The Mercedes C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series

Four captivating and exclusive Black Series models since 2006

• 2006: SLK 55 AMG Black Series producing 294 kW (400 hp)

• 2007: CLK 63 AMG Black Series producing 373 kW (507 hp)

• 2008: SL 65 AMG Black Series producing 493 kW (670 hp)

• 2011: C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series producing 380 kW (517 hp)

The new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the most powerful C-Class of  all time and the fourth Black Series model. With this model, AMG, which was established in 1967, is consistently continuing its strategy to develop particularly exclusive high-performance motorcars for passionate enthusiasts of high-horsepower vehicles.

The first one was the SLK 55 AMG Black Series. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine in the decidedly puristic two-seater enticed customers with its maximum output of 294 kW (400 hp) and a torque of 520 newton metres, and between July 2006 and April 2007 120 units were produced. The CLK 63 AMG Black Series followed directly in its footsteps. The two-seater coupé was powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine producing 373 kW (507 hp) and 630 Nm of torque. Between April 2007 and March 2008, some 700 vehicles were made.

The highlight up until now was the SL 65 AMG Black Series, which was unveiled in 2008: the high-performance coupé still captivates drivers today with its spectacular appearance, unique output data, systematic lightweight construction and exclusivity of the highest calibre. The AMG 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine with a maximum output of 493 kW (670 hp) and torque of 1000 newton metres made the SL 65 AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG vehicle ever to enter series production. In total 350 units were built from September 2008 to August 2009.

The perfect sports car drive system

• Dynamic: AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine producing 380 kW (517 hp)

• Pure excitement: lively, powerful and responsive

• Technology transfer: engine with high-tech components from the SLS AMG

• Variable: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

High levels of performance and torque, distinctive V8 sound, powerful traction and exhilarating response: the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine makes the perfect drive system for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. An output of 380kW (517 hp) and torque of 620 Nm make the new sports car the most powerful C-Class of all time. The performance figures speak for themselves: zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited).

Developed by Mercedes-AMG and presented in 2005, the V8 engine designated as the M156 impresses with every kilometre: its agility and response help to ensure high levels of emotive appeal, while the exciting power delivery guarantees dynamic driving pleasure.

A glimpse under the distinctive bonnet reveals that the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series makes use of a special variant of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine: the black engine plate on the variable intake manifold makes reference to the technology transfer from the SLS AMG.

The M 156 features the forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft from the gullwing model. The resulting lower engine weight, which has been reduced by four kilograms, in turn reduces mass inertia, and as a result the eight-cylinder engine reacts more spontaneously to accelerator pedal movements and provides exciting levels of response. A new engine control unit rounds off the list of in-engine measures.

The oil cooling too has been optimised with components from the gullwing model. The cooling surface, which has been enlarged by 50%, compensates for temperature peaks. The result is increased fatigue strength in demanding race track conditions.

The M156 AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine made its debut back in 2005 and is still viewed as one of the best-performing and torquey eight-cylinder naturally-aspirated engines in series production in the world today. With more than 71,000 units built, it is the all-time leader as far as AMG engine production is concerned.

The high-revving engine received two awards for best engine at the prestigious “International Engine of the Year Awards” in 2009 and 2010: it secured first place well ahead of all other entrants for the “Best Performance Engine” and “Above 4 litres” classes.

In addition to the engine, the power transmission also makes a significant contribution to the pure excitement delivered by the vehicle: as in the other variants of the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, the most powerful C-Class of all time also makes use of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. Its strengths include the combination of the sporty and agile feedback of a manual transmission with the maximum comfort of an automatic.

The innovative power transmission has seven gears and provides a high degree of variability: four transmission modes as well as double-declutching and RACE START functions enable the driving style to be matched specifically to the respective conditions.

MCT stands for Multi-Clutch Technology, indicating that gear-changing is executed by clutch elements alone. A compact wet start-up clutch, which runs in an oil bath, replaces the conventional torque converter. Thanks to its low rotational inertia, the transmission responds instantaneously and dynamically without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission – thereby helping to save fuel.

Used exclusively at AMG, the sports transmission also impresses with its low weight of just 80 kilograms, which has been made possible through the use of lightweight magnesium for the transmission housing. Vibrations are effectively eliminated by a two-stage torsion damper, with resulting benefits in perceived passenger comfort. Drive modes “S”, “S+” and “M” for driving pleasure and dynamism.

When moving off in “C” (Controlled Efficiency) transmission mode, the MCT transmission always selects second gear and shifts decidedly early to the higher gears if the driving style permits. When driving in town, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series often engages sixth gear, for example – thus improving both fuel consumption and noise levels. Controlled Efficiency also means convenient gearshifts and a “soft” accelerator response set-up for smooth movement.

The engine and transmission take on a much more agile character in the “S” (Sport) than in the “C” mode. Accelerator pedal movements trigger a more direct traction response, making the downshifts more spontaneous. The engine speed is allowed to reach a higher level in each gear, while the gearshifts are around 25 percent faster. Turning the rotary switch in the centre console a notch further to the right activates “S+” mode. Sport plus shifts the gears another 25 percent faster than in “S”. The same applies to the manual shift mode “M”. In “S+” and “M” modes, gearshifts at full throttle take just 100 milliseconds.

The engine management system partially suppresses cylinders in “S”, “S+” and “M” modes: precisely interrupting ignition and injection under full load for brief periods leads to even faster gearshifts than before. The highly emotional vocals are an appealing side effect of this lightning-fast process. Double-declutching function, which increases driving enjoyment and safety.

Ultra-fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts are another forte of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The driver, for instance, can use kickdown to change directly from seventh gear down to fourth or from fifth to second. In the Sport, Sport plus and Manual modes the automatic double-declutching function is active. Every manual or automatic downshift is accompanied by precisely metered double-declutching – from “S” through “S+” to “M” – with increasing intensity. And this not only adds to the emotional experience: the load-free downshift reduces load-change reactions, which pays dividends – particularly when braking into a bend on the racetrack – and also enhances safety in the wet or on ice.

In manual “M” mode, the driver additionally benefits from the high torque of the V8 engine: the transmission remains in the gear selected; there is no automatic downshift under full load and kickdown. Moreover, the AMG MCT sports transmission does not perform an automatic upshift in manual mode when the rev limit is reached. In “M” mode the central display in the AMG instrument cluster displays the current gear and alerts the driver to the need for an upshift by means of a visual sign: the display colour changes to “Red” and the message “Up” appears. This means that the driver can make better use of the superior performance potential.

The driver can change gears using the selector lever and the shift paddles on the steering wheel. To the left of the selector lever is the electronic rotary switch for the selection of one of the four drive programs, including activating the RACE START function. In order to activate it, the driver needs to activate the ESP® SPORT Handling mode and press the brake pedal with his left foot while the vehicle is at a standstill. Having preselected the Race Start program using the rotary switch, a confirmation message comes up on the AMG central display. The driver then simply needs to confirm the function by pulling the “Up” shift paddle once, fully depressing the accelerator and taking his foot off the brake. The optimum start-up engine speed is set fully automatically and the vehicle accelerates away with flawless traction – all the way up to top speed, if so required. The driver does not need to shift gear manually; the AMG transmission changes gear autonomously.

The powerful electronic transmission control unit and the integrated 80 MHz processor ensure spontaneous downshifts at the same time – say when approaching traffic lights or if the driver suddenly needs power for dynamic acceleration.

Motorsport technology for pure dynamism

• Adjustable AMG coil-over sports suspension for race track setup

• AMG rear axle differential lock as standard

• High-performance braking system with front composite brake discs

• 3-stage ESP® system with SPORT Handling mode

• Weight-optimised forged wheels featuring a multi-spoke design

• Optional Track package with sports tyres

Impressive driving dynamics, low roll angle, high grip and excellent deceleration values – these are the driving characteristics of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. In addition to the AMG high-performance composite braking system, all of this is also down to the AMG coil-over suspension, which is typical of a Black Series model and features AMG-specific axle kinematics. This sophisticated solution is well-known in the world of motorsport and is mainly also used in the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports car.

On the front and rear axles, the rebound and compression stages of the gas-filled struts can be adjusted. In conjunction with the level of the vehicle, which is also adjustable, drivers of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series can apply their own personal setup for the respective race track characteristics. The wider track width, which has been increased by 40 mm at the front and 79 mm at the rear, ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering. This translates into more grip for fast cornering, something which also benefits from the AMG rear axle differential lock fitted as standard. With a locking effect when both accelerating and decelerating, it effectively prevents  the inner wheel from spinning when accelerating out of bends.

Revised anti-roll bars all-round and modified elastokinematics on the front axle complete the list of chassis measures, all of which help to ensure optimum contact with the road, maximum precision, low body movement and therefore pronounced driving dynamics. In brief, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is predestined for fast laps on the race track.

The AMG-specific axle kinematics also enhance the steering response: thanks to the shift in the so-called instantaneous centre, the AMG sports speed-sensitive power steering with steering ratio of 13.5:1 is now more direct overall. And if that were not enough: the AMG-specific steering parameters and a stiffer rubber blend used in the Hardy disc in the steering column tangibly increase steering precision and result in outstanding vehicle control.

The AMG light-alloy wheels not only provide aesthetic appeal. As in the SLS AMG, the AMG driving dynamics experts have also made use of exceptionally lightweight forging technology in the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series too. Compared with regular light-alloy wheels, the forged wheels provide a total weight saving of around eleven kilograms. These lightweight design measures help to reduce the unsprung masses and therefore improve both the steering precision and response of the spring elements.

The filigree spokes of the AMG forged wheels provide a glimpse of the red-painted brake callipers which lie behind, as well as the ventilated and perforated disc brakes all round. The front axle makes use of six-piston

fixed callipers and discs measuring 390 x 36 mm and featuring composite technology, as found in the world of motorsport.

The rear axle is fitted with four-piston fixed callipers and integral discs measuring 360 x 26 mm.

The AMG high-performance braking system is characterised by perfect deceleration, optimum sensitivity and excellent fatigue strength – even when subjected to maximum loads on the race track.

The 3-stage ESP® supports three individual control strategies at the push of  a button: the ESP® button in the centre console allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT Handling” mode, and “ESP OFF” – with the currently active mode shown in the display of the AMG instrument cluster. In “ESP ON”, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque.

Briefly pressing the ESP® button activates “ESP SPORT Handling” mode. In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold and, for instance, corresponding drift angles – the driver benefits from significantly enhanced driving enjoyment. Operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP® functions. Prolonged pressure on the ESP® button activates “ESP OFF”.

With this, the engine torque is no longer reduced to control the driving dynamics – and driving enjoyment is therefore increased even further. “ESP OFF” should only be used by experienced drivers on dedicated racetracks. In this mode too, all of the functions of ESP® are made available by operating the brake pedal.

The system’s traction logic is active in all three ESP® modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure can be applied to improve traction.

The AMG Track package is recommended for those looking to enhance driving dynamics on closed-off race tracks: it comprises Sport Maxx Race Dunlop sports tyres in sizes 255/35 R 19 front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear). The tyres have been developed exclusively for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series and noticeably and measurably improve grip. Fatigue strength under demanding race track conditions is further enhanced by the active rear axle transmission cooling. The radiator is located in the rear apron, in front of the diffuser insert, and the airflow passes through it effectively.

• Sporty, masculine design with motorsport influences

• Optimum aerodynamic balance for high levels of driving dynamics

• AMG Aerodynamics package with adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil

• Functional interior reflects an attention to detail

• AMG Performance Media as an optional highlight

• COMAND Online with mobile internet access

In visual terms, the most powerful C-Class of all time consistently continues the tradition of the previous Black Series vehicles. The style of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is also inspired by the successful SLS AMG GT3 customer sports car – particularly when fitted with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package, which is dominated by the fixed carbon-fibre rear aerofoil. To put it in simple terms: the transfer of technology from the world of motorsport was clearly an integral component for the designers and aerodynamics experts from Affalterbach.

The sporty, masculine exterior design unmistakably highlights the vehicle’s high level of driving dynamics. Viewed from the front, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is powerful and broad: the arrow-shaped front apron with its angled struts has three large air intake openings to guarantee effective flow to the radiator.

As is usual with racing vehicles, the lower edge is fitted with a high-gloss, black-painted front splitter. It optimises the aerodynamic balance of the vehicle. The central Mercedes star sits on a wing-shaped transverse slat in the radiator grille. Similar to the SLS AMG GT3, the aluminium engine cover has two openings to expel engine heat.

The front apron continues into the muscular-shaped front wings, which have been widened by 28 mm on each side and are home to the 255/35 R 19 wide-base tyres. “6.3” logos affixed to the sides – reminiscent of the SLS AMG – hint at the powerful heart which beats beneath the vehicle’s bonnet. The air outlets hinted at the rear of the front wings are a stylistic feature borrowed from the world of motorsport.

High-gloss black-painted inserts in the dynamic side sill panels continue the concept of the front splitter towards the rear. Due to the increased track width and the 285/30 R 19 wide-base tyres on the rear axle, the rear wings also had to be redesigned and widened by 42 mm on each side. The air inlets hinted at here also perfectly match their counterparts on the front wings. High-gloss black-painted exterior mirror housings round off the side view.

Painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, the 10-spoke AMG forged wheels in sizes 9 x 19 (front) and 9.5 x 19 (rear) allow a free view of the AMG high-performance braking system with its red-painted brake callipers.

As an optional alternative, the AMG Performance Studio also offers matt-black-painted AMG forged wheels featuring a 10-spoke design and high-sheen finish. The tyres fitted to both wheel variants are identical.

The rear section of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series appears just as broad as the front. The rear apron is characterised by the air outlets hinted at in this section as well as the black diffuser insert. Here to there are parallels to the SLS AMG GT3: the diffuser protrudes beyond the profile of the rear apron.

The diffuser insert has two channels and a central opening: if the customer opts for the AMG Track package, this is where the active rear axle transmission cooling is located. A spoiler lip on the boot lid, painted in the vehicle colour, helps to reduce lift at the rear axle, resulting in more driving stability at high speeds. A discrete yet exclusive touch is the AMG logo with black offset Black Series lettering on the top right of the boot lid.

An even sportier appearance comes courtesy of the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package which is available as an optional extra from the AMG Performance Studio. With this, the front splitter and exterior mirror housings are finished in genuine carbon fibre, as are the inserts in the side sill panels, the diffuser insert and also the spoiler lip on the boot lid.

A perfect addition to this is the optional AMG Aerodynamics package, also available from the AMG Performance Studio: it includes flics on the front apron, a functionally tuned front splitter with integrated spoiler lip, as well as an adjustable rear aerofoil. All of these components are made of genuine lightweight carbon fibre.

The basic configuration of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series already impresses with its optimum aerodynamic balance. The combination of slight lift at the front and rear axles ensures a high level of driving stability in all driving conditions.

The AMG Aerodynamics package not only boosts the vehicle’s appearance but also optimises its aerodynamics even further. The flics on the front apron – basically as found on the SLS AMG GT3 – as well as the integrated centre spoiler lip beneath the front splitter, combine to halve lift at the front axle.

The carbon-fibre rear aerofoil is supported on aluminium elements on the on the boot lid and can be manually adjusted by the driver. This requires only a few simple steps, with two levels to choose from: level 1 with a pitch angle of 0 degrees creates what is referred to as “zero lift” at the rear axle; in level 2 with a pitch angle of 4 degrees, the aerofoil achieves effective downforce at the rear axle without the lift at the front axle increasing significantly. Level 2 is recommended when driving on the race track, where driving stability benefits from the higher negative lift force, particularly during fast cornering.

The aerodynamic balance of the vehicle is also further enhanced with the AMG Aerodynamics package, a fact which has been confirmed with tests in the wind tunnel and test drives on a variety of high speed routes. Furthermore, a glimpse at the aerodynamic data reveals that at aerofoil level 1, the AMG Aerodynamics package has barely any negative effect on the drag coefficient and air resistance.

The interior of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series combines the sporty yet functional atmosphere of a racing car with the high-quality, exclusive ambience of a true AMG high-performance vehicle. Perfect workmanship, precise quality of manufacture and an eye for detail are what characterise the interior, which is finished in black with red highlight elements.

Ties with motorsport are evident with the AMG sports bucket seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA and the lack of rear bench seat – measures which also help to reduce vehicle weight. As an option, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is also available as a fully-fledged four-seater: in this case it comes with the AMG sports seats featured in the C 63 AMG Coupé as well as individual seats in the rear. The red designo seat belts are matched by the red stitching on the AMG sports bucket seats, door centre panels, armrests on the doors, centre console and shift lever gaiter.

The AMG Performance steering wheel finished in nappa leather/DINAMICA is also highlighted in red. The steering wheel rim featuring flattened top and bottom sections sits perfectly in the hand. Silver aluminium shift paddles allow for manual gear selection in all four transmission modes. The left paddle shifts down while the right paddle shifts up. The three-dimensional airbag cover with chrome Mercedes star is embedded in metallic “Silver Shadow” trim, the lower spoke of which features a cut-out design.

Behind the steering wheel, the driver discovers three clearly arranged and easily legible round dials in a tube design. As is characteristic of AMG, the dials feature striking lettering and red pointers, and the speedometer displays a scale up to 320 km/h and sports AMG lettering, while the rev counter has a “6.3 V8” logo. Positioned centrally in the speedometer, and therefore ideally in the driver’s field of view, is the high-resolution, three-dimensional TFT colour display. When the driver’s door is opened, an AMG logo is displayed as a greeting.

The screen enables the convenient display of all of the functions of the AMG main menu. Three menus are available: “Warm Up”, “Set Up” and “RACE”. “Warm up” shows the engine oil and coolant temperatures, “Set up” shows which ESP® mode is currently switched on and whether the transmission mode is set to “C”, “S”, “S+” or “M”. In “RACE” mode the RACETIMER is on standby: the driver can use it to calculate circuit times on a race track. The upshift indicator is only active in transmission mode “M”: shortly before the engine speed approaches its maximum of 7200 rpm, the display colour changes to red to give the driver a clear indication that a gear change is necessary. The driver is able to operate the AMG main menu via twelve multifunction buttons on the AMG Performance steering wheel.

The dashboard, door panelling and centre console feature AMG-specific trim elements in a high-gloss black piano lacquer finish. Alternatively, customers can opt for AMG carbon-fibre trim. On the centre console, next to the selector lever which has a DINAMICA cover, is the rotary switch for the transmission modes C, S, S+, M and RACE START. Another exclusive highlight is the “AMG Black Series” logo on the trim strip above the glove compartment.

• Adaptive flashing brake lights

• AMG door sill panels in brushed stainless steel with AMG logo

• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs

• Audio 20 CD radio with double tuner, colour display, Bluetooth® interface, hands-free function, USB interface and eight loudspeakers

• Driver and front-seat passenger airbags

• Headlamp Assist

• THERMATIC automatic climate control

• Belt tensioners and belt-force limiters

• LED tail lights

• Driver’s kneebag

• Tyre pressure loss warning system

• Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter

• Windowbags all round

• fire opal non-metallic paint (standard)

• diamond white metallic BRIGHT

• iridium silver metallic

• obsidian black metallic

• designo magno allanite grey

• designo magno night black

• AMG door sill panels for the front, illuminated in white using LED technology

• AMG floor mats

• Becker® MAP PILOT

• COMAND Online

• Digital radio (DAB)

• Harman Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system

• Intelligent Light System ILS

• KEYLESS-GO

• Convenience telephony

• Media interface

• Reversing camera

• Tinted side/rear windows

• Heated front seats

After the SLS AMG, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the second AMG model which can be fitted with the optional AMG Performance Media. This innovative and informative system has been inspired by the world of motorsport and provides numerous telemetry displays of such items as various engine data as well as lateral and linear acceleration and lap times.

• Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking performance and accelerator position, including memory function

• Recording of individual lap times on a closed-off race circuit, with sector times and memory function

• Integration of functions to save setup data to memory and initiate RACE START

• Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-100 km/h (alternatively: quarter-mile)

• Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature

• Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator position

• Real-time display of individual tyre pressures

AMG Performance Media is activated by pressing the AMG button in the upper control panel and operated with the COMAND Controller. All functions are visible for both vehicle occupants on the high-resolution 17.8 centimetre colour display of the COMAND Online multimedia system (optional extra). Numerous items of information which are otherwise integrated into the AMG menu in the central display are now to be found in graphic form in AMG Performance Media – e.g. the tyre pressure display, the active transmission mode, the ESP® mode, the suspension setup and the engine oil/coolant/transmission oil temperatures.

The upper menu bar offers a choice of “Data”, “Race” and “Setup”, while the lower bar offers further choices such as “Temp”, “Power” and “Tyres”. When the desired sub-menu has been selected, the menu bars disappear and the display fills the entire screen.

Three displays always appear at the same time, the most important information being displayed in the centre. Simulated digital dial instruments with red needles ensure outstanding legibility. The vehicle is configured using the “Setup” menu – storing e.g. the transmission mode or the ESP® mode: the active setup appears on the left, an individually configurable setup in the centre and RACE START mode on the right.

Sheer excitement is guaranteed by the “Power” display: depending on the accelerator position shown on the right, the central dial instrument shows the current engine output in hp while the scale on the left indicates the current torque in newton metres – in this way AMG Performance Media delivers visual proof of the high performance of which the Black Series model is capable. In the “Temp” menu the engine oil temperature is shown in the centre, flanked by the coolant temperature (left) and the transmission oil temperature (right). The tyre pressure display shows a stylised C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series and the respective individual tyre pressures.

In “Race” mode the so-called G-Meter appears in the centre, showing the driver the current lateral and linear acceleration. The left and right displays show the current brake pressure and the accelerator position, each as a percentage. The G-Meter enables the driver to monitor the high driving dynamics. Depending on the current driving situation, the red dot moves forwards, backwards, to the left or right. Three circles in the dial instrument show a graduation of the current G-forces from 0.5 g and 1.0 g to 1.5 g. Motorsport fans will be familiar with this display from TV reporting of Formula 1 events.

A grey bar shows the maximum acceleration rates achieved since the last reset. In the “History” function the driver can call up a display of the lateral and linear acceleration figures for the last ten minutes. The time of day, steering angle in degrees and vehicle speed are also stored in memory. A screenshot showing the figures is also available, and this can be saved to an external memory via a USB interface.

An even greater motorsports feeling is provided by the “Track” menu. This mode not only offers various recording possibilities, for example individual lap times on a closed race circuit, but also sector times including an analysis and memory function. In short: “Track” mode places a personal race engineer on board who is able to help the driver to make continuous improvements to his personal race track performance.

Not only the respective lap times are therefore displayed, but also the difference from the fastest lap time. And this is not all: all individual figures such as brake pressure, accelerator position, lateral and linear acceleration can be separately displayed for each lap when in Parameter mode. In conjunction with the individually selectable sector times, the driver is able to see at a glance where his improvement potential lies.

The matrix display allows up to five laps to be compared. AMG Performance Media saves the absolved racing laps to memory. The driver is able to decide which laps to display. The fastest lap time is shown in green, and the best and worst individual figures in green and red respectively.

The relevant circuit layout is shown graphically, with the Nürburgring North Loop in Rheinland-Pfalz and the Hockenheimring integrated ex factory. New circuits can be individually absolved, named and stored in memory. Lap times and data recorded in Track mode can be saved to a USB stick, enabling the data to be analysed on a PC at home and then reloaded back into the system.

RACE START mode is a further function, and its activation is faster and more convenient in conjunction with AMG Performance Media. After selection using the COMAND Controller, a bar chart shows the driver the necessary braking pressure.

The driver then only needs to pull the shift paddle in the “Up” direction once to confirm the RACE START function, fully depress the accelerator and release the brakes. Manual pre-selection using the rotary transmission control is unnecessary, as is activation of ESP® SPORT Handling mode.

The internet function available as standard on the SLS AMG is also available on the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. However, since both vehicles have different equipment platforms, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series makes use of the COMAND Online multimedia system (optional extra).

The driver can either surf freely on the internet when at a standstill or to a Mercedes-Benz online service while driving; the latter’s pages can be called up particularly quickly and it is simple to operate. The integral services planned include Google™ Local Search and further online services from other suppliers such as the weather. It is also possible to send individual destinations and routes to the vehicle via Google Maps. More Mercedes-Benz online services will be introduced gradually and then all customers will be able to use them.

The high-resolution colour display measures 17.8 cm (7-inch diagonal). Photos can be shown on the large screen and turned over manually, as in a slide show. Where the audio equipment is concerned, too, new types of representation bring a fresh look and more convenient operation. The new Cover Flow function, for instance, sorts the title images of the music albums stored in a carousel-like form, so that the driver can leaf through his or her music collection. The memory for compressed audio files (MP3, WMA and AAC formats) now comprises as much as 10 GB. As an option, COMAND Online is available with a 6-disc DVD changer.

The ultimate in convenience is afforded by the Music Search function, which enables drivers and passengers to search the hard disc, SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music tracks and artists. The search can be according to various criteria, for instance artist, album or genre. If a name needs to be entered, the software will also tolerate spelling mistakes. The driver is therefore able to devote their full attention to the traffic. As a further advantage, the occupants are able to search all the connected media and devices simultaneously.

The fast hard-disc navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with three-dimensional city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation.

Mercedes-Benz customers in Europe receive the current cards for their COMAND Online multimedia system free of charge for three years. Authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers upload the updates for navigation data in 39 European countries into the navigation system when the customer visits their premises.

In Europe COMAND Online also comprises the Speed Limit Assist, which receives its information for traffic sign recognition via a camera and navigation database. COMAND Online also includes the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system for audio, telephone and navigation. The new “One Shot” input for the navigation is particularly convenient, whereby the place and road can be said directly after one another.