Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG 2012

The only Black Series type of treatment that really grabbed and wrung out our hearts and minds so far was the ultra-hot CLK DTM AMG back in 2005, which – technically – was pre-Black Series. Fine. All the Black Series models that came after should have been more hardcore instead of the mildly up-done aesthetic exercises versus their standard AMG-badged counterparts.

Then, we got our first glimpse at the newest Black Series hotness during our recent drive day in southern France with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG lineup. It's the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series – the most powerful Vitamin C ever from Stuttgart and Affalterbach – that will do all it can to make us forget about our holy experiences in the BMW M3 GTS and Audi Quattro concept. Tough acts to follow, Herr Daimler.
While the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series starts deliveries in western Europe in January 2012, both China and the United States have to wait for the until March of next year. Somehow, that just doesn't seem right.

The thundering M156 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 gets 510 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque here, in a car that weighs 44 pounds less than the coupe on which it is based. Someone will no doubt break the four-second 0-60 barrier.