The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has been a highly regarded performance car amongst not just the automotive press, but with consumers as well since it was first unveiled. It's simple formula of using a big rear-wheel drive V-8 powertrain with luxurious amenities has made it a popular choice for those looking for comfort, style, and performance to back it all up. One German aftermarket tuning company, KTW Tuning, wanted to take the sports car to the next level in terms of performance and style without going over-the-top with upgrades. Instead they stuck to a simple plan of adding new engine upgrades, chassis modifications, forged wheels, and enhanced aerodynamics to create an even more exciting AMG model.
The naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 engine that Mercedes-Benz builds by hand is still used in the Coupe variant of the C63 AMG model and has been tuned for even more power by the team at KTW. The 6.2-liter already has a thrilling exhaust note but was fitted with a new stainless steel exhaust system to optimize backpressure and produce a thunderous exhaust note. The system utilizes two new racing catalytic converters as well as a sport muffler and weighs 10 lbs less than the factory setup. After the exhaust was installed, the engineers at KTW Tuning focused on developing a new software tune for the sports car's ECU. The ECU software was altered and now features enhanced ignition, timing, spark, and fuel delivery to create even more power. The two modifications result in a total of 525 horsepower being sent to each of the rear forged wheels for quicker acceleration and a higher top speed.
With more power being sent to the factory rim and tire setup, the KTW Tuning team had to upgrade the chassis in order to accommodate. The factory suspension was removed and replaced with a new KW Variant 3 coilover system that helps to sharpen up handling and lowers the ride height by 15 mm for a better center of gravity. The rim and tire setup was removed in place of a new set of monoblock forged wheels with a lower overall weight and a 9.5 x 19 front and 11.0 x 19 rear setup. The wheels were also fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires for better traction on pavement.
The final part of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG that was upgraded was the exterior. Here, the team focused on subtle additions that would improve high-speed stability. KTW installed a new badgeless grille that improved airflow to the radiator and a new spoiler lip that increased downforce. Two new side skirts were installed that redirect air away from the rear forged wheels. The rear is finished off with a small trunk-mounted spoiler and a diffuser insert with fins that create a suction-effect at high speeds to keep the rear of the sports car planted.
Douglas Cougevan is a contributing writer at COR Wheels. COR Wheels specializes in 3-piece wheels and monoblock forged wheels in a variety of traditional step lip, reverse, and concave designs for sports cars, luxury cars, and SUVs.