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2016 New York Motor Show: Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet revealed

Mercedes-Benz will rip the roof off its most potent C-Class just in time for Christmas

Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet
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Mercedes-Benz will rip the roof off its most potent C-Class just in time for Christmas.

MERCEDES-Benz’s relentless and predictable model proliferation plan for global domination continues with the unveiling of the AMG-badged C63 version of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet at the New York Motor Show this week.

Mercedes -C63-AMG-rear -drivingThe Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet will join lesser Benz C-Class convertibles in Australian showrooms from December. It packs a 375kW twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that’ll propel it from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds, and rip the toupee from your head in a few seconds more. Top speed for C63 S models is 280km/h (if fitted with the optional AMG Driver package).

Mercedes -C63-AMG-side -parkedThe C-Class-based AMG Cabriolet was unveiled in two states of tune: 350kW in the ‘base’ model, and 375kW in the S model that also comes with an electronic limited slip rear diff and dynamic engine mounts. Mercedes-Benz Australia is likely to follow the same one-tune strategy it employs with the C63 Coupe and Mercedes AMG GT sports coupe – both of which are only offered in Oz in the more potent 375kW “S” tune.

In contrast with lesser C-Class Cabriolets, the C63 S drop-top rides on a wider track and sports suspension. Its potent twin-turbo V8 teams with a single-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission and drives the rear wheels through the same wider, tougher, AMG-developed rear axle as the C63 S Coupe.

Mercedes -C63-AMG-front -side -driveThe C63 S Cabriolet also steps up the aggression visually over its lesser brethren. A deep front splitter and twin bonnet bulges – called “powerdomes” – lead the way, supported by flared wheel arches that make the car 64mm wider at the front and 66mm wider at the rear. A ground-hugging body skirt, rear diffuser and 19-inch wheels and tyres complete the visual statement.

The C63 S comes with an electrically operated, three-layer fabric soft-top that – if initiated at a speed below 5km/h – can continue to close or open at up to 50km/h. When stowed in the boot, luggage capacity drops from 355 to 260 litres.

Mercedes -C63-AMG-interiorPricing for the C63 Cabriolet will be released closer to the car’s arrival Down Under, but we can expect it to land around $170,000.

Glenn Butler

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