The new Mercedes-Benz C-class C63 AMG is entering the final stages of development ahead of an expected reveal at the LA motor show in November, as these latest spy pictures show.
Set to become the first model in the new C63 AMG range to go on sale, likely at the start of next year, the saloon will be followed by coupé, estate and convertible versions which are planned to join the range before the end of 2016. Our latest look at the new hot C-class show the changes which will mark out AMG variants from the standard car.
Larger lower central and side air intakes can be seen on this test mule, as well as changes to the side skirts. At the rear, a new boot-mounted lip spoiler gives the car a sportier stance, while new quadruple exhaust exits and a redesigned rear bumper should give the C63 AMG saloon a more muscular appearance. New AMG wheel designs can also be seen.
As with the other planned C63 AMG variants, power for the performance saloon will come from a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with close to 500bhp.
The new V8 engine replaces the current C63's naturally aspirated 6.2-litre petrol V8 unit, which puts out 451bhp in standard form. The direct-injection V8 engine, which should have around 480bhp available, plays a big part in AMG's future strategy, and shares its modular architecture with the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the A45 AMG.
The use of forced induction in the new C63 AMG is also expected to boost torque beyond the 443lb ft of today's car. Putting an end to the recent trend of offering AMG models in both rear and all-wheel-drive forms, the new C63 AMG will be offered in rear-wheel-drive guise only.
Read Autocar's first drive of the new Mercedes-Benz C-class.
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I hope you are all wrong in
So if the A45 AMG can give 355 bhp from half this lump...