(continued from the previous page)
MCT 7-Speed Transmission
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports
transmission also plays a major role in the car's exemplary consumption figures.
In place of a conventional torque converter, the MCT uses a compact wet start-up
clutch. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG also features a ECO Stop/Start function
which is active in the Controlled Efficiency ("C") transmission mode and
switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle comes to a stop. The ECO
Stop/Start function can be activated or deactivated using the ECO button on the
center console. When in transmission mode "C", the vehicle will always start-off
in second gear. The system will also shift earlier and avoid high engine speeds.
The demand-driven fuel pump and generator use braking energy during deceleration
to further add to fuel economy.
Even with these improvements performance
is not compromised thanks to transmission modes "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus)
and "M" (Manual) which enhance the car's agility with shorter response times,
higher engine speeds and sharper gear changes to harness the full potential of
the new AMG V8 biturbo engine. In all three transmission modes, not only is the
ECO Stop/Start system deactivated but the engine management system partially
suppresses the cylinders at full load. This carefully managed interruption to
ignition and injection results in faster gear changes and an exhilarating
exhaust note - all aided by automatic rev-matching during shifts.
Sports Suspension and New Steering System
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63
AMG features the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with a specially designed
front axle: the track has been widened by 2.2 inches and includes independent
wheel carriers for increased negative camber at the front to improve grip during
performance driving. Further features include steel suspension struts on the
front axle and air suspension struts on the rear axle, with an automatic level
control system and an electronically controlled damping system, which
automatically adjusts the damping characteristics depending on driving
conditions and reduces body roll. All this combines to provide lightning-quick
adjustment between optimum driving comfort and the best possible agility. The
driver can switch between the three suspension modes of "Comfort", "Sport" and
"Sport plus" at the touch of a button.
The 2012 E63 AMG is also features
a new electromechanical AMG speedsensitive sports steering system with a more
direct ratio of 14:1 and variable power assistance that adapts according to the
suspension mode. The new steering provides extremely agile handling through
bends while also helping to reduce fuel consumption since the power assistance
system only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered.
In
addition to the 3-stage ESP system with Sport mode, the E63 AMG features the AMG
high-performance braking system with two-piece discs at the front.
An
even more powerful, 40 percent lighter AMG ceramic high-performance two-piece
braking system is available as a special order option. Optimum grip comes
courtesy of the new 19-inch AMG 10-spoke wheels with 255/35 R19 tires on the
front and 285/30 R19 at the rear. The "flowforming" production process already
used with the SLS AMG and the CLS63 AMG optimizes durability, while also
reducing weight by up to 1.76 lb per wheel.
Driving Assistance Systems
Numerous driver assistance systems in the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG help to
avoid traffic accidents or mitigate their severity, such as Active Blind Spot
Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver
if the short-range radar sensors detect a risk of collision should the vehicle
change lanes. If the driver ignores these warnings and comes dangerously close
to the vehicle in the next lane, Active Blind Spot Assist will intervene by
applying braking force to the rear wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle,
controlled through the 3-stage ESP system, a yaw movement is created which
corrects the car's path.
Active Lane Keeping Assist is also linked to the
3-stage ESP and activates when the driver inadvertently drifts over a solid line
to the right or left of a lane. In this case, Active Lane Keeping Assist brakes
the opposite rear wheel and prevents the vehicle from crossing the line. A
display on the instrument cluster warns the driver at the same time. If broken
lane markings are crossed, the system controls an electric pulse generator in
the steering wheel which generates vibrations for a short time - a discreet but
effective cue to countersteer immediately. Before the braking system intervenes,
the steering wheel always vibrates to provide a warning.
The 2012
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG with the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine goes on-sale
in the U.S. this Fall.
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications
