New E63 AMG

[Guest JGoh]

New Mercedes E63 AMG unveiled

Mercedes has taken the wraps off the new range-topping E-class: the E63 AMG.

by Ollie Stallwood (Autocar)

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Despite talk from within AMG about ending the horsepower war between German car makers, this new model has more power than the car it replaces — although at 11bhp, it’s a modest gain.

But thanks to a number of efficiency-enhancing measures, the 518bhp Mercedes E63 AMG drinks 12 per cent less fuel than its predecessor. It now returns 22.4mpg.

The 6208cc V8 produces the same power and 465lb ft of torque as the SL63’s unit. Performance is practically the same as the old E63, but still impressive, with a 0-62mph time of 4.5sec and a top speed limited to 155mph.

The new car gains the SL63’s Speedshift MCT seven-speed ’box with a wet start-up clutch. The unit is lighter and more efficient than the old torque converter, as well as giving better response.

The transmission has four driving modes: Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual. In Manual the system will switch cogs in 100 milliseconds, while in Controlled Efficiency there are early upshifts to keep revs low and optimise efficiency.

To improve handling, the E63 AMG has been fitted with a newly developed front axle with more negative camber, a 56mm wider track, new control arms, a tubular stabiliser and revised wheel bearings. The rear axle also has extra negative camber and a new subframe mounting for greater stability on the limit.

New front spring struts improve responsiveness, while the rear air struts have automatic level control to keep the rear at the same height irrespective of the load.

Mercedes claims that its ‘AMG Ride Control’ system, which automatically varies the damping characteristics, ensures that the car is equally at home on a race track or the autobahn.

Visually, the car gains 18in AMG alloys with 255/40 front and 285/35 rear tyres, while 19-inch items feature on the options list. The front wings are 17mm wider than a regular E-class’s and feature ‘6.3 AMG’ lettering.

The car also gets LED daytime running lights and a more aggressive front spoiler, while a rear diffuser and quad tailpipes feature at the back.

The E63 will be on sale in September, although UK prices and specs are yet to be confirmed.

[Guest JGoh]

Mercedes E63 AMG

Merc's all new E-class sports saloon breaks cover with 518bhp and trick suspension

By Luke Madden (EVO)

31st March 2009

Mercedes has announced the new, high performance version of its E-class, the E63 AMG, which has learnt a thing or two from its glamorous brother, the SL63 AMG.

The 6.2-litre V8 in the new E63 AMG develops 518bhp and 464lb ft of torque, matching the SL63 AMG in terms of figures and also sharing the same seven-speed transmission from the high-performance roadster.

With four individual gearbox modes – Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual – you have the choice between a fun, involving drive and a fuel efficient one. Gearshifts as quick as 100 milliseconds coupled with the powerful V8 see the E63 AMG to 62mph in 4.5sec and up to the obligatory limited speed of 155mph. With the BMW M5 and new Jaguar XFR reaching 60mph in 4.5sec and 4.7sec respectively, the AMG more than holds its own against its key rivals.

The AMG’s beefier engine is coupled with wider front wings, large air intakes and LEDs on the front apron along with side skirts and two chrome-plated twin exhausts set inside a black rear diffuser.

Since taming that big V8 isn’t easy, Mercedes offers a three-stage ESP, again borrowed from the SL. There is, of course, the opportunity to turn it off, but for those not willing to make the big leap there is an intermediary mode in the form of ESP Sport.

The new AMG Ride Control means that the suspension damping is electronically adjusted according to the road surface leading to less roll through the corners. The exclusive set up sees the front axle sit on steel spring struts while the rear suspension uses AMG-specific air springs. This means that the front spring struts ensure a more sensitive response while the rear air struts will keep the vehicle at a constant height because of their automatic level control system.

On top of that there are three suspension modes available at the touch of a button – Comfort, Sport and Sport plus, which can be changed depending on whether you want things taut or gentle.

Despite the size of the engine, Mercedes has claimed a combined 22.4mpg through a couple of green technologies. This includes a sort of KERS system for the road, which recuperates kinetic energy through braking and allows E-class drivers to pretend they’re Lewis Hamilton, in some ways at least…

The E63 goes on sale in September, with prices yet to be announced. Set aside around £65K if you fancy one, though.