Mercedes-Benz announces C-Class Coupe Sport details, including AMG Sports Package

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with AMG to create the ultimate sports package to give the new C-Class Coupe Sport the sportiest feel possible.

Mercedes-Benz has just revealed several additional details of its C-Class Coupe Sport, including the all-new AMG Plus Sports Package. Mercedes will feature the AMG package on the C 250 Sport and C 250 CDI Sport. The new C-Class Sport models were developed in conjunction with AMG, a subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz that specializes in high-performance luxury cars. AMG is typically recognized for its more aggressive looks, higher performance and better handling than typical Mercedes-Benz vehicles. AMG models are generally associated with the most high-end Mercedes vehicles, which is true with the new C-Class Sport lineup.

In the case of the C-Class Sport, Mercedes partnership with AMG has resulted in the all-new AMG Plus Sports package. The newly introduced sports package coincides with Mercedes aim to make the C-Class sportier than ever.

"Refined sportiness is a brand value we hold dear, and with the new Sport models we are shifting the emphasis of the C-Class a little more towards sportiness," said Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing. "This means that in the C-Class, alongside the top-of-the-range C 63 AMG, we have the widest ever line-up of sporty models."

So how exactly does the AMG Plus Sports package set the C-Class apart from other luxury sports cars? According to Mercedes, its collaboration with AMG has produced two uniquely sporty cars both inside and out. Appearance-wise, the AMG Sports package includes AMG 7-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG spoiler lips, which give the exterior a uniquely sporty feel. When taking a look an interior, drivers will find sport seat in black ARTICO hand-crafter leather, red seat belts and red topstitching on the steering wheel, seats, door panels, door armrests, center console and shifter.

Aside from distinctive aesthetics, the AMG package markedly improves the driving performance of a typical C-Class model. The AMG Plus Sports package includes:

• AMG sports suspension with spring and damper setup for optimized lateral dynamics plus modified camber and bearings
• Sports braking system with larger brake discs
• Speed-sensitive sports steering with direct ratio
• Sports exhaust system, with sound generator in the rear silencer on the C 250 CDI Sport
• Engine management with more responsive accelerator mapping
• More sporty transmission configuration in S and M mode, with shorter shift times, doubled clutch function and active downshift when braking

For the U.S. market, the 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe will be available in two engines: a 4-cylinder 1.8-liter gasoline-powered engine that develops up to 201-hp and a V6 3.5-liter edition that produces 302-hp. Both engines will be matted to a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

European consumers have the option of purchasing a gasoline-powered engine or a diesel. Gas options include two 4-cylinder with 154-hp and 201-hp and a V6 that turns out 302-hp. There are also two diesel choices available: a 4-cylinder 168-hp and 4-cylinder 201-hp model.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Sport models will be launched in Europe in June 2012 and in September in U.S. markets.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz