Mercedes-Benz releases SLS-inspired C63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Performance Package Plus - Click above for high-res image gallery
Question: What's hotter than a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG? Well, that would be the new C63 AMG with Performance Package Plus, of course. The new super sedan from Daimler gets a 30-horsepower injection over the standard AMG model, pushing the pony count all the way to 487 – just a baker's dozen shy of the race-spec C-Class DTM model. Watch out, Caddy.
Modifications to the 6.3-liter V8 engine include new forged alloy pistons borrowed from the SLS AMG supercar and a new set of crank rods coupled with a lightweight crankshaft. A titanium-colored intake manifold and recalibrated computer module complete the package. Performance? How about zero to 62 in just 4.4 seconds and naught to 125 in under 14? Yeah, that'll do nicely.
An upgraded brake package with composite rotors is included to help the driver reign in all that speed, and Mercedes says the new PPP will be available on both the sedan and – get this – wagon bodystyles. Exterior modifications are limited to a carbon fiber spoiler for the sedan, and the interior is upgraded with an AMG steering wheel in nappa leather and seats swathed in Alcantara. No word yet on whether this beast is headed Stateside, but sales are scheduled to start in Europe before the end of the year. Hit the jump for the official press release and check out the two high-res images in our gallery below.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
PRESS RELEASE
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Level 7:36PM (10/21/2009)
Giving the fact that the C63 was de-tuned from the start by 50hp, you gotta love marketing....charging you extra to give some of them horses back lol
Reply
Paul 7:49PM (10/21/2009)
4.4 Second Wagon? Yeah that would work for me... that would work just fine.
http://everyroadtaken.wordpress.com
Paul 9:24PM (10/21/2009)
sorry - didnt mean to reply to you, intended to comment separately.
AMcA 10:57PM (10/21/2009)
Nice. But not a challenge to the mighty CTS-V.
Ken 7:45PM (10/21/2009)
I like this. Yes, it is an auto, but I like how the small AMG is no longer neglected and just a body kit and a V8.
Reply
James Shaw 7:46PM (10/21/2009)
does anyone know if the C63 is transaxle (gearbox in the rear)? cause that would be it for me, desire+++
Reply
JayC 8:05PM (10/21/2009)
No MCT yet.
That is just AMG custom leather, has nothing to do with SLS.
reflexxi 8:15PM (10/21/2009)
Aw, I read the title and thought it was going to have gull-wing doors.
I heard one of these on the freeway the other night. The sound is akin to a V8 Vantage at full-throttle. Don't care for the car too much, but boy does it sound fantastic!
Reply
hucurreyrry 8:37PM (10/21/2009)
*cough* 6.2L *cough*. Mercedes is so deceptive.
Reply
Ashley Jones 8:56PM (10/21/2009)
This car totally turns me on i wanna make love to it so bad...
Reply
lazerborg 9:43PM (10/21/2009)
Looks nice... but composite rotors? Significant engine mods? This thing is gonna be expensive....
Reply
SteveO 9:25PM (10/21/2009)
"Watch out, Caddy."
Um, 487HP is a little shy of 556HP. and this is in a completely different size class
Reply
lazerborg 9:57PM (10/21/2009)
I think the idea is that with the horsepower boost, the acceleration should be just about even for the two.
mbslrm 9:33PM (10/21/2009)
It's amazing how the C-Class went from being a chick car to a "manly" car so quickly.
Reply
jake 10:42PM (10/21/2009)
The current gen looks more aggressive and has more presence. The previous c55 just didn't have the presence compared to the e46 m3 and the rs4.
JDM Life 10:40PM (10/21/2009)
I love the C63 =)
Reply
Randy915 10:42PM (10/21/2009)
I just saw one a few minutes ago and it sounds like a BEAST!
Reply
Trent 10:47PM (10/21/2009)
I have owned two C class machines from Mercedes and this car would be on a short list of cars I would want. This would be a fun car to own and I do wonder how it would stack up against the Caddie with the weight difference.
Reply
Vetmstr 10:52PM (10/21/2009)
I wish Caddy would do somethin like this for the CTS-V
Reply
Shamdiddly 10:46AM (10/22/2009)
Like what, paint the intake manifold "Titanium Grey"? ; )