Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sport to bridge the gap between C-Class and C63 AMG

The yet-to-be-revealed C450 AMG Sport will be powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine as is seen in the C400, though it has been massaged for extra power. The C450 pushes out 272kW thanks to an increase in boost and other mechanical modifications, a handy jump over the C400's 245kW output. Torque figures remain unknown, but it is expected the C450 will push out at least 500Nm, while the C400 boasts 480Nm.

The car has been fettled with by the brand's AMG performance gurus, though despite its name it won't be an official AMG model. It will be sold in right-hand drive, and is expected to be offered in both rear- and all-wheel drive when it makes it to production in 2015.

Mercedes-Benz Australia corporate communications manager Jerry Stamoulis said the local arm would be very keen to have it as part of its new-generation C-Class line-up.

"That model would make sense, and would work very well in our market - especially considering the popularity of cars such as the A250 Sport and C250 Sport Coupe," Stamoulis said. "If it were to become available we would certainly be interested."

The standard C-Class range is expected to launch in Australia in August 2014.