Mercedes-Benz Shows New C-Class Coupe and SLS AMG Roadster in Super Bowl Spots

In an exclusive pre-game release and following a behind-the-scenes version that we showed you on Friday, Mercedes-Benz has published an extended cut edition of its Super Bowl XLV commercial called 'Welcome'. With this ad, the German automaker 'welcomes' four new additions to its range including the next generation SLK roadster and CLS 63 AMG, as well as two never before seen (at least not officially) models, the SLS AMG Roadster and the C-Class Coupe. The quartet of new Mercedes-Benz cars can be seen towards the end of the video, which is posted for your viewing pleasure after the break.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: New Photos and Added Details

Last week, Mercedes-Benz accidentally dropped the ball on the refreshed C63 AMG, and even though the automaker quickly removed all photos and information, the damage was done and we got our first look at the Stuttgart firm's performance model. Today, the Germans came out with an official release and a new set of photos of both the sedan and Estate versions of the 2012MY C63 AMG.

In the styling department, the C63 AMG models receive similar exterior and interior revisions as the standard C-Class models including new headlamps and a pointier front grille, plus a new dashboard design with an integrated screen on the top part of the center console.

The AMG treatment adds a restyled bodykit, a new aluminium bonnet with modified powerdomes, and bespoke 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/40 R 18 and 255/35 R 18 tires at front and rear respectively, along with a three-dimensional TFT display in the middle of the redesigned speedometer and a flat-bottom three-spoke AMG performance steering wheel trimmed in nappa leather and featuring a metallic trim.

Under the skin, the 6.2-liter V8 remains unchanged for the 2012MY, producing 457HP and 600Nm / 442 lb-ft of torque in standard trim and 487HP with the optional AMG Performance package.

However, the C63 AMG obtains a new 7-speed sports transmission with the "Controlled Efficiency" mode as standard along with a new speed-sensitive sports steering with a direct ratio (13.5 : 1) and a newly developed power-steering pump that help reduce the combined consumption by about ten percent to 12.0 lt/100 km or 19.6mpg US (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km).

In terms of performance, the standard 457HP C63 AMG sedan completes the 0-100km/h [62 mph] sprint in 4.5 seconds (Estate: 4.6 s), while the 487HP model in 4.4 seconds (Estate: 4.5 s). Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

According to Mercedes, over the past three and a half years it has sold more than 17,000 C63 AMGs worldwide, with 88 percent of buyers opting for the sedan and 12 percent for the Estate. The Performance Package has proven to be successful with more than 30 percent of all the C 63 AMG models delivered in 2010 specified with this option.

The latest iteration of the C63 AMG will have its world premiere at next month's Geneva Salon with sales set to start in July. Prices in Germany start at €71,340 for the sedan, and at €73,899 for the Estate, with the AMG Performance Package priced at €7166.20.

Vath Tunes Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate to 580HP

When the standard Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate (that's the W211) ain't doing it the trick for you, that's where tuning companies like Vath step in. The German firm has unveiled a new tuning package for the uber-sports wagon that increases power and gives the soon-to-be replaced E63 AMG Estate a more aggressive look.

Engine tweaks under the hood pump the 6.3-liter V8's output from 514 horsepower and 630Nm to 580 horsepower and 770Nm or 568 lb-ft while the removal of the electronic speed limiter allows the sporty Estate to hover over 300km/h or 187mph.

A high-performance brake system with 6-piston calipers, lowered air suspension by 35mm and new 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 245 rubber in the front and 285 at the back complete the list of mechanical mods.

Vath also developed a new carbon fiber front lip spoiler that promises to add about 9kg or 20 pounds of pressure on the front axle along with a specific rear diffuser at the back.

For the E63 AMG Estate's interior, the German tuning specialist offers a variety of carbon fiber accessories and Alcantara trim for the roof.