2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series – First Drive

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One glance around this car and you instantly see its DTM roots. In the muscular front fenders, generous adornment of carbon fiber and big trunk-mounted wing, you know the ‘B’ in Black Series is short for Business.

There aren’t many cars that could pull off this look, particularly whenis the perfect Mercedes currently available, hands down. Unfortunately, only 800 were produced and each is definitely spoken for. So, it is possible to scour the online classifieds for the car you seriously need to own if you’re drooling for one.

Inspite of the trend of special models and cosmetic-only alterations, the C63 is upgraded in just about every area. It offers every purpose of matching its looks with brutal power, face-deforming grip, organ-failing brakes and a satanic spit from the quad-tipped exhaust. The C63 Black is Germany’s true musclecar.

Over its weaker C63 AMG sibling, the Black receives a 59hp bump (now 510) and 14 lb-ft (now 457). These numbers are enough to rocket the unattainable Coupe to 60mph in 3.7sec. Batshit wheelspin and rev-limiter banging are a necessary part of the experience, though with many wider rear rubber it’d be even quicker.

It’s as if the gas pedal is connected directly to your adrenal glands: the noise, the energy; it’s a tantalizing battle between sanity and fun, only to reward you with endless ability. While you could probably show up to a Formula Drift event and be competitive in the Black Series, we must mention it can grip like Velcro with a wool sweater if you behave. This impressive traction is attributed to a lot of things, but as whole, the Black Series was simply made to work well in every area except fuel economy.You may laugh at the friend who modified his M3 with aftermarket parts because your Black Series was included with everything he yearns for. There’s no modification wish list here; the car is all you need. It’s a pitbull, from fenders to tires.

The front track is about 1.6″” wider, hiding 255/35 R19 tires under 1.1″” wider fenders, even though the rear carries a 3″” wider track and 1.6″” wide fenders hugging 285/30 R19 tires. Oh, and the brakes… they’re unbelievable. Actually, they’re so good; they feel better than the new SLS GT.

There’s no fade, not even a hint of this. And the pedal feel is somewhere between perfect and idealsince the C63 Black Series feels ferocious enough to catapult you in the 200s. Granted, 510hp isn’t all that much these days, but this car uses every inch of each and every hoof on all 510 horses.

Are you currently concerned this German beauty is too intense for road use and strictly geared for the track? Don’t be; it’s still a Benz. The seats are 14-way power adjustable, there are cupholders and rain-sensing wipers, a built-in garage door opener and cruise control. It’s a properly-equipped road car with weekend warrior intentions.

If there’s only one car you can own, the correct answer is now pretty clear, when somebody asks. Sell an organ, inform your wife she needs a well used Civic, your kitchen extension is overrated, and credit card debt is awesome. The C63 AMG Coupe Black Series has a long name, however it deserves every letter. It’s among the finest do-it-all vehicles you are able toarms and hubwith out, it’s not the new Wagon. With the addition of the all-new Gran Turismo to the line-up, bMW has expanded the 3 Series range in each and every sense of the term.

Described as a far more spacious and practical 3 Series, it has a higher hip-point that purports to retain each of the dynamics of their sedan, while adding more practicality. Plenty of it. Roughly BMW tells us. Although in reality it’s less than straightforward since the 3 Series DNA is sort ofWithin the flesh it seems as big as it feels. The 3 GT’s swollen dimensions add gravitas as well as awkwardness to its lines. It’s a fastback that looks SUV-lite in the stance.

Best seen in the M Sport trim, it offers more aggressive front intakes, larger 19″” wheels along with a revised rear bumper. Is claimed to smooth turbulent airflow on the front wheels to benefit economy, even though the flanks have an additional feature line to break up what might otherwise be slab sides, and the boomerang-shaped ‘breather’ behind the front wheel isn’t only a visual trick.

Key to the increased scale is definitely the wheelbase stretch that adds a whopping 4.3″””” over the sedan, resulting in rear legroom to rival its big brother, the 7 Series.

The tapering roofline might be a hindrance, even though the trunk can swallow more than the 3 Series Wagon. Yet it’s undeniably capacious, plus it feels big; the cabin is similar to the Sedan however with more head-, shoulder- and legroom. As well as thethe extra space comes without any loss in driving dynamics. No less than, that’s exactly what it says publicly. Privately they admitted its extra usefulness brings a softer side but the M Sport version we drove was able to mask it. The 19″” wheels, M Sport adaptive suspension and stiffer anti-roll bars made it feel decidedly sporty. The car also sat 10mm lower than a normal GT, which normally sits 25mm greater than the sedan…

No level of suspension could disguise the GT’s additional bulk, as well as the stretched wheelbase slowed its cornering turn-in response. The 335i’s familiar N55 3.-litre turbo engine countered our misgivings, however. The smooth yet ferocious delivery was addictive, and loosening the electronic safety net allowed the rear wheels to help the fronts find their cornering angle.

We were almost surprised that you can drive the GT in extremis, but it’s best enjoyed as its name suggests – as a grand tourer. The refinement and additional interior space creates a relaxed attitude as well as theWhether there’s a gap in the market involving the 3 Series Sedan and Wagon remains to be seen, but active families who are looking for versatility, comfort and satisfaction might want to think about the GT over some of the crossover competitors.

The 3 Series Gran Turismo arrives this summer as both a 328i and 335iaround the automotive ladder. The 2014 E offers cutting-edge safety measures scheduled for the following generation of S-Class, in addition to a new face and slightly revised tail.

Dual cameras positioned close to the rearview mirror work in harmony with sound and radar sensors to create a multi-dimensional image of what’s going on across the car inside a 360? sweep. It can look at the direction and speed of moving objects while assessing the possibility risks. The central “”brain”” can then apply the brakes or steering to avoid accidents; or mitigate them, at leastIf oncoming traffic is sensed, this technology is commonly used on things like Active Lane Keeping, that can gently brake the wheels on one side of the car to return anyone to your lane: By moving the steering would apparently spook the operator too much, doing this. And there’s the option of full parking assistance that only requires you to identify a location and select gears.

The captain of a nuclear submarine would want this kind of technology. And the great thing is, it never gets drowsy or distracted. In fact, the E-Class can also retain the driver alert with its improved Attention Assist that now works across a wider speed range, with its sensitivity adjusted from the user.

The range and permutations allow an almost made-to-measure car, though for the US market, the 2014 E-Class will be offered either in Luxury or Sport trim.

Luxury brings a normal grille and hood ornament; Sport puts a large three-pointed star in the center of the grille.

From the interests of family resemblance, the previous “”four-eyed”” appearance was jettisoned for larger headlights with LED DRL strips. Unfortunately, we won’t see one of the cars neatest updates: The feds are behind the curve on allowing anti-dazzle technology. The Euro-spec headlamps can “”see”” vehicle lights and adjust the beam accordingly. So, a driver can remain on high beam, enjoying better visibility, and permit the tech do the rest.

On the bright side (excuse the pun), American lights will continue to switch to low beam if the oncoming vehicle’s lights are detected. And will still illuminate turns with the steering angle.

The updated E-Class portfolio also sees alterations in the engine bay. The entry-level car will now be diesel-powered: the 2014 E250 Bluetec is reasonably surprising, given American potential to deal with oil-burners, but the 2.-liter, four-cylinder develops 204hp and 369 lb-ft as a result of a twin-turbo set-up.readily accessible surge to achieve highway speeds and for overtaking. You might also forget it’s diesel thanks to the quiet cabin, although highway consumption expected to be the high 30s will remind you in the pumps.

Gasoline is combusted by the E400. The latest engine is actually a 3.-liter V6, aided by two turbos, offering 333hp and 354 lb-ft. It fits into the E-Class aura of effortless ability but we need to wait until 2014 for this model.

An exterior revamp is matched with a new-ish interior. Still recognizably Benz-like, some cleaner lines and an extra air of class courtesy of the center console’s square-faced analog clock.

Since not bothering to read through any manual is the default position for nearly everyone, it could take a while to have an iPhone integrated with the infotainment system. Once that’s done, however, the menus are quite obvious enough to navigate. There’s also the option of a Bang & Olufsen high-end music system, which is beautifully clear and detailed.