Munich may have long abandoned the category (in general), but together with Ingolstadt, Stuttgart is keeping the super station wagon flame alive with a new generation of their C63 AMG Estate, captured here testing at the Nürburgring.
Two key features for the upcoming 2015 C63 AMG series are the downsized engine and lighter body.
In regards to the first, AMG is switching from a naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 to a spanking new 4.0-liter V8 boosted by a pair of turbochargers, which will also be used on the AMG GT supercar.
The new unit should hover well above the 450hp mark in base trim and exceed 500hp when it comes to the available performance packages and special (Black) edition models.
A seven-speed Speedshift automatic and rear-wheel drive will be offered as standard. A question mark remains on whether Mercedes will give buyers the choice of an all-wheel drive ‘4Matic’ drivetrain.
The regular W205 C-Class is about 100kg (220 pounds) lighter than the model it replaces, thanks to the new platform architecture that makes greater use of aluminum, as well as other measures; similar savings should be found in the C63 AMG too. Along with the more powerful engine, the new model promises to be even faster than its predecessor, which shoots to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds.
The new C63 AMG family will include the sedan, Estate, Coupe and possibly, a Convertible version as well.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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