Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe (2011) first official pictures

This is the Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe. After years of competing admirably against the BMW M3 Coupe with four-door saloons, the recent launch of the C-class Coupe means Merc’s go-faster tuning arm AMG finally has a two-door on which to build a worthy rival. And this is it, the C63 AMG Coupe, which sports a big V8 capable of producing 480bhp.

Despite rumours that the C63 AMG Coupe would run a naturally aspirated version of the blown 5.5-litre V8 found in the CLS63, Merc’s new M3 and RS5 rival sticks with the same 6.2-litre V8 that already powers the C63 saloon and estate. That means the same 451bhp at 6800rpm and 443lb ft at 5000rpm as its siblings, the same limited top speed of 155mph, and the same 4.5-second sprint to 62mph as the saloon.

Like the saloon and estate, you can also spec the circa-£5000 AMG Performance Package, which borrows the forged pistons, con rods and lightweight crankshaft from the SLS supercar to trim 3kg from the engine and up the peak output to 480bhp at 6800rpm. The 0-62mph time drops a tenth to 4.4 seconds, and the AMG Performance Package also comes with a titanium grey intake manifold, composite front discs (and red brake calipers all round), a carbonfibre boot lip spoiler and a Alcantara and Nappa leather steering wheel.

Oh yes. The C63 AMG Coupe inherits the same seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission as the recently facelifted saloon and estate – and a new power steering pump – to help the big V8 achieve 23.5mpg and 280g/km CO2. A Controlled Efficiency mode upshifts as early as possible to keep engine revs low, but there are also Sport, Sport+ and Manual (selectable via an SLS-style rotary controller) for faster shifts. A launch control function is standard, too.

Other AMG-specific upgrades include wider front and rear tracks, reinforced rear suspension, thicker anti-roll bars and tweaked spring and dampers, plus a three-stage ESP system. And let’s not forget the bodykit too, with a ‘powerdome’ aluminium bonnet, new sills and front and rear bumpers, and LED daytime running lights. Quad exhausts are standard, as are five-spoke alloys with 235/40 R18 front tyres and 255/35 R18 rears.

The interior features chunky seats, the steering wheel from the CLS63 (complete with aluminium shift paddles) and high-gloss black piano trim. Bigger 19in wheels (in titanium grey or matt black) are on the options list, along with an exterior carbonfibre pack and a locking mechanical rear differential.

The first cars will be delivered to UK customers in August 2011, and although prices have yet to be confirmed, expect it to cost almost exactly the same as an M3 Coupe equipped with the M-DCT 'box. Call it £57k. We can't wait.

* = with optional AMG Performance Package

By Ben Pulman