6. The 4.0-lire Biturbo V8, and its power outputs, may not have changed but the transmission has: out goes the seven-speed ‘box and in comes the AMG Speedshift nine-speeder, tuned, says AMG, for a more dynamic drive. The car now always sets off in first while left in manual mode it will not bail out the clumsy by automatically changing up when you hit the limiter. As before it’ll double-declutch for you – with plenty of accompanying exhaust barks.
7. Mercedes-AMG says the latest C63 introduces more differentiation between driving modes. As well as six drive programmes, from “Slippery” to “Race”, the AMG Dynamics umbrella now offers “Basic”, “Advanced”, “Pro” and “Master” functions. The Master mode, part of the Race drive programme, turns off the nannying, sharpens up the responses of engine, transmission and limited slip diff – and is generally an oversteerer’s charter.
8. The car comes with its own “race engineer”. Well, not quite but the latest AMG Track Pace data-logger sounds almost as good. New functions for track driving include sector times that are flashed up in either red or green – just like F1 on the telly! – so you know at a glance if you are getting faster…or if it’s time to call it a day and head for home.
9. Other novelties inside include a new fully digital instrument cluster which shows the vehicle functions with three AMG-specific display styles of “Classic”, “Sporty” or “Supersport”. It’s an option though, as are new open-pore oak wood and aluminium trims. Oh, and there’s a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with touch control buttons and improved gearshift paddles.
10. The C63 S is still restricted on top speed, but now it’s reined back to a mere 290km/h – or 180mph – rather than the 250 clicks (155mph) of the outgoing model (unless you paid for it to be de-restricted).
…and finally: prices are likely to change a little, but it’s not yet known what they will be. Currently, the C63 lines-up ranges between £63k and £73k.