A press release from Mercedes appeared in our mailbox a few minutes ago and then disappeared. Luckily we were quick enough to grab what was in it! And it was a bunch of photos of the 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG based on the recently facelifted model. With the new face, the C63 looks less terrifying than before.

But it’s certainly as viscous as the old model since it has the same 6.2 liter V8 which develops 457 hp, or 487 ho with the help of AMG performance package, and is even faster thanks to the 7-speed MCT transmission which is now fitted as standard. This gearbox which is currently available with the SL63 AMG, is not a double clutch, but it’s not far off either. It has four modes for changing gears and offers seamless shifts. It even blips on downshifts, so it’s almost there to be as good as a DCT.

With the full 478 hp, the new C63 sedan can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. This figure is 4.5 for the estate or T-Modell as they call it. The top speed is still limited to 250 km/h or 155 mph though.

Mercedes has also tweaked the chassis and suspension setup for the new C63 AMG so the car should now be able to behave itself. The previous version was an absolute animal even with the traction control on. This model features new stabilizers and thicker anti roll bars. You can also order an optional AMG limited slip diff for it.

So the performance changes are similar to the design changes, subtle yet effective. Speaking of design, the car gets a new front apron, with a new grille and a more muscular bonnet. The bumper too is changed and looks more on the par with that of the new CLS63 featuring new LED dayime running lights.

At the back changes are less noticeable but include new graphic for the taillights and a new shape diffuser like that of the SL63 AMG. The interior of the C63, like the new C-Class has become almost identical to the E and CLS Class. Mercedes didn’t bother really with an extreme makeover becasue there’s a whole new C-Class coming next year.