MOTOR RIVALS

Mercedes-AMG is setting a further landmark in the brand history: the new C63 Coupé is the next step on the way to yet more technical and visual distinctiveness. The far-reaching technical modifications are evident at first sight: strikingly flared front and rear wheel arches, an increased track width and larger wheels give the Coupé a muscular look while at the same time providing a basis for the highly agile longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The brand's typical "Driving Performance" is taken to new heights also with the C63 Coupé. The AMG 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine with 350 kW (476 hp) or 375 kW (510 hp) is just as much a completely in-house development from Affalterbach as, for example, the sophisticated AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, the set-up of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the rear-axle limited-slip differential or the dynamic engine mounts. The C-Class is Mercedes-AMG's best-selling model series and forms the backbone of the company's success.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé already fascinates at first glance with its impressive proportions. The expressive exterior design differs significantly from the Mercedes-Benz model, which shares merely the same doors, roof and boot lid. The powerful 8-cylinder engine, together with the increased track width on the front and rear axles, calls for a redesigned front end and a model-specific rear assembly as well as new side walls. The extremely wide front section is characterized by large air inlets and precisely positioned flics. The low, arrow-shaped "twin blade" radiator grille with AMG lettering visually lowers the vehicle's center of gravity.

Powertrain

The C63 S Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, the C63 Coupé in 4.0 seconds. This makes the Coupé just a fraction faster than the Saloon - thanks to the wider tires and shorter-legged rear-axle ratios. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited; 290 km/h with AMG Driver's Package). The 4.0-litre 8-cylinder bi-turbo engine is already used in the C63 Saloon and the C63 Estate. It is also installed in the GT sports car with dry sump lubrication. Characteristic feature: the two turbochargers are positioned not on the outside of the cylinder banks, but between them in the "V".

The typical V8 engine sound was likewise a key development goal. It was specially tailored to the Coupé. A model-specific exhaust system with flap technology is used as standard. It is automatically map-controlled depending on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode, the power demanded by the driver and the engine speed. The engine sound varies between discreet/suitable for long-distance driving and robust/emotively appealing. Optionally available is the Performance exhaust system, which allows the sound to be modulated at the press of a button.

The transmission plays a major part in the direct and sporty character of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission impresses with its tailor-made dynamics and high variability. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel shift paddles, upshifts and downshifts are executed noticeably faster than in the previous model.

Unique in its segment, the C63 S Coupé - like the Saloon and the Estate - is equipped with dynamic engine mounts. These help to further resolve the conflicting aims of comfort and dynamic performance. These dynamic mounts are instantly and variably able to adapt their stiffness to the driving conditions and requirements. Soft engine mounts improve comfort, as they provide more effective decoupling of noise and vibration. However, handling and agility benefit from a generally stiffer mount set-up.

Chassis

The fascinating agility and high cornering speed of the C63 Coupé are also thanks to the completely redesigned suspension. A four-link front suspension with radial, racing-style brake connections is used. Model-specific steering knuckles and a wider track allow greater lateral acceleration. The rear axle, too, was completely newly developed for the Coupé. The multi-link concept impresses with highly precise wheel control and increased stiffness. The AMG-specific rear axle carrier makes the increased track width possible. Other measures include AMG-specific wheel carriers, stiffer elastokinematic tuning and higher negative camber. With the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adjustable damping, the customer can choose between maximum sportiness and excellent long-distance comfort in three stages at the press of a button. The difference between the comfortable and sporty suspension settings is also subjectively perceptible - depending on the particular driving situation.

For improved traction and vehicle dynamics, the C63 Coupé is provided with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the C63 S Coupé comes with an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Both differentials reduce the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control interventions in the braking system. This allows the driver to accelerate out of corners earlier thanks to the improved traction. The car remains more stable when braking from high speeds, and the limited-slip differential also improves traction when moving off. The greatest benefit of the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential - installed as standard on the C63 S - is the even more sensitive and faster control, which further raises the critical limit of drivability.

Technology

The driver is able to influence the characteristics of the C63 with four different AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes. The C63 S has an additional "Race" transmission mode. There is therefore scope for maximum individualization. The driver decides on the desired driving experience, from comfortable-economical to super-sporty, using a controller to the left of the touchpad. The driver can choose between various preconfigured transmission modes and an "Individual" mode that the driver can to a large extent personally configure.

Safety

The Coupé also offers a supreme level of safety. It comes as standard with the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which helps to prevent rear-end collisions. Many other optional assistance systems are available to increase both comfort and safety.

The aggressive new Lexus RC F coupe has been designed for optimum high speed stability to support the most powerful V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus. It is the second generation V8 F model from Lexus, intended to evoke the best of tuning and technology from the flagship V10 LFA supercar (of which just 500 were manufactured). 'F' - for 'Fuji Speedway" where much of Lexus' high speed development occurs - has become its pinnacle sports brand, adding greater depth to the entire model range on three elements of "Fun": response, continuous acceleration feeling, and sound that engages with and excites the driver. Resolutely powerful design interpretations - both cosmetic and dynamic - distinguish RC F from the RC on which it is based.

To complement its higher horsepower delivery RC F has a far more comprehensive aerodynamic package, including an active rear wing, a purpose-designed brake and suspension system, wider wheels and tires and unique styling which is functional as well as startling. The Lexus signature spindle grille flows to a unique aerodynamic treatment across the hood and features a graduated mesh pattern. Cooling ducts within the RC F grille are sandwiched by oil coolers. At the rear of the front wing, a large L-shaped cooling outlet creates a major design expression of dynamism while performing an essential cooling and aerodynamic function. RC F's hood is raised to accommodate and emphasize the V8 engine and a meshed scoop in its center provides additional aerodynamics, and cooling. A continuous flow from the hood and front wing through to the belt line emphasizes the crouching nature of the design and contributes to air flow. A carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) kit, developed for the LFA and IS F CCS-R race car, adds an aggressive dimension while saving weight.

Powertrain

The new RC F coupe has Lexus' most powerful V8 engine, with 12% more power than the IS F engine on which it is based. All-new cylinder heads and lighter moving parts have increased the maximum power of the 5.0-litre 32-valve engine by 54PS (40kW) to 477PS (351kW), with maximum revolutions increased from 6800 to 7300rpm. The majority of the engine parts are new. Special features of the RC F engine include titanium valves, forged connecting rods, an optimized exhaust layout to more effectively harness exhaust pulses and an air-cooled oil cooler for optimum durability. Uniquely for a Lexus performance engine, the new 2UR-GSE engine adopts the Atkinson cycle to deliver enhanced fuel economy. In cruising condition, fuel economy of the RC F is comparable to a 4.2-litre engine at maximum.

The RC F coupe has an improved 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission. It has five driver-selectable modes - ECO, NORMAL, SPORT S, SPORT S+, and M mode. Up changes are made in just 0.1 of a second at minimum case in M Mode, with the transmission's throttle blipping control matching the engine speed to the gear. The transmission SPORT S mode will automatically downshift during hard braking for a corner, hold a lower gear through the corner for greater control.

Lexus RC F has a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) as standard equipment. Lexus RC F can also be optionally equipped with a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD). It is the world's first torque-transfer type torque-vectoring system for a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle. The electronically controlled Lexus TVD optimally distributes torque to each rear wheel regardless of whether the accelerator is pressed or not.

Chassis

Seventy percent of RC F's suspension hardware is different from RC's. The new RC F has all-coil suspension, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. At the rear, the suspension geometry has been optimized exclusively for the RC F. Top-level body rigidity was a priority in RC F, in order to provide a stable platform for the suspension and to optimize agility. RC F adds unique fit-for-purpose suspension, brakes steering, wheels and a unique Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), which is an industry-first application in a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle.

RC F's electronic power-assisted rack and pinion steering has been designed to achieve excellent dynamic performance and steering feel. Lexus RC F has an all-new brake package with new ventilated front brake rotors are slotted rather than drilled, with six-piston opposed calipers. The rear brakes have four-piston opposed calipers.

RC F has 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with 255/35 R19 front and 275/35 R19 rear tires, compared with 225/40 front and 255/35 rear tires on IS F for increased grip. High camber angles and toe-angle rigidity further improves cornering power and reduces the required steering angle.

Technology

Lexus has developed a new Remote Touch Interface (RTI) for its sports coupe models as part of the cockpit 'operation zone' in the center console. New touch-operation offers the enhanced convenience touch-phone users will love, such as flick/pinch operations. The driver can use the RTI to select the audio, navigation or system information displayed on the center screen without looking down while driving.

The RC F incorporates an Active Sound Control (ASC) which delivers enhanced exhaust, intake and mechanical sounds within the cabin. RC F can be equipped with a compact 17-speaker 835W Mark Levinson system featuring the new Clari-Fi technology. A 10-speaker Pioneer system, developed by Lexus, also has protocols intended to reduce the limitations of MP3 reproduction.

Safety

Lexus RC F has eight SRS airbags, including a dual-stage driver's airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, driver's and front passenger's knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain-shield airbags. The side-curtain airbag size has been enlarged for increased side-collision compatibility. RC F is equipped with the following electronic active safety features: Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Auto High Beam, Hill-start Assist Control, Back guide camera and Auto Location Tire Pressure Warning System (AL-TPWS).