An eight-cylinder supercharged engine and Formula 1-style gear changes at the touch of a button: the impressive combination offered by three new top models from Mercedes-AMG. The E 55 AMG, the S 55 AMG and the CL 55 AMG, with their powerful AMG engines, delivering up to 368 kW/500 hp, and with numerous high-tech innovations on board, set new standards in their respective market segments.
The supercharged AMG V8 engine, with its 5.5-litre displacement, develops a maximum output of 350 kW/476 hp (E 55 AMG) or 368 kW/500 hp (S 55 AMG and CL 55 AMG) and a maximum torque of 700 Newtonmetres. The new supercharged models deliver between 34 and 39 percent more output and 32 percent more torque than the previous models, which featured V8 naturally-aspirated engines. The result is performance worthy of a true sports car: the E 55 AMG sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, the S 55 AMG and CL 55 AMG in 4.8 seconds, and all share a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically governed).
All three AMG high-performance vehicles are due to appear in Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships in autumn 2002.
One man, one engine – AMG badge documents production process
The "one man, one engine" philosophy means that one engineer at the engine plant in Affalterbach takes responsibility for the entire assembly of each AMG high-performance engine – as evidenced by that mechanic's signature on a special engine badge, which, in the case of the AMG V8 supercharged engine, is located on the supercharger module.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT with Formula 1-style steering-wheel gearshift
In the three new AMG models with the V8 supercharged engine, the power is transmitted by a five-speed automatic transmission which incorporates the AMG SPEEDSHIFT function, adapting to both a sporty and a comfort-oriented driving style. In manual mode the gears can be changed at the touch of a button on the steering wheel as in a racing car. Further technological highlights include the optimum gear function and active engine-braking downshift, which, together with the mechanical lock-up of the torque converter from first gear, make for an extremely direct driving experience. The advantages of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission are rounded off by more spontaneous and up to 35 percent faster gear changes.
Text and photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler AG
