Next Mercedes C63 getting convertible version

Mercedes-Benz launched its latest generation C-Class in January at the Detroit Auto Show, with the new sedan taking on the styling of the latest S-Class and shrinking it down to a more nimble, affordable size. Even though the new sedan is not going on sale here until September, the German luxury maven is reportedly already working on future variants – maybe even a C-Class AMG convertible.

Autocar recently spotted the C63 AMG successor testing ahead of a rumored 2015 release, and it says that not only will its sedan, coupe and wagon bodystyles return, the British publication says there's even a new convertible version in the works, and AMG will get in on the topless fun, too. The next AMG C-Class is heavily rumored to house a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 with about 480 horsepower. The new engine will replace the current 451-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8, a move that would be consistent with AMG's trend towards downsized engines with forced induction. Interestingly, Autocar maintains that the next C63 will continue to be a rear-wheel-drive only affair – bucking the trend that has seen Affalterbach fitting its 4Matic all-wheel drive to more and more of its models.

Rarely one to comment on future product, Mercedes is declining to confirm that a C-Class convertible is in development, AMG or otherwise. However, Christian Bokich, Mercedes-Benz USA Product and Technology PR Manager, has commented to Autoblog that "there could be another C-Class coupe on the way within the next 2-3 years."

While it would certainly be nice to hear the whistle of the next C63 AMG's twin-turbo V8 with the top down, it sounds like we might be waiting quite a while to have that dream fulfilled.