Mercedes-AMG’s 2017 C63 Coupe is here, and tires don’t stand a chance

After much teasing, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe is finally seeing the light of day, ahead of an expected public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

Set to go on sale in the U.S. next summer, the C63 Coupe has all of the performance hardware of the C63 AMG sedan, but with two fewer doors for an even sportier look. Now Mercedes’ in-house tuner has something in its arsenal to enable the coupe to take on the BMW M3 and M4, and many other rivals besides.

As expected, the coupe uses the same 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 as the sedan. Borrowed from the AMG GT sports car, it produces 469 horsepower and 279 pound-feet of torque in “base” models, and 503 hp and 516 lb-ft in the C63 S Coupe.

That power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission, with a standard mechanical limited-slip differential in the C63, and a programmable electronic one in the C63 S. The sportier model also gets dynamic engine mounts, which can vary stiffness to better balance comfort with the structural rigidity necessary for good handling.

Like the sedan, the C63 Coupe also gets multiple driver-programmable modes for its transmission, and AMG Ride Control adjustable suspension. As is fashionable these days, the exhaust system also uses flaps to vary sound.

Mercedes says the C63 will do 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, while the C63 S will do it in 3.8. Top speeds are electronically limited to 155 mph in the C63, and 180 mph in the C63 S.

To give the C63 Coupe a persona worthy of that performance, AMG took the recently-unveiled C-Class Coupe to Hot Topic for some edgy accessories. Flared wheel arches allow for a wider track and bigger wheels and tires, while new front and rear fascia add more aggression. There’s also an aluminum hood with twin “powerdome” bulges, and a new trunk with an integrated rear spoiler.

Interior changes include some AMG-specific badging and controls, and heavily bolstered sport front bucket seats. Mercedes also offers a “performance” seat option, which lowers the seating position and adds even more bolstering. Electronic driver aids are also available, including Collision Prevention Assist Plus and Attention Assist, which monitors the driver for signs of fatigue.

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe will officially debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. It will go on sale in the U.S. next summer.