This holiday season do as Janis Joplin did, and pray for a new Mercedes-Benz. But don’t request just any Mercedes-Benz; ask for the new 2009 C63 AMG, the fastest, most high-performance C-Class ever. (Especially if you are in need of four doors and five seats, but don’t want to sacrifice on speed.)

With a base price of just $56,300, the C63 delivers substantial bang for your buck. A sprint from zero to 60 mph happens in just 4.3 seconds, much faster than the similarly priced Lexus IS F, which does the same run in 4.6 seconds. The C63 is so astonishingly fast that you’ll find few roads in and around Atlanta, Road Atlanta being the exception, that are large enough to accommodate the sheer performance capabilities of the car. With a naturally aspirated V8 engine, which churns out an awesome 451 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque, it is very possible to make your Porsche-driving friends green with envy. However, the C63’s combined EPA rating of 15 mpg does not fare much better than your other gas-guzzling friends. But you have to pay some penalty for performance that is as exhilarating as that of the C63.

The C63’s aggressive styling is sure to buy you “a night on the town,” as Joplin sings. The C63 is confident without being cocky; its wide stance dominates the road without drawing too much attention. A twin powerdome hood, front air dam with integrated round fog lights and a sleek black diffuser insert in the rear are the car’s more noticeable AMG giveaways. The design is mature and commands respect.

Inside, Joplin will find her color TV. Well, perhaps you cannot watch “Dialing for Dollars,” but you will benefit from the large seven-inch, power-folding LCD screen that swivels into view when needed. A vast improvement over the previous generation’s control interface, the new C63’s COMAND control knob makes menu selection and navigation inputs a breeze. Plus, iPod addicts will love the simplicity of accessing songs through the steering wheel controls or through the central control knob. The voice-activated navigation system, dubbed LINGUATRONIC, allows you to simply speak your desired destination into the system, thus keeping your eyes focused on the road.

While this Mercedes-Benz might be a gift, the owner of the vehicle is sure to appreciate Mercedes’ exclusive VIP concierge services. Think of it as the gift that keeps on giving. Making reservations for those memorable holiday nights in Atlanta is as easy as pressing a button on the center console. Simply request where you want to go, and watch one of Mercedes’ concierges work his or her magic. Ten minutes later, you’ll have one of the best seats in the house. Pull up, leave your keys with the valet and, instead of having a reservation with your name, the concierge will give you a code phrase. Simply ask the host, “Is our table ready?” and you’ll promptly be seated. Long holiday lines? Not this year.

Bottom line: When you’ve worked hard all your life with no help from your friends, it only makes sense that you put a Mercedes-Benz on your holiday wish list, especially the C63 AMG.