AFFALTERBACH, Germany — Mercedes-Benz USA has confirmed for Inside Line that the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Performance Package Plus, which boosts output by 30 horsepower, is bound for the U.S. early in 2010, but pricing on the optional package has not yet been finalized.
"Yes," responded Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman Rob Moran in an e-mailed message when asked about U.S. plans for the package. "We'll likely adapt the engine modifications as part of the existing P30 package for the C63. Expect this early next year. Sorry, but a price has not been finalized."
The package will be launched in December in Europe. Pricing for the sedan and wagon models in that market ranges from the U.S. equivalent of approximately $9,629-$10,609.
Mercedes-Benz says the package is aimed at the "power hungry" driver.
The power boost is due to the 6.3-liter V8 engine's modified engine compartment, said the automaker in a statement. The modifications include forged pistons adopted from the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The tweaks boost output by 30 horsepower to 487 hp for both sedan and wagon models. With the addition of the package, the C63 AMG sprints from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.4 seconds, beating the standard 457-hp model by up to 1.2 seconds, said Mercedes-Benz. Other details include an AMG high-performance braking system and an AMG performance steering wheel.
Inside Line says: Mercedes-Benz has massaged this almost to the point of being a "Black" series, but not quite. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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mkturismo says:
10:03 PM, 11/27/2009
@ sunrise089, The original C63 has a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. I believe what they are saying is that a 0-60 in 3.2 seconds can be achieved with the performance package. Its quite believable with lighter engine internals. Especially with a lighter crank which would give the engine a considerable increase in response.
sunrise089 says:
10:37 AM, 10/23/2009
"With the addition of the package, the C63 AMG sprints from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.4 seconds, beating the standard 457-hp model by up to 1.2 seconds, said Mercedes-Benz."
Do they really quote 5.6 seconds for the old car? One of the factory numbers is obviously way off, because there's no way 30hp is going to gain you 1.2 seconds.
charlesb says:
07:57 AM, 10/23/2009
Consider the lily now guilded.