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Old 03-01-2011, 06:40 PM
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Lightbulb Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate puts the hammer down

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz hasn't made a whole host of changes for the 2012 C63 AMG. Exterior styling aside, the engine has carried over unchanged, and if we're honest, that's perfectly fine with us. After all, the 451-horsepower 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 under the hood is a gravel-voiced honey of a powerplant, and even if you don't add in the optional AMG Development package that boosts output to 481 hp, the end result is simply stunning.

Among the limited changes under the skin is the institution of AMG's 7-speed Speedshift MCT gearbox derived from the cogswapper in the SL63 AMG. The transmission has a new 'Controlled Efficiency' mode, and combined with a new power steering pump and other small changes, Benz says the C63 gulps down about 10 percent less fuel than it did last year.

So, what's new for 2012? There's a new front fascia with a redesigned lower apron, grille and daytime running lamps, and the new headlamps are a bit more akin to what we see on the SL roadster. Inside, there's a new dashboard with LCD screen, a revised three-spoke steering wheel, and an expanded range of optional tech features like lane-departure warning and internet access. Good stuff, but with a car like this, we could hardly care about appearance with such an absurdly fantastic powerplant under the hood.

The 2012 C63 AMG makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and we have a fresh batch of images of the new hotness direct from the show floor. In fact, just to tease us a bit more, the automaker even chose to debut the not-for-U.S. Estate version, which turns the awesomeness level up to 11. Click through the gallery below to see what's what, then head on over to the jump to read about the million tiny ways in which one of our favorite sport sedans has improved for 2012.


Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate: Geneva 2011



Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOLContinue reading Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate puts the hammer down

Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate puts the hammer down originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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03-01-2011 07:31 PM
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