Just read a review for the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and it looks like it's gonna be a genuine contender to the new M3. I was gonna paste the review here, but it's pretty long, so heres the link instead:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=121540

In the meantime, here are some quick stats:

Engine:

Displacement: 6.2L V8
Power hp (kW): 457 (341)
Torque lb-ft (nM): 442 (599)
Gearbox: 7-Speed Automatic w/ Paddle Shift

Brakes/Tyres:

Brakes: ABS, 14.2-inch front discs and 13.0-inch rear discs
Tyres: (on Sport Package equipped C63 AMG) Bridgestone Potenza REO50A, 235/35ZR19s in front and 255/30ZR19s in the rear.
Driveline: RWD

Performance:

0-62mph: 4.5s
Top Speed mph (km/h): 155 (250) - Electronically Limited, 174 (280) - Sport Package

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mercedes.benz.c63.amg/08.mb.c63.340.jpg

(This is the only pic that it would display, more pics with the link)

looking good, but I'm a bit dissapointed about the power loss. And the lack of space in the engine bay, I mean, where am I gonna fit the turbos?

looking good, but I'm a bit dissapointed about the power loss. And the lack of space in the engine bay, I mean, where am I gonna fit the turbos?

Apparently power is up on the old C55 by 95hp (the old one had 362). As for turbo space, I guess you're just gonna have to go without, and fit a SuperAwesome Fast & Furious TypeR NAWZ kit for it instead:D

Power loss compred to a top-of-the-line 6.2L AMG V8. Usually has about 380kw(500+), not this piddly 457...

I know, since the bonnet is so ugly, I'll take it off and that way I can fit the turbos:), and maybe even a Supercharger, TSI style:):)

Whoa when did that get revealed?? I thought it was still in mule stage with camo! I can't seem to find anything on the car on any other sites but how come edmund has all the specs.
Anyway I think it looks badass with that front bumper and pumped up guards. 457 bhp is way more than its competitors, especially M3. It also has faster acceleration and mayb has better dynamic prowess. I still favour the M3 over this car though.

Now that...is what I call hardcore. Love the whole muscular stance...and the specs look promising...so I guess...M3? You're on.

Damn, this is probably one of my favorite Mercs in a very long time. I really like it. Especially it's exterior, it looks very aggressive, i also love it's low stance. As for it's big 4.2L V8, it produces 457hp and 599Nm of torque which isn't too bad, it should really give the M3 a run for its money.

Looks awesome!

Thank god Jaguar shelved its plans of the 3.0 V6 supercharged X-Type R all those years ago. It'd be getting slaughtered harder and harder everyday, with yet another rival coming. BMW M3, Audi RS4, Mercedes C63 AMG and the Alfa Romeo 159 GTA. Ouch...

Power loss compred to a top-of-the-line 6.2L AMG V8. Usually has about 380kw(500+), not this piddly 457...

I know, since the bonnet is so ugly, I'll take it off and that way I can fit the turbos:), and maybe even a Supercharger, TSI style:):)

It's got 457 in the C63, as Mercedes has strict rules as to how powerful each car can be. It's something like the C-Class has to be less powerful than the E-Class, but the E-Class has to be less powerful than the S-Class, and the CLS-Class has to be less powerful than the CL-Class. I'm not sure if those last two are right, but the first two are. You get what I mean. And by the way it applies to the whole range. So there... You'll never get an AMG car that's more powerful than the top-of-the-range model in the class above it (as long as those AMG rules are kept).

Looks nice but I would take the Sport Package if I were ever to buy this one, you get an extra 30 km/h which makes the top speed much bigger to 280 km/h. The exterior looks pretty good and so is the acceleration, but no room for a turbo... That's quite sad if you ask me, making the 280 km/h limit higher would be fun. :D

It looks so aggressive and its so nice but the M3 come on could this HONESTLy be better then the M3 i don't wanna see it happen

Beautiful car

since when did it get released !! Damn it lookd Hawt :cool: and i have nothing against the engine :D

A big 6.2L to compete with a 4.0L.. Well, i do NOT like the C-Class but this AMG doesn't look that bad.. anyway I prefer the M3 by miles..

the front looks too flat from the side view and makes it look all ugly...anyways, those big fog lights on the front just looks awful, its got that DTM front end thing and all that fog light just ruins it, but it kinda looks cool in some angles, well the interior looks okay for a benz..love the wheels, rear end looks good, like it

specwise...i dont know...but i like the looks...

I really like it. Except for the hood, it looks like something they've taken off one the old SLK's or something. I guess I kind of understand why they do what Frewin said, although its annoying. Each engine should have the same power in all the cars. I found it annoying that the SLK 55 had less power than the SL 55.

Beautiful! Well the M3 and RS4 are going to have a handful! But when did it come out:-k. Well that was quick by Merc.

I found it annoying that the SLK 55 had less power than the SL 55.

C'mon, if they had the same power teh SL55 wouldn't be as succssesful as it is and it makes no sense.. The SL is Mercedes' sports car, it must have more power than the others merc. That's my opinion.

I can't say how much I like Mercedes new styling. This blows BMW our of the water for styling. The BMW is also only 420hp so this could be a very good thing for Mercedes.

I must admit that looks great. Very nice bodykit, looks the part, and that is startling performance.

I can't say how much I like Mercedes new styling. This blows BMW our of the water for styling. The BMW is also only 420hp so this could be a very good thing for Mercedes.
^^yeah, but the merc weighs quite alot more

Speaking of the new M3, i have probaly the first reveiw of it here, well sort of.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/Home.aspx

They just drove the new C 63 and on friday they are driving the new m3, so check on friday for the M3 review.

I would wait until friday, then do a group test if I was them.

I want to know know what the M3 is like, but i leave for france on Friday morning so i won't know till 10 days later. NOOOOOOO
Unless our hotel has internet access, then its PSP internet time.

C'mon, if they had the same power teh SL55 wouldn't be as succssesful as it is and it makes no sense.. The SL is Mercedes' sports car, it must have more power than the others merc. That's my opinion.

^ I know, I agree, but I'd just love them to make a more powerful SLK

Looks good, I think. But it's a little heavier than the M3, which will probably affect nimbleness, although the M3 isn't one of the lightest cars around though is it, but it's a decent weight. Has more power and a lot more torque to make up for the weight disadvantage. Not sure which one I would pick though, just gotta wait until the two are pitted together. Looks very promising though.

I can't say how much I like Mercedes new styling. This blows BMW our of the water for styling. The BMW is also only 420hp so this could be a very good thing for Mercedes.

I saw in a magazine the new E-Class.. oh my **** that is SO horrible!! Instead of the front lights beeing circles, they become squares..:-k

Looks good, I think. But it's a little heavier than the M3, which will probably affect nimbleness, although the M3 isn't one of the lightest cars around though is it, but it's a decent weight. Has more power and a lot more torque to make up for the weight disadvantage. Not sure which one I would pick though, just gotta wait until the two are pitted together. Looks very promising though.

It is heavier but it is a 6.2L while the M3 is a 4.0L..

^ I know, I agree, but I'd just love them to make a more powerful SLK I see you are a SLK fanboy :D

This C class amg looks awesome. I like it. Also i like its interior. Awesome. I like it from the exterior and the interior. It's an amazing car.
The performance looks good. But i was expecting something with more horsepower. I don't feel bad. Also it has a good torque of 60kg. The specs are good and it needs onle 4.5 secs to accelerate to 100km/h. It's good. :p