Mercedes-AMG C 63 Cabriolet revealed

Several new and facelifted models have been unveiled by Mercedes ahead of this week’s New York Motor Show, and the Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet can now be added to that list.

Under the bonnet of the sporty convertible is a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that's already in use in the C63 Saloon, Estate and Coupe, as well as the Mercedes-AMG GT. It comes with 469bhp in the standard C63 Convertible or 503bhp in the range-topping C63 S model.

The standard car is capable of 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, while the more powerful C63 S shaves a tenth of a second off that time, claiming 4.1 seconds. Buyers are just as likely to be seduced by the sound the C63 makes as it accelerates as they are by the time it takes to do so, with the V8 set to provide a glorious soundtrack that will be especially easy to appreciate on journeys with the roof down.

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The V8 engine is much loved by enthusiasts and Mercedes says that achieving the engine’s typical sound was an important goal in its development. The C63’s exhaust system is fitted with flaps that open and close depending on how the car is being driven to deliver the full sonic experience when appropriate. A performance exhaust system will be available as an option and will allow adjustment of extra exhaust flaps at the push of a button.

Both C63 Cabriolet models will come with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed sports automatic gearbox. Along with the suspension, throttle response and steering, the gearbox will change its settings depending on which of the car’s modes is selected: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus or Race.

The C63 Cabriolet has all the muscular design cues we've come to expect from Mercedes-AMG models, including flared wheel arches, 'powerdomes' in the bonnet, large alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers and sculpted side skirts.

The car's fabric soft-top is made up of several layers to help with sound-deadening and insulation, and it can be opened and closed at speeds up to 31mph, provided the process is started at under 3mph. 'AIRSCARF' neck-level heating will be available as an option and there's also an automatic wind deflector called 'AIRCAP' to help keep the car's interior free of buffeting winds. An acoustic roof will also be available at extra cost.

Inside, the C63 Cabriolet features a three-spoke sports steering wheel, sports seats, carbon-fibre-effect dials and black man-made leather with contrasting stitching.

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Options will include upgraded seats, different alloy wheel designs and ceramic brakes, plus several different style packs, including the AMG Night package, the AMG Carbon-Fibre package and the AMG Performance Studio interior.

Both models will be available as 'Edition 1' versions at launch. Only available in white, the Edition 1 will have extra luxuries like diamond-stitched leather performance seats and ultra-light forged alloy wheels.

Prices for the Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet will be announced in May when the car will be available to order. First deliveries in the UK are expected in October.