Mercedes calls its new higher-performance option for its C63 AMG model the Performance Package Plus. And while we always approve of alliteration, we prefer to think of the power and performance boosting option as the Charcoal Series -- not quite all the way to Black Series status.
The PPP adds a few engine tricks from the upcoming SLS Gullwing sports car including the same forged pistons, new connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft. The weight saved in those internal pieces boost the responsiveness of the V8 which now boasts 480horsepower (up from the standard C63's 451). We would expect the additional juice to allow the PPP to chop a little time off the C63's already stellar 12.5-second quarter-mile time.
The Package also includes compound brake discs on the front and red-painted calipers at all four corners. The sedan also gets a carbon-fiber trunk-lid spoiler.
The full package costs about $10,000 in European markets where the option becomes available in December. The U.S. market version won't be available until sometime in the first quarter of 2010. And, details on the equipment are not finalized yet. But the American version will likely include the engine upgrades as part of the existing P30 Performance Package which already includes the two-piece front brakes, a limited-slip diff, stiffer springs and a speed-limiter set to 174 mph.
hondacura4 says:
03:21 PM, 10/21/09
I like the C63 but I want a damn manual transmission.
firstwagon says:
03:59 PM, 10/21/09
I really wonder how much of that cool hardware will be wasted on the average luxury car buyer who just checks off every option box because if it cost more then it must be better.
Every if they don't know why.
jjp6 says:
12:59 PM, 11/27/09
My understanding is that the package price is $5950 plus $2ooo for the limited slip differential which previously had been included in the performance package. Had a c36 back in the 90's and that was one quick ride. In fact, liked it better than the 600SEL which I owned because of its size. Production is scheduled to start in January.