Mercedes-Benz is saying goodbye to its beloved V8 engine, which served as the core of the AMG C 63. But the next generation of the AMG C 63 – the C 63 S E Performance -- is ditching the V8 in favor of a very powerful hybridized four-banger. Unlike Bugatti, however, Mercedes doesn’t seem interested in creating a tribute to the V8.
The good people at Manhart Performance think otherwise. The tuning company specializing in Mercedes builds is paying tribute to the V8 engine by creating a high-octane farewell in the form of the Manhart CR 700 Last Edition.
Some things never last, even in the world of automotive. It is not surprising to see carmakers retire a certain nameplate or even a particular technology. The reasons are diverse, including when the nameplate isn’t making much profit for the carmaker, or the technology doesn’t make sense anymore for modern or future applications.
For instance, Bugatti is finally saying goodbye to its beloved W16 engine, simply because it is seeing a future in electrification through Rimac’s lead. It was the engine that made it possible for the Veyron and the Chiron to break speed records. Nevertheless, the carmaker paid a proper sendoff and a tribute to the W16 engine by introducing the Bugatti Mistral roadster.
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CR 700 Last Edition Bids Farewell To AMG’s V8
While the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S is a luxury car, it isn’t an all-smooth-sailing ship as it is a model with a dynamic character. Still based on the previous generation of the C-Class, the AMG C 63 S is essentially an awesome supercar no matter the body type – sedan, coupe, or wagon. The power lurking underneath its hood is what makes the driver push more metal to the pedal.
All versions of the AMG C 63 S come powered by a hand-built, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine. Engineers at Mercedes tuned this V8 mill to deliver a mouthful of power, enough to call the performance C-Class a supercar. As tuned, the V8 engine can provide 503 hp of max output and 516 lb-ft of peak torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission takes care of routing the power to the rear wheels.
This is actually more than enough power, considering that the AMG C 63 S is still a luxury car. But since the V8 engine is having its swan song in 2023 AMG C 63 S and is bound to die in the 2024 model year, Manhart Performance thought it would be better to send it off with a bang.
Manhart is not only making various cosmetic changes to the AMG C 63 S but is also boosting the car’s already dynamic performance. The end product is what Manhart calls the CR 700 Last Edition sedan.
Not The First CR 700 Project But The Last
The Manhart CR 700 Last Edition sedan isn’t actually the company’s first foray into transforming the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S into a more potent, luxurious machine. Manhart first built the CR 700 coupe as its very first AMG project.
By implementing its own turbocharger upgrade, fuel pump upgrade, as well as ECU remapping, Manhart was able to boost the 4.0-liter V8 engine to 690 hp of max output and 663 lb-ft of peak torque. Also included are several visual and mechanical upgrades.
In late 2021, Manhart followed up the CR 700 coupe with CR 700 Wagon, which used the AMG 63 S estate/wagon as a base. In this version, the V8 engine could deliver 702 hp of max output and 678 lb-ft of peak torque. Until this model, there was only one AMG C 63 S model that Manhart hadn’t touched – the sedan.
Increased Power, Upgraded Suspension And Exhaust Systems
Aptly named the CR 700 Last Edition, Manhart’s upgraded version of the AMG C 63 S sedan boasts having the same increase in power as the CR 700 Wagon. As per Manhart, the CR 700 Last Edition has its V8 engine upgraded to 702 hp of max output and 678 lb-ft of peak torque.
This power surge -- equivalent to 199 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque – is thanks to an in-house Turbo Performance kit that includes upgraded turbochargers, an upgraded intercooler, a new carbon intake, as well a final ECU remapping. All of these allow the CR 700 Last Edition to sprint from 62 mph to 124 mph in just 5.5 seconds.
Manhart likewise upgraded the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission, so it could adapt to the increased power of the V8 mill. The company also upgraded the suspension system by employing a Manhart coil spring set by H&R.
Customers can upgrade the sedan’s AMG exhaust system with either Manhart Sport downpipes (with 200-cell catalytic converters) or Race downpipes (without catalytic converters). Devoid of TÜV approval, a CR 700 Last Edition with these downpipes is only sold in countries other than Germany.
Personalized Exterior For CR 700 Last Edition
Manhart’s example of the CR 700 Last Edition comes wrapped in a black paint finish with the signature Manhart decal set in gold. Manhart also has the radiator grille finished in gloss black and the wheels in classic matte black with gold rim decoration. Nevertheless, the company allows customers to personalize their CR 700 Last Edition as per their wishes.
The CR 700 Last Edition rides on Manhart Concave One wheels, measuring 9×20 inches on the front and 10.5×20 inches on the rear. The interior remains stock, although Manhart accepts customization requests.
Source: Manhart Performance