Manhart's Magic Wand Transforms Mercedes-AMG C63 S Into a Powerhouse Beast
In the realm of high-performance tuning, some upgrades manage to write a new chapter for a car, and that's precisely what Manhart has done with the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Leaving enthusiasts awe-struck, the Wuppertal-based tuner has waved its magic wand over this already potent sedan, elevating it to realms of power and sound that many thought were lost with the departure of its V8 ancestor.
The transition from a roaring V8 to a more environmentally friendly, albeit less charismatic, four-cylinder plug-in hybrid setup had many purists mourning. However, Manhart's latest creation, the CRE 700, serves as a potent reminder of the tuner's prowess in recapturing, and arguably surpassing, the soul of the predecessor.
Delving into the heart of the transformation, Manhart has injected the CRE 700 with a robust dose of additional power. The stock version of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is no slouch, with its powertrain pumping out an impressive 671 horsepower and 1,020 Nm of torque. Yet, Manhart saw room for improvement. By integrating its MHtronic module into the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, they've boosted the output to a jaw-dropping 715 horsepower and 1,120 Nm of torque.
But power is only part of the equation. The aural experience of a performance car significantly contributes to its overall thrill—a fact not lost on Manhart. Hence, they've outfitted the CRE 700 with a new exhaust system featuring sport downpipes and 300-cell catalytic converters. The result is a sound that's fiercely more potent, addressing the 'four-cylinder blues' with a melody that's music to any gearhead's ears. Remarkably, these components cater primarily to markets outside Germany, though options approved by the German Technical Inspection Association (TUV) may follow if demand surges.
The visual tweaks, though subtle, accentuate the aggressive stance of the CRE 700. Maintaining the menacing AMG body kit and the 20-inch AMG wheels, Manhart has chosen to sprinkle its personality with understated yet discernible modifications. From the blacked-out emblem on the grille to the CRE 700 badges adorning the doors, every detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure the sedan's aesthetic matches its enhanced performance credentials.
Lowered by 20 mm through a new set of H&R springs, the modified sedan sits more menacingly, hinting at its augmented abilities without altering the braking system—though Manhart is open to upgrades upon request. This commitment to continuous evolution suggests that the CRE 700 might not represent the apex of what Manhart envisions for the C63 S. Depending on the response from enthusiasts, further enhancements may loom on the horizon, promising an even more exhilarating chapter in the future.
In the echelons of automotive tuning, Manhart's work on the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance stands out as a testament to the art of the possible. By blending increased power with a richer, more evocative exhaust note, the CRE 700 not only honors its V8 forebears but carves out a legacy all its own. For those yearning for a perfect amalgamation of modern efficiency and raw, unadulterated power, the Manhart CRE 700 emerges as the quintessential choice.