I guess enough is never enough when it comes to German cars. There those who like to push the limits of performance and offer the world meaner and more powerful machines. Look at Audi, they have their RS range of cars, which are mostly fire-spitting Quattros. BMW has their acclaimed M-Power cars which are precise driving tools and Mercedes-Benz, well they send their cars to Affalterbach Motorenbau und EntwicklungsGesellschaft or AMG if you will for some added malice.

Now let’s face it, the M3 has been king of the two door performance coupe ring for a number of years now: it’s a precise driving tool if you will and has been a favourite of mine for as long as I can remember. I do however think that its reign has come to an abrupt end in the wake of something truly menacing, its AMGs latest Frankenstein creation – the all-new C63 AMG.

Mercedes-Benz unleashed the C63 AMG models in both Coupe and Sedan attire last week.

The coupe model rounds off the C Class AMG range line-up in South Africa, alongside the sedan and station wagon models and is fitted with AMG’s brutal 6208cc naturally aspirated V8. The Coupe – being my weapon of choice – looks much like the standard coupe but with that added AMG menace. The distinctive, strikingly arrow-shaped front section is characterised by features typical of AMG: a new AMG front apron including lower cross-struts finished in high-gloss black, LED daytime driving lamps specifically created for AMG and side air outlets. The large Mercedes Benz star is positioned on a wing-shaped horizontal grille slat in the new radiator grille and, together with the newly-designed aluminium engine cover which has those iconic powerdomes, underlines the masculine feel of the vehicle.

At the rear attention is drawn by the distinctive quad exhaust chrome tail pipes protruding from a striking black diffuser. Throw in some million spoke blacked out 18-inch rims with a chrome lip wearing 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres – and some red brake callipers and the C63 coupe looks ready to demolish anything that may stagger into its line of fire.

For the family man who still has that ‘Need for Speed’,  the C63 sedan is likewise an impressive and menacing machine as the coupe, sharing many design traits from the coupe model  but just with two extra doors for better practicality.

Both cars share the same interior layout which resembles that of the standard models. The all-new dashboard is much like that seen on the bigger E class model. However, this being an AMG derivative there are signs of its superiority.

For instance, on some models there was carbon fibre inserts on the dash and the cars come with extremely comfortable and supportive bucket seats branded with AMG logos. Another unique feature is the AMG sports steering wheel with gear shift pedals fitted behind it. It’s flat bottomed and can – with extra money – be fitted with Alcantara inserts. It is definitely worth its weight in gold because it gives the steering wheel an extra bit of racing feel as well as grip.

Now this being an AMG, it is all about the hand built nuclear bomb under the hood. The 6.2-litre is fantastic and in standard trim is tuned for 336kW at 6800 revs and 600Nm at 5000rpm – or, if you opt for the Performance Package, which will cost you an extra R71 800 and includes forged pistons, forged conrods and a lightweight crankshaft borrowed from the AMG SLS, saving 3kg in internal weight. This all adds up to power outputs of 358kW at the same revs. That’ll knock a tenth off the coupé’s 0-100 sprint time (from 4.4 to 4.3 seconds) while top speed is, as always, limited to 250kph. The Drivers’ Package will up the top speed to 300kph, add some fancy brakes and carbon fibre trim here and there.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through Mercedes-Benz’s seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT-7 auto transmission with changes occurring within 100milleseconds of one another. The C63 AMG is also fitted with Merc’s new Drive Programmes. They can be selected from a rotary selector switch on the centre console. The modes include C, S, S+, M and RACE START drive programmes. Each program sets the car up in a different manner; C being comfort and M being full on balls to the wall manual mode.

Mercedes-Benz launched the cars to the motoring press at Zwartkops race track. I had the chance to explore the C63s madness in a controlled environment and they did not disappoint. While thrashing it around the technical track I got a feel for the sophisticated AMG suspension setup – the top-of-the-range AMG model has a specially designed three-link front suspension, reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension and a wider track all round.

Out on the road the car is, well insane to say the least. The route was filled with tight, twisty roads meandering around the Magaliesberg mountain area.

The C63 AMG can go from a calm and dignified cruiser to a downright monster at the sheer thought of using your right foot. The C63 accelerates relentlessly and shoves you deep into the seat. From a standing start – and with the traction control off – you will easily light up the rear wheels if you have the balls to push the accelerator all the way down to the floor. Likewise the same thing occurs if you happen to take a corner with the same amount of gusto. The tail steps out but it is easy to modulate and most definitely motivates you to perform some illegal acts of motoring.

Is the C63 – in coupe guise – better than the mighty M3 coupe? Well, I still maintain that the M3 is a better track tool for precise driving. However, if you are looking for a manic V8 with an intoxicating sound track and the ability to thrill you at every corner, yet remain highly comfortable at any given point, then the C63 is the right tool for the job.