweight AMG forged pistons
Lightweight connecting rods
Revised crankshaft
Revised ECU
Speed Limit Raised to 174mph
30hp increase
AMG Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid Spoiler
Red Brake Calipers
Exclusive engine intake runners in Titanium Grey finish
AMG performance steering wheel with DINAMICA side grips
AMG high-performance braking system w/two-piece 14.2" front rotors
Stand Alone Options

Advanced Parking Guidance*
Rear Side Airbags
mbrace - in-vehicle services
Limited Slip Differential
Power Rear-Window Sunshade
Burl Walnut Wood Trim
Aluminum Trim
Carbon Fiber Trim
KEYLESS-GO
18" AMG 5-spoke Alloy Wheel
Paint

Black, Magnetite Black, Cuprite Brown, Mars Red, Arctic White, Iridium Silver,
 

Palladium Silver, Pearl Beige, Diamond White, Lunar Blue*
* = new for 2012 MY **=w/Development Package