Report: Mercedes C63 Gets 487-hp Performance Package Plus

With Mercedes’ 6.2-liter V8 making as much as 518-hp in car’s like the S63, the same engine in the performance-oriented C63 makes “just” 451-hp. There are numerous reasons for this, but it does seem like those who pony-up for an AMG-spec C-Class are getting the shaft. In an attempt to remedy this Mercedes is now offering a “Performance Package Plus,” which pumps up output to 487-hp, just 13 shy of the C-Class DTM race car. Torque is rated at 442 ft-lbs.

Mercedes says this new package will help shave a tenth of a second off the car’s 0-62 mph time, bringing it down to 4.4 seconds.

The improvements were made thanks to the use of several parts from the Mercedes SLS, including forged pistons, con rods and a new lightweight crankshaft, combined with a new engine program. Mercedes says the lighter engine components also help to make the V8 more responsive.

Other modifications in the package include a carbon fiber rear spoiler, carbon ceramic brakes, a new AMG steering wheel and Alcantara seats (yummy!).

Mercedes will offer the Performance Package Plus on both the C63 sedan and wagon, but there is no word if the German automaker will bring this new kit to the U.S.

Official results after the jump:

Performance Package Plus: enhanced performance for successful AMG model: C 63 AMG with a shot of SLS

Affalterbach – Enhanced driving dynamics ex factory for the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG: the new Performance Package Plus is an attractive optional extra that is designed to appeal to the power-hungry sports driver. The Performance Package Plus increases output by 22 kW/30 hp to 358 kW/487 hp. As a result, the C-Class approaches the level of performance offered by C-Class DTM vehicles, which deliver 377 kW/500 hp. The Performance Package Plus is available for the saloon and estate models and includes an AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology on the front axle, a carbon fibre spoiler lip (saloon) and an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara.

With the Performance Package Plus, the C 63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 13.9 seconds. This beats the 336 kW/457 hp standard model by up to 1.2 seconds (0–100 km/h: 4.5 seconds; 0–200 km/h: 15.2 seconds). The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The improvement in power output to 358 kW/487 hp is due to the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine’s modified engine compartment: the forged pistons adopted from the new SLS AMG super sports car together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft translate into a weight saving of three kilograms. Reduced inertia boosts the agility and responsiveness of the uprated V8 engine, which is recognisable from the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey. New engine management completes the powertrain measures in the Performance Package Plus for the C 63 AMG.

Key data at a glance:

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG with Performance Package Plus

Cylinder arrangement – V8

Cylinder angle – 90°

Valves per cylinder – 4

Displacement – 6208 cc

Bore x stroke – 102.2 x 94.6 mm

Compression ratio – 11.3:1

Output – 358 kW/487 hp at 6800 rpm

Max. torque – 600 Nm at 5000 rpm

Maximum engine speed – 7200 rpm

Engine weight (dry) – 196 kg

Fuel consumption NEDC combined – 13.4 (13.6) l/100 km

CO2 emissions – 318 (323) g/km

Acceleration 0–100 km/h – 4.4 (4.5) s

Top speed – 250 km/h*

*electronically limited; figures in brackets: estate model

AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology

The Performance Package Plus braking system has been adapted to the enhanced driving dynamics. A new AMG high-performance braking system ensures greater stability when driving dynamically, with compound brake discs on the front axle and red painted brake callipers all round showing the AMG logo. The brake discs feature a composite design and are connected to an aluminium bowl to avoid temperature peaks. The connection between the disc and bowl is new: instead of the usual screw connection, the aluminium bowl is now connected to the brake disc via cast-in arms. The advantage is more homogenous temperature distribution on the brake disc.

A further identifying feature of the Performance Package Plus is the AMG carbon fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid (saloon). In the interior, the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with a grip area trimmed in Alcantara feels good, while at the same time making a striking visual impact.

The new AMG Performance Package Plus is available for C 63 AMG saloon and estate models and can be ordered now. The sales price is €7080.50 or €646 (saloon/estate; prices include 19% VAT) with the market launch taking place in December 2009.

Extended appointments in black designo leather

New black designo leather as an optional extra will enhance the interior even further and covers the upper section of the dashboard, the upper door trim and the armrest on the centre console. This high-quality feature is available in conjunction with nappa leather appointments for €2856 (price includes 19% VAT).

The internationally successful C 63 AMG model

The C 63 AMG is one of the most popular vehicles in the Mercedes-AMG model range. In 2008, 8100 units of this high-performance car were sold worldwide. The C 63 AMG demonstrates its sports credentials in international motorsport as well as on the road. For example, the C 63 AMG estate is used as the official F1™ medical car and the C 63 AMG saloon acts as a safety car in the DTM German Touring Car Masters.