A further highlight of the 2012 DTM season in addition to the spectacular new Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé will be the DTM Safety Car: right from the off, C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series will be providing the necessary safety for the world's most popular touring car series. With a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp), this two-seater is the most powerful C-Class of all time. The German Touring Car Masters (DTM) gets underway at the Hockenheimring on 29 April 2012. The Safety Car is deployed under the direction of the German Motorsport Association (DMSB), which is responsible for implementing safety measures, ensuring compliance with safety standards and discharging the attendant official sporting functions in accordance with the DTM rules. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car driven by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (44) is intended to ensure maximum safety for racing drivers, spectators and track marshals in case of dangerous situations, such as extreme weather conditions, accidents or other incidents. In response to a radio message from the race organisers, the Safety Car enters the track and leads the DTM field around the circuit until normal racing can be resumed. The most powerful C-Class of all time stands for spectacular design, technology transfer from the field of motorsport and driving dynamics of the very highest calibre. As such, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series only required modification to a few points of detail for deployment as the DTM Safety Car. The most striking feature distinguishing it from the series production version is the aerodynamically optimised light bar on the roof. Energy-efficient, fast-response LEDs in green and orange keep the DTM racing drivers informed of the current situation. - Green: the two central green lights on the front and rear are always active when the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series enters the field at the beginning of a Safety Car phase. Continuous green is the signal for all DTM drivers to overtake the Safety Car. - Orange: as soon as the Safety Car is in position in front of all DTM vehicles, the green LEDs are switched off and the orange LEDs are activated. The flashing orange lights at the outer ends of the light bar indicate that overtaking is absolutely prohibited.
- The stroboscope-like flashing LED lights on the front and rear remain active throughout the Safety Car phase. The license plate with Safety Car lettering which is illuminated by LEDs on the boot lid provides for better visibility in poor weather. Engine, power transmission, chassis, suspension and brake system corresponding to series production variant The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine corresponds to the series-production engine: with a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp) and maximum torque of 620 Newton metres it even tops the roughly 377 kW (500 hp) V8 engine in the Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé which is being used in the DTM. The high-speed naturally aspirated engine enables acceleration to 100 km/h from a standing start in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited). With the spectators at the race track and the TV audience in mind, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car is fitted with a modified AMG sports exhaust system. The special rear silencer guarantees a distinctive AMG V8 sound. Engine cooling, power transmission, chassis and suspension, brake system – these areas have been honed to perfection and did not require any modification. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with four drive programmes, double-declutching function and RACE START guarantees direct and fast gear-shifting. As is customary in motorsport and typical for a Black Series model, the AMG sports suspension is designed as a coil-over suspension. It covers a broad range of adjustment options for an individual race track set-up. The standard-fit AMG rear-axle differential lock with locking effect in acceleration and deceleration mode combines with the 3-stage ESP® for reliable traction. The AMG high-performance braking system featuring motorsport-tested compound brake disks at the front offers extremely short stopping distances and fade-resistant deceleration performance. Optional equipment from the AMG Performance Studio The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series DTM Safety Car is equipped with the AMG Track package, the AMG Aerodynamics package, the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package and forged AMG light-alloy wheels. The AMG Track package comprises active rear axle gear cooling and sports tyres. The radiator is positioned in front of the diffuser insert in the rear apron, where it effectively takes in the air stream. The specially developed Dunlop Sport Maxx Race sports tyres in size 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear are fitted on forged AMG wheels which are painted matt black with a high-sheen rim flange. The AMG Aerodynamics package includes so-called flics and a functionally designed genuine carbon-fibre front splitter on the front apron, plus a fixed carbon-fibre rear aerofoil with adjustable blade. All three components provide the vehicle with a sharper profile while optimising its aerodynamic balance. The AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package covers exterior mirror housings, the inserts in the side sill panels and a diffuser insert in genuine carbon fibre. All optional equipment items come from the AMG Performance Studio and are available ex-factory for every C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. Functional race-track atmosphere in the interior The interior also corresponds to the series production model, with a few exceptions. The two AMG sports bucket seats ensure optimum lateral support for driver and co-driver. In view of the intended deployment on the race track, four-point seat belts are used. Optimum control of the vehicle is guaranteed by the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA with flattened top and bottom rim sections and aluminium gearshift paddles. AMG carbon-fibre trim featuring the "AMG Black Series" logo underscores the functional race-track atmosphere. For communication with the race organisers, the Safety Car is equipped with a two-way radio system and TV monitor. The camera located next to the rear license plate provides the co-driver with a view of the DTM cars following the Safety Car. Under the monitor there are four buttons in blue, green, orange and silver for operating the light bar, the stroboscope-type flashing LED lights and the horn. DTM Safety Car provided by Mercedes-AMG since 2000 Mercedes-AMG has been providing the Safety Car ever since the beginning of the "new" DTM in 2000, alternating with Audi from race to race – and since 2012 with BMW also. In the Formula 1 World Championship, an SLS AMG is deployed as an Official F1 Safety-Car and a C 63 AMG Estate serves as an Official F1 Medical Car.
Mercedes-AMG is set to feature prominently in the 2012 Formula 1 season: the opening race in Melbourne, Australia (16 - 18 March 2012) will not only witness the debut of the newly christened MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 team, but also the return of the Official F1™ Safety Car and the Official F1™ Medical Car from Mercedes-AMG. The SLS AMG and C 63 AMG Estate ensure maximum safety in extreme conditions.
The gullwing model, with its characteristic roof lights and distinctive FIA and F1 logos on its aluminium body, has been deployed in the role of official Safety Car for Formula 1 since 2010. As soon as Race Control considers that the safe progress of the race may be impeded, it sends the SLS AMG out onto the track. "Poor weather conditions or accidents are the main reasons for deploying the Safety Car," according to Bernd Mayländer, driver of the Official F1™ Safety Car. "We remain on standby in the pits and receive the order to go out onto the track via radio. Then it's a case of leading the field safely around the circuit until the dangerous situation has been dealt with."
Bernd Mayländer has driven the Official F1™ Safety Car since 2000
The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) has entrusted the task of driving the Safety Car to 40 year-old racer Bernd Mayländer since 2000. When the Formula 1 calendar permits, Mayländer, a native of Schorndorf, Germany also works as an instructor for the AMG Driving Academy and attends selected events as a Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador. Mayländer's co-driver in the Safety Car is FIA associate Pete Tibbetts (45 years old, from Great Britain), who remains in permanent radio contact with Race Control. The SLS AMG Official F1™ Safety Car is also on call throughout the race weekend for the majority of the accompanying race series, such as the GP2 and GP3 Series and the Porsche Supercup.
A significant change in the 2012 season involves lapped vehicles during a Safety Car phase: they will be allowed to overtake the Safety Car after the Race Control has given the appropriate signal. By allowing them to gain their lap back, the natural race order of the cars will be restored, something which should allow for more equal opportunities when the race restarts.
Safety Car deployed twelve times in the 2011 Formula 1 season
In the 2011 Formula 1 season, the SLS AMG Official F1™ Safety Car was deployed twelve times, covering a total distance of 284.3 kilometres. At the Canadian Grand Prix in June 2011, there were no less than 5 Safety Car phases owing to extreme heavy rain and accidents. The SLS AMG covered some 32 laps, or 139.6 km, at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit – a greater percentage than ever before in the history of Formula 1. At the Monaco Grand Prix there were two Safety Car phases, while the Grands Prix in Belgium, Italy, Singapore, Japan and Korea each had just one Safety Car phase. The absolute record for the deployment of the Safety Car in a season stands at 21 outings, a figure which was reached in 2010. The total distance covered by the car during that season was 452.3 km.
Technology based on the standard SLS AMG
Over the past few years, the SLS AMG has proved itself to be an ideal Safety Car. According to Bernd Mayländer: "Its low kerb weight, low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution are combined with a powerful AMG V8 engine and dual clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement – for me, as a racing driver, the SLS AMG impresses with outstanding balance and excellent driveability, even in difficult weather conditions."
No technical changes have been made or weight-saving measures applied to the Official F1™ Safety Car. The engine, power train, suspension and braking system of the Safety Car are the same as those found in the standard production SLS AMG. The only exception is the newly developed exhaust – designed to provide an even more emotionally-charged sound experience, as a tribute to the Formula 1 fans both at the race track and those watching on TV.
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine achieves a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm, enabling the gullwing model to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Fast lap times are a matter of course for the Official F1™ Safety Car, otherwise the Formula 1 cars' tyres and brakes would cool down too quickly, while their engines could overheat.
Maximum driving dynamics thanks to a unique vehicle concept
The SLS AMG's outstanding driving dynamics come courtesy of its perfect sports car heritage: thanks to an aluminium spaceframe body, the Official F1™ Safety Car tips the scales at just 1620 kg (DIN kerb weight). And thanks again to the dry-sump lubrication system, a very low installation of the AMG V8 has been achieved, resulting in the vehicle's low centre of gravity. The installed position of the engine behind the front axle, and the transaxle arrangement of the transmission on the rear axle, have a positive effect on the weight distribution, which is 47/53 percent (front/rear). The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with dual-clutch technology enables short shifting times, while the integrated mechanical multi-disc differential lock, together with the 3-stage ESP®, ensures outstanding traction.
When it comes to the suspension, AMG has opted for an aluminium double-wishbone arrangement. Usually found in racing cars, this technology offers a number of benefits such as high cornering limits, precise turn-in ability, first-class agility and low mass inertia during fast changes in direction. Braking distances are minimised and resistance to fading is maximised, even when the vehicle is subject to typical race track loads, thanks to the high-performance AMG ceramic composite braking system. The SLS AMG also features weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels fitted with size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres.
Aerodynamically optimised roof light bar incorporating LED technology
The major distinguishing visual feature between the standard production SLS AMG and the Official F1™ Safety Car is the roof light bar. It boasts an aerodynamically efficient profile and sits on a carbon-fibre hood whose special shape ensures optimum airflow over the rear aerofoil, which pops up at speeds above 120 km/h. All of the bar's light functions are handled by LEDs which offer a fast response time and low power consumption.
- Green: the two centrally positioned green lights on the front and rear are lit up when the gullwing model joins the field at the start of a Safety Car phase. Permanent green is the signal for all Formula 1 drivers to overtake the Safety Car.
- Orange: as soon as the Safety Car has positioned itself in front of all of the Formula 1 racing cars, the green LEDs are switched off and the orange LEDs are switched on. The flashing orange lights on the outer ends of the bar indicate that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed.
The roof light bar also incorporates a TV camera, and a second camera located next to the rear number plate allows the driver and co-driver to keep an eye on the Formula 1 cars behind via a monitor in the cockpit. The special number plate on the rear, with "Safety Car" lettering and 700 green LEDs, provides additional safety in darkness or wet weather. Another important feature is the stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights. They are activated permanently and provide a general signalling function while the Safety Car is being deployed.
Interior featuring special communication tools
Just as with the exterior and the technology, the interior of the Safety Car is not much different from that of the standard production model. Anyone opening the gullwing doors will discover two AMG sports bucket seats with black leather upholstery. They are also available as an option for the standard SLS AMG and provide optimum lateral support. Six-point seat belts also ensure optimum safety for the vehicle's occupants.
On the right side of the AMG DRIVE UNIT there are four coloured buttons for controlling the various light functions, along with the signal horn, which for safety reasons is activated when the car is entering and leaving the pit lane. The centre console is also finished in carbon-fibre, as are other areas of interior trim. The AMG Performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara has a specially contoured grip area, a high-grade metal insert and a 370 mm-diameter rim with a flattened lower section. The seven gears of the dual-clutch transmission are changed using the two high-grade metal shift paddles.
Two central monitors in the cockpit are used to monitor the progress of the race. To the left and right of the lower monitor are the controls for the radio system, which allows Bernd Mayländer and Pete Tibbetts to communicate with Race Control as well as with each other. A second interior mirror lets the co-driver keep an eye on the Formula 1 cars behind. Meanwhile, the "Marshalling System" is integrated into the central display on the instrument cluster and in the lid of the glove compartment: here the driver and co-driver can see exactly the same signals as the Formula 1 drivers in their cockpits.
For instance, the various LEDs indicate when yellow or green flags are being waved. LEDs indicating the status of the roof light bar, along with an on-board camera angled towards Bernd Mayländer and Pete Tibbetts, are mounted at the front end of the dashboard.
C 63 AMG Estate is once again the Official F1™ Medical Car
To accompany the SLS AMG Official F1™ Safety Car in the 2012 season, Mercedes-AMG is once again also providing the Official F1™ Medical Car. As in the previous years from 2008 to 2011, the C 63 AMG Estate will be responsible for ensuring a rapid emergency response in the event of an accident. The Medical Car also follows the Formula 1 field during the initial lap, when the racing cars are still bunched extremely closely together during this critical phase of the race.
Just like the SLS AMG, the C 63 AMG Estate is ideally equipped to provide outstanding driving dynamics. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine includes the AMG Performance package and produces 358 kW (487 hp). The AMG engine specialists succeeded in achieving the extra 22 kW (30 hp) compared with the standard variant thanks to a technology transfer from the SLS AMG: the forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft have been adopted from the drive system of the gullwing model. The lower inertia of the components, which are three kilograms lighter, allows the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine to rev freely and respond with even more agility. Distinguishing features of the AMG Performance package include the variable intake manifold, which lurks beneath the bonnet in a titanium grey paint finish. Available as an optional extra for any C 63 AMG, it helps to accelerate the vehicle from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds (Estate: 4.5 s). The power of the Official F1™ Medical Car is transferred via the standard AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, with wet start-up clutch, four driving modes, a double-declutch and a RACE START function.
Outstanding driving dynamics are also ensured by the adjustable coil-over suspension, the AMG light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black with high-sheen rims and fitted with size 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres, the differential lock and the 3-stage ESP®. Maximum durability is provided by the optimised coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid cooling. Invisibly but unmistakably, the characteristic AMG V8 sound is emitted from the special rear silencers of the AMG sports exhaust system.
Visually, the Medical Car is similar to the Safety Car: the light bar on the roof, the FIA and F1‑logos, the stroboscopic LED lights at the front and rear, and the rear number plate illuminated with LEDs and with "Medical Car" lettering, differentiate the special Estate model from the standard production vehicle. To ensure the best possible airflow to the radiator, the AMG front apron also has larger intake openings and side air vents.
Plenty of space in the boot for emergency equipment
The Official F1™ Medical Car is driven by racing driver Alan van der Merwe (32 years old, from South Africa); his co-driver is the official FIA Grand Prix Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Hartstein (57 years old, from Belgium). Two assisting medical experts from a specially selected clinic near the race track sit in the rear. Four AMG sports bucket seats with six-point seat belts, two monitors integrated into the centre console for monitoring the race and a radio set for communicating with Race Control distinguish the interior of the Official F1™ Medical Car from that of the standard production C 63 AMG Estate. There is plenty of space for all of the emergency equipment – including a defibrillator and respiration apparatus – in the 485-litre luggage area of the C 63 AMG Estate.
AMG Performance Studio responsible for development
The development, track-testing and configuration of the two Official F1™ Safety Cars and the two Official F1™ Medical Cars – in both cases, there is one emergency vehicle and one replacement vehicle – are carried out by the specialists from the AMG Performance Studio in close collaboration with the test team for AMG overall vehicle development. This involves drawing on over 40 years of motorsport know-how, as well as a wealth of experience in the design of high-performance sports cars. Numerous test sessions were conducted on various race tracks in order to tune the suspension and verify all of the systems and components. Two highly-qualified AMG technicians are also on hand to take responsibility for the deployment of the Safety Car and Medical Car at all Formula 1 races in the 2012 season.
AMG has provided the Safety Cars and Medical Cars for 16 years
AMG has extensive experience in the design, development and deployment of the Official F1™ Safety Car and Official F1™ Medical Car. The Affalterbach-based company has been active in the top echelons of international motorsport since 1996.
All AMG Safety Cars at a glance
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202) from 1997: CLK 55 AMG (C 208) 2000: CL 55 AMG (C 215) from 2001: SL 55 AMG (R 230) 2003: CLK 55 AMG (C 209) from 2004: SLK 55 AMG (R 171) from 2006: CLK 63 AMG (C 209) from 2008: SL 63 AMG (R 230) since 2010: SLS AMG (C 197)
All AMG Medical Cars at a glance
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202) 1997: C 36 AMG (W 202); E 60 AMG (W 210) from 1998: C 55 AMG Estate (S 202) from 2001: C 32 AMG Estate (S 203) from 2004: C 55 AMG Estate (S 203) since 2008: C 63 AMG Estate (S 204)
As early as 1984, an AMG E-Class Coupé with a V8 engine was occasionally used as the Medical Car. The activities of Mercedes-AMG are also evidence of Mercedes-Benz's longstanding commitment to Formula 1.
In the summer of 2011, Mercedes-Benz presented the new C 63 AMG Coupé, a stand-alone, high-performance car that appeals to all the senses: unmistakable design is teamed up with a high-performance drive system and dynamic handling. The extensively upgraded C 63 AMG Coupé Austria Edition limited series model boasts exclusive equipment features. The first unit - displaying badge number 1 on the gear selector - recently celebrated the world premiere at the Vienna Auto Show 2012.
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the C 63 AMG Coupé Austria Edition has a maximum output of 336 kW (457 hp) and peak torque of 600 Nm, delivering powerful traction and first-class performance figures: the Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
The exclusive features of the C 63 AMG Coupé Austria Edition in detail:
· AMG light-alloy wheels in matt black with high gloss finish · Fire Opal, Diamond White or Black designo magno night exterior paint finish · designo leather in solid black colour with red contrasting stitching · Front seat head restraints with embossed AMG "apple logo" · Steering wheel in black Alcantara® and red leather with red contrasting stitching · Gear lever in black Alcantara® with numbered plaque Austria Edition · Instrument panel and door sill trim in black leather with red contrasting topstitching · Austria Edition badge on the dashboard · Entry strips illuminated in red · Aluminium trim
The new C 63 AMG Coupé Austria Edition can also be equipped with AMG Performance Package, thus emphasizing the great level of individual customization. Available as an option, this package offers a maximum output of 358 kW (487 hp) and improves acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h to 4.4 seconds, with technology transferred from the SLS AMG responsible for the 22 kW (30 hp) increase in output. The forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft adopted from the gull-wing model's high-tech drive system save three kilograms in weight. This reduces inertia and enhances the agility and responsiveness of the high-revving, eight-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine. Visually, the AMG Performance package can be identified by the variable intake manifold in titanium grey under the bonnet, the AMG high-performance braking system with composite front discs and red painted brake callipers all round, the carbon-fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid and the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather with an Alcantara® grip area.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission as standard
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission provides direct and dynamic power delivery. Rather than using a torque converter, it has a compact, wet start-off clutch which reduces the losses associated with conventional automatic transmission and thereby significantly lowers fuel consumption. The Controlled Efficiency "C" mode also plays a significant part in this. By providing earlier and more comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed and "soft" accelerator characteristics, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission helps the driver achieve better fuel economy figures.
At the same time, the power transmission, which is exclusive to Mercedes-AMG, excites with its high level of variability and scintillating dynamism: the “S”, “S+” and “M” transmission modes make the vehicle even more responsive and can be selected using the new rotary transmission switch familiar to many from the SLS AMG. Shorter gear shift intervals and higher engine revs assure the ultimate in emotional appeal. The double-declutching function is also activated in the “S”, “S+” and “M” modes, thereby further increasing driving enjoyment. The gear shifts take just 100 milliseconds in “S+” and “M” transmission modes. Using the RACE START function the driver can explore the vehicle's full acceleration capability.
Specific AMG sports suspension for great dynamism and ride comfort
It is not just the engine and power transmission which characterise the C 63 AMG Coupé's dynamic quality – the AMG sports suspension and AMG high-performance braking system are also key here. In contrast to the series production suspension system, the top-of-the-range AMG model has a specially designed three-link front suspension, reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension and a wider track all round. The stiffer elastokinematics, the autonomous axle kinematics with more negative all-round camber and stabilisers with a larger cross-section all give greater responsiveness and greater lateral acceleration. Selective damping with specially modified spring and damper rates optimises both the response characteristics of the springs as well as the ride comfort.
The AMG sports speed-sensitive power steering with direct steering ratio (13.5 : 1) gives excellent road surface contact and makes a significant contribution to the vehicle’s direct, responsive handling. This is complemented perfectly by 3-stage ESP Ò : the Electronic Stability Program gives three individual control strategies at the touch of a button: the ESP Ò button in the centre console allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT HANDLING MODE” and “ESP OFF”. The AMG high-performance brake system has internally ventilated and perforated brake discs on all wheels: it is characterised by outstanding responsiveness, short stopping distances and excellent fatigue strength.
High level of safety and new assistance systems
With seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats, the C 63 AMG Coupé has extensive safety features. The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds in the event of an accident, include front airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag on the driver's side, sidebags, pelvisbags and windowbags for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. The side protection system – comprising headbag and sidebag – optimises the level of protection afforded to individual parts of the body.
With numerous driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, the C 63 AMG Coupé provides a comprehensive level of driver support and protection. The assistance systems are familiar from the flagship S-Class and the trendsetting CLS, and are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology. They cover frequent accident causes such as driving too closely, fatigue and darkness.
Brilliant news for Mercedes-AMG: their new C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is a seriously fast machine that stands out of the crowd following the successful test lap carried out (by individuals, not officials) on the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. The coupe managed to complete the entire track in precisely 7 minutes and 46 seconds, which puts it between the Porsche 911 Carrera S that posted a time of 7:44 and the BMW M3 GTS which was two seconds slower, scoring 7:48. Compared to the standard C 63 AMG Coupe, which nearly missed the 8:00 barrier by just a second, the Black Series version is from another league.
Being the driver of a powerful safety or medical car in Formula 1 can easily be considered one of the best jobs on Earth. Prepping for an upcoming grand prix is always essential as it helps you stay permanently focused to the racing action and react quickly in case of an emergency situation. The drivers spend good times completing numerous laps around the circuit before the main F1 events during the weekend, thus creating and evaluating several scenario they could encounter. Watching them running fast through the corners is always a pleasurable sight - a fan actually recorded a practice session taking course on the Monza track in Italy, which we reveal above, focusing on the C 63 AMG T-Modell Medical Car. What you are about to see and, most importantly, hear is surely tremendous. That V8 orchestra sound is simply mindblowing. Turn the volume up and enjoy!
After it released the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series this summer, the Affalterbach-based tuner is allegedly developing a potent station wagon version, in addition to the already scooped limousine variant.
At least, this is the prime conclusion we reach after seeing these spy shots that reveal a test mule of the forthcoming C 63 AMG T-Modell Black Series. Not only the impressive front air intakes, but also the thick camouflage covering the sides and tail gate of the car also raise "suspicions". If it happens to go on sale towards end of 2012, this masterpiece of German engineering could well become one of the fastest wagons on Earth.
The technical package is set to come from the Coupe model, which means a finely-tuned AMG sports suspension for the best dynamic response, a high-end rear axle differential lock for added traction and the multi-talented 3-stage electronic stability program. Other highlights include the popular 6.2-litre V8 engine, boasting natural aspiration, a staggering peak output of 517 BHP and 620 Nm of maximum torque. The innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission will take care to send the massive power to the rear wheels.
Expected to borrow the aggressive looks of the Coupe, the T-Modell will feature a lowered ride height, forged AMG light-alloy wheels with a total diameter of 19 inches, quad exhausts and multiple aerodynamic body parts to help improve air flow and thus the drag coefficient (Cd) and the general performance of the car. All these upgrades together with the extra practicality of this model over the Coupe and anticipated Limousine version announce a prohibitive price tag for the new C 63 AMG Estate Black Series: in Europe, we expect around 120,000 euros (incl. 19% VAT).
Spectacular design, technology transfer from the world of motorsport and driving dynamics at the highest level. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series embodies the AMG brand claim of "Driving Performance" like no other AMG model. With a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp) and a maximum torque of 620 Newton metres, the new high-performance vehicle is the most powerful C-Class of all time. Hefty torque, tremendous pulling power and an agile response are guaranteed thanks to the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which accelerates the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series to a speed of 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and takes it on to a top speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited).
Read further facts on the new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series >> HERE
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