Mercedes C 63 AMG gets Performance Plus

Mercedes-Benz's C 63 AMG is a rapid car by any conventional measures, but it's still no SLS AMG in terms of raw pace.

Well, the compact sedan and wagon have just inched a fraction closer via a new 'Performance Package Plus' option that pilfers several bits from the SLS in the quest for extra horses.

Forged pistons adopted from the gullwinged supercar -- along with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft -- translate into a weight saving of three kilograms, and other upgrades include a variable intake manifold (painted in titanium grey) and a new engine management system,

These tweaks boost power to 358kW (compared with 336kW for the donor car), bringing the C 63 AMG virtually in line with Merc's DTM (Germany's equivalent of our own V8 Supercars) contender, which punches out 377kW.

The Performance Package Plus will be offered on both sedan and wagon models and includes an AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology on the front axle, a carbon fibre spoiler lip (sedan) and an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara.

With the Performance Package Plus, Mercedes claims the C 63 AMG accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 13.9 seconds. By comparison, the standard model knocks off the 0–100 km/h dash in 4.5 seconds, while the 0–200 km/h sprint takes 15.2 seconds).

However, top speed remains unchanged at 250km/h (electronically limited).

Mercedes says the new AMG high-performance braking system "ensures greater stability when driving dynamically", with compound brake discs on the front axle and red painted brake calipers on all four corners emblazoned with the AMG logo.

The Performance Package Plus launches internationally in December, and in Germany it costs €7080.50 (the equivalent of $11,500 in our money).

Also joining the options list is new black designo leather, which covers the upper section of the dashboard, the upper door trim and the armrest on the centre console.