Good genes: C63 gets a shot of SLS testosterone

It not even on the street yet, but already the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG super car is having an affect on it family members.

The German automaker has announced that its already stout C63 AMG sedan will offers a new Performance Package Plus option, adding go-faster parts from the gull-winged flagship sports machine.

Check the box for the new package and the C63’s 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 gets forged pistons from the new SLS. It also bolts in new connecting rods, a lightweight crankshaft and a new engine management system.

The result is an engine that revs more freely and boosts its horsepower to 487 from 451. That brings the rear-drive sedan to within spitting distance of the power numbers from the track-bred C-Class DTM racecars. The run from 0-100 km/h improves slightly to 4.4 seconds.

Aside from the engine mods, the Performance Package Plus option adds an AMG high-performance braking system, a carbon fibre spoiler for the trunk and a nappa leather and Alcantara steering wheel.

The new brakes use composite brakes up front and red calipers all around, wearing the AMG logo. Mercedes notes that the composite discs, connected to aluminum centres to avoid temperature peaks, are new design. Instead of the usual screw connection, the pieces are now joined by cast-in arms. Benz says the advantage is “more homogenous temperature distribution on the brake disc.”

Customers can also add a black designo leather option to the sedan, which add hides on the upper section of the dashboard, doors and centre armrest.

The C63 AMG is one of the most popular vehicles in the automaker’s high-performance model range, with 8,100 sold worldwide in 2008.

The Performance Package Plus option launches in December.