CLUBLINE CHICAGO |37

flash&muscle

New C 63 CombiNes power with luxury featuresthe merCedes-beNz C 63 amG, a CoNCept Car sCheduled to beGiN

produCtioN iN 2008, is a speedster’s dream, pairiNG a stylish, seduC-tive aNd sporty desiGN with a hiGh-performaNCe raCiNG eNGiNe.

By Danny Manson

Driver’s Edge

CLUBLINE CHICAGO

The C 63’s sleek body features Mercedes-Benz’s trademark three-rib grille, a chiseled front apron, side sills and a subtle rear lip spoiler, playing the part of a luxury coupe well. The design is similar in nature to the CLS63, with a few unique

differences in body style. Inside is where the race car comes out to play. The AMG-built 6.3 liter V-8 engine brings an astonishing 450 horsepower, going from zero to 60 in about 4.5 seconds. The AMG-enhanced transmission is a seven-speed automatic with AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT programming, as well as manual-mode shift paddles. SPEEDSHIFT is an electronically controlled shifting mechanism that adjusts the car’s shift points to the driver’s current driving style. For more control, the automatic can be overridden by using the manual shift paddles or by nudging the shifter left or right while in drive. The C 63 is one of Mercedes’ most visually appealing cars as well. The front end is a pairing of the traditional Mercedes silver grille with three chrome ribs, and an AMG-inspired front apron with mesh intake. The car’s side sills and rear apron are racing inspired as well, and the C 63 features an AMG dual-exhaust system with four polished chrome tips. The car has front and rear fog lamps, and the heated rear window and front windshield wipers adjust automatically to temperature, rainfall, and driving speed. Another hallmark automation feature is the dual heated power mirrors, whose positions are linked to the driver’s seat memory. This allows multiple drivers – if one is so inclined to let their spouse, child or another lucky individual drive their coveted C 63 – to set their own seat and mirror position settings and have the car automatically adjust to each driver’s preferences. Inside, the C 63 offers all the luxury features one would expect from a Mercedes. The multifunction steering wheel provides convenient controls for audio and Bluetooth phone functions, as well as the controls for the multifunction display. The telescoping steering column is also linked to the driver’s seat memory system and can automatically rise to allow for an easy exit. Four-zone climate control offers dual temperature controls in the front and rear of the car, and the system is equipped with an electrostatic dust and pollen filter. The C 63 features sensors throughout the interior, allowing for automatic comfort adjustments for everything from direct sunlight to humidity and over drying. The C 63’s command center is unrivaled for integrating audio, navigation and communication features. The whole

2008 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMGEngine: AMG-built 6.3 liter V-8Horsepower: 450 horsepower0-60 performance: 4.5 seconds

package is centered around Mercedes’ COMAND Cockpit Management and Data system. In addition to the traditional onscreen GPS, COMAND uses satellite tracking and a cellular link to provide 24-hour emergency roadside assistance or information. The system also automatically senses a collision and sends help, can trace a stolen vehicle, and can remotely unlock doors. Audiophiles will rejoice at the system’s Harman Kardon Logic 7 digital surround sound system. Finally, the C 63 offers 10-way power-adjustable front seats, each with three-position memory. The driver’s seat memory, which includes the mirror and steering column positions, can be linked to Mercedes’ Smart-Key user recognition system, which enables the car to recognize who is driving it based on the key used to start it. The interior features wood trim, and the leather seats, steering wheel and shifter are accented with premium AMG styling. The C 63 AMG will certainly not come cheap. For those who want to take the plunge, however, the car will offer a tight combination of sport and comfort, and without a doubt will be one of the best performance vehicles on the market.

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