I shouldn't have been surprised to see a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG burning up the asphalt, but I was. I'm just not used to seeing Mercedes-Benz products slide across the TV set partially obscured by white smoke. Of course I'm not usually watching TV in Orange County, Ca, either. High-powered hardware lurks around every corner out here, so it's only natural to see it advertised on TV.
I was really impressed to see the C63 AMG melting its rear tires and the tremendous clouds of smoke filling the screen. Benz has a starchy image in some circles and, at least in the case of the C63, it isn't deserved. The AMG-tuned C-class is actually quicker than last year's CLK63 AMG Black Series to 60 mph and it comes equipped with a real back seat plus an extra pair of doors. The 30-second spot should do a lot to change the tri-star's lifeless perception. I'll admit to grinning each time I saw it.
Performance isn't the first thing I think of when I hear Mercedes, but AMG conjures up images of smoke. Lots and lots of smoke. Acceleration defies physics when you're behind the wheel of a vehicle tuned by AMG. Aerodynamics don't seem to apply. And it's way easy to roast the back tires, even if you aren't trying. Finally there's a commercial that explains this.
The other thing worth mentioning is AMG cars seem to gravitate to Orange County. Mercedes-Benz USA could probably sell the entire run of AMG models in this county alone each year. Thankfully these treasures are spread out across the country, but odds are you'll find at least several on the road if you spend even a little time here.
Check out the commercial for yourself on YouTube and let me know what you think in the comments below.