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Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the engine features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket-type cam followers (rather than rocker arms), and a variable intake manifold. Designed exclusively by AMG, the engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines.

Every new AMG engine is hand-assembled one at a time by expert technicians at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany and is bench-tested to ensure maximum performance. Mercedes-AMG follows a philosophy of "one man, one engine." This means that a single technician - identified by the signature plate affixed to the engine - is responsible for the complete assembly of an AMG high-performance engine from start to finish. With the utmost care, the craftsman installs each and every part - from the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons to the intake system.

A High-Performance Seven-Speed Transmission

This high-performance eight-cylinder engine has the perfect partner in the form of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed Automatic Transmission. Equipped with the AMG steering wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission allows a decidedly sporty or more comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver's preference. The different modes - "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed. Gearshifts in "S" mode are around 30 percent faster than in "C", and no less than around 50 percent faster in "M" mode.

18-inch AMG Light-Alloy Wheels

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is appropriately fitted with new, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey, these high-sheen wheels in size 8.0 x 18 and 8.5 x 18 are shod with wide-base tires in size 235/40 R18 (front) and 255/35 R18 (rear).

AMG High-Performance Braking System

Excellent stopping power for the C63 AMG is provided by large, internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes. Matched to its power and speed capability, the front brakes of the C63 AMG have a size of 14.2 inch discs with six-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are 13 inch discs with four-piston fixed calipers.

3-Stage ESP with Sport Function

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is the first AMG model to feature the new 3-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with a Sport function. The ESP button in the center console allows the driver to choose between three ESP modes; "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF."

While in ESP ON, briefly pressing the ESP key activates "ESP SPORT" mode. When it comes to high-performance driving style on private tracks, the ESP Sport mode considerably boosts driving enjoyment, with full control (traction and handling controls) always available for every driving situation. During Sport mode, the handling control allows a corresponding drift angle before intervening. As soon as the driver applies the brake, ESP is restored to its normal function. Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates "ESP OFF". There is no intervention to control the handling dynamics, and no reduction in engine torque - thus increasing driving enjoyment even further. "ESP OFF" should only be used by experienced drivers under controlled driving conditions. In this mode too, operating the brake pedal also restores all the normal functions of ESP.

AMG Performance Unleashed

The C63 AMG can achieve an electronically-limited top speed of 186 mph (155 mph on standard) when equipped with the P30 AMG Performance Package. Other features include an alcantara steering wheel, composite brakes, and a locking rear differential.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications