Mercedes Benz AMG Series

What It Is: Our latest educated take on what the wildest and most powerful derivative of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-class will look like. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V-8, the C63’s performance will rival that of the Audi RS5 and the BMW M3. Traditionally, the AMG version is differentiated from regular C-class models by its large front air intakes, distinct grille, side skirts, and a different rear fascia with four large exhaust pipes, and this one won't stray from the formula. It may look pedestrian to the uninitiated, but closer study reveals the purpose-built nature of this wheeled missile.

This high-performance M3 fighter will be engineered for all-day autobahn travel at triple-digit speeds as well as serious track duty. Inside, it will be distinguished from its lesser siblings by sports seats, a performance steering wheel, and a centrally mounted gear selector. Down the road, we expect to see a Europe-only wagon version, a coupe, and possibly a convertible.

The AMG version will continue to be offered with rear-wheel drive, but a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive derivative is possible down the road. /p p strongPowertrains:/strong The C63 AMG moniker will be even more misleading than before, given the displacement of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. This new engine, which is shared with the a href="/news/2016-mercedes-benz-gt-amg-rendered-detailed-news" target="_self"upcoming AMG GT/a, will make well over 450 horsepower, and future a href="/reviews/2012-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-coupe-black-series" target="_self"Black Series/a iterations could easily pack and additional 100 horses. As with the current C63, the new version will only be available with an automatic transmission; there are no manuals in AMG's present or future. We believe the AMG gearbox will keep seven speeds for some time; Affalterbach’s torque-rich engines certainly do not require the a href=" " target="_self"nine-speed transmission which Daimler has announced/a for non-AMG models. /p table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"x">

Competition: Audi RS5, BMW M3, Cadillac ATS-V.

Estimated Arrival and Price: The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG will be unveiled in the fall of 2014 as a 2015 model. Deliveries begin in the first quarter of 2015, and the base price of a sedan will fall slightly north of $60K.