In less than 48 hours, Mercedes will unleash its new C63 AMG Convertible at the NY Auto Show, but apparently, they’re not quite done fine-tuning the performance model as our spies caught engineers running some tests on the Nürburgring today.

Like its C63 AMG Coupe, Sedan and Estate siblings, the Convertible is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 breathed on by a pair of turbochargers and will be available in two flavors, delivering 476PS (469hp) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque in base trim, and 510PS (503hp) and 700 (516 lb-ft) in ‘S’ guise.

Both models get  a standard AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed transmission driving the rear wheels.

As evidenced by the five-star 19-inch alloy wheels and the red brake calipers, the prototype pictured here is the more potent C63 S AMG edition. Common styling cues for both models include the chunkier air intakes on the front bumper, the bulges on the wheel arches and the quad pipes on the corners of the rear diffuser.

Built upon the same aluminum and steel modular rear-wheel-drive platform as the other members of the C-Class family, the Convertible trades the Coupe’s fixed overhead for a retractable fabric top, with the roof mechanism and the necessary structural enhancements adding a few pounds on the scale, so expect 0-62mph times a hair slower than the C63 AMG Coupe’s 4.0 sec and the S’ 3.9 sec runs.

Mercedes’ answer to the existing BMW M4 Convertible will go on sale in the second half of the year.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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