Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe Black Series (2011) news

Mercedes-Benz AMG is using the 2011 German GP to preview its fourth Black Series model: the C63 AMG Black Series, the cheapest – at a still chunky €97,000 plus local taxes – Black Series ever.

Black Series acts as a no-comprises halo model for AMG, with wilder styling, more power, less weight, stiffer suspension and no rear seats. The Black Series template also calls for a two-door, fixed roof bodyshell, even if the base car is only offered with a folding hardtop roof. Hence the C63’s predecessors are the CLK63 Black Series, SLK55 Black Series and SL65 Black Series – the latter two models having their folding hardtops replaced with a fixed roof. 

The C63 Black Series retains the C63’s naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8, but power swells from the standard car’s 451bhp – or 480bhp if you spec the Performance Pack – to 510bhp. That brings it tantalisingly close to the E63, the C63’s big brother.

It’s not only the engine that’s a match for the heavier E63: the track is 40mm wider at the front and 79mm wider at the rear, the latter thanks to the E63 donating its rear axle. The E63 also hands over its brakes, giving 360mm front and 390mm rear discs – a 30mm increase all-round. Meanwhile, E63-size rubber – 255/35 ZR19 front and 285/30 ZR19 rear – wraps around new 19-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels. Finally, the 40% limited slip differential that’s optional on regular AMG’s is standard.

All this, of course, would make the Black Series heavier than the C63, but with two lightweight front bucket seats and no back seats at all, it comes in 20kg lighter at 1635kg.

There are options too: for the first time you can re-specify that deleted rear bench, while a track package brings an optional carbon rear wing on stilts, semi-slick Michelin Cup tyres, plus active cooling for the rear differential. There’s also the possibility of a rollcage, although nothing is confirmed as yet.

Both left- and right-hand drive models will appear in showrooms from Jan 2012. AMG isn’t putting a cap on production, but the past three models accounted for just 1000 units in total worldwide, so you’re unlikely to pull up alongside another C63 Black Series at the traffic lights.

By Ben Barry