Performance Package Plus

Performance Package Plus

My previous post on the new 2012 C63 AMG mentioned the AMG Development Package, which I’m pretty sure is the US name for the Performance Package Plus that Mercedes offers in Australia for the C63.

By way of comparison, here are the Performance Package Plus details from the Mercedes-Benz Australia website. It reads much the same but also appears to be the same package that has been previously available and possibly unchanged for the 2012 C63 AMG.

Performance Package Plus

The Performance Package Plus will appeal to the power-hungry sports driver. The Performance Package Plus increases output by 22 kW to 358 kW. The Performance Package Plus includes an AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology on the front axle, a carbon fibre spoiler lip 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 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 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 translates into a weight saving of three kilograms. Reduced inertia boosts the agility and responsiveness of the 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.

Other additions include:

* AMG 19-inch multispoke wheels finished in black with a silver rim
* Extended appointments in black designo leather (upper section of dashboard, upper door trim and armrest on centre console)
* KEYLESS-GO automatic lock/unlock and driver authorisation system

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. 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.