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"Affalterbach, Germany \u2014 In these ecologically conscious times, sports-sedan buyers may be looking to downsize their next new car&amp;#039;s dimensions, but not necessarily the power. Firebreathing compact sedans are more popular than ever, and the competition is heated.   To meet this demand, Mercedes-Benz has pumped up its all-new C-Class in the form of the C63 AMG, slated to hit U.S. dealers in April. Powered by AMG&amp;#039;s normally aspirated 6.2-liter-V-8, the C63 makes 457 bhp at 6800 rpm and 443 lb.-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm. This output is delivered to the rear wheels through an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic (a 7-speed auto gearbox with manual mode).   There is certainly no lack of performance \u2014 the 3750-lb. car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, says Mercedes, with top speed electronically limited at 155 mph. Equip it with the optional driver&amp;#039;s package, though, and top speed runs an unfettered 174 mph.   No less important is a dynamic attitude. Mercedes heeded past criticism that the C55 AMG looked dull in comparison with other power players like the BMW M3 and Audi RS 4. Therefore, AMG took the new C-Class to the gym and the result is a buff body. Every visual part from the A-pillar forward is different. The hood is 2.8 in. longer and topped with showpiece power domes. The new angled grille is flanked by more aggressive fenders needed to accommodate a 1.4-in.-wider track and larger wheels. But the optional 19-in. alloy rims won&amp;#039;t be available in the U.S.   Like the outward appearance, the cabin is also revised, including a new 3-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a special AMG readout in the center display that turns bright red when reaching the rev limiter. In addition, there are all-new sport seats, which give firm but comfortable support, though I felt I was sitting a bit high. AMG chief engineer Tobias Moers explains that the C63 had to use the stock C-Class seat positioning to meet safety certification.   As I didn&amp;#039;t want to wait until next spring, I drove one of the existing seven C63 models around AMG&amp;#039;s home in Affalterbach. Starting the engine, there&amp;#039;s a deep rumble from the four exhaust pipes announcing what is to come.   Depending on the shift mode selected \u2014 Comfort, Sport or Manual \u2014 gears will change with different speed. This supports the different character of the C63 AMG. You can easily cruise at 60 mph in top gear with less than 2000 rpm registering on the tach. Pressing the pedal down summons thrust that doesn&amp;#039;t seem to stop. And at intermediate throttle openings, power delivery is smooth. However, I&amp;#039;d prefer the gearbox to work a little faster on the automatic upshifts under normal acceleration.   When you push the C63 hard, wheelspin isn&amp;#039;t far away, but is controlled smoothly by the new 3-mode ESP system. Fully engaged, it avoids any spin, while the ESP Sport setup allows the C63 AMG&amp;#039;s tail to step out. Still, to be on the safe side here, only experienced drivers should switch the system off completely. This latest AMG model offers an advanced safety package and the brakes are among the best, period.   Fuel mileage is yet to be announced, but expect a rating close to that of the CLK63 AMG, at 13 mpg city, 20 mpg highway.   Summing up, the strongest C-Class ever is tempting with finely honed driving dynamics, while providing more comfort than its German rivals. This is one well-trained automobile, fit and ready to rumble with the best that BMW has to offer. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/los-angeles-auto-show/news/a13662/2008-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-1/>