Mercedes C32 AMG W203

Earlier in the year 2000, Brabus released their high-performance version of the new Mercedes C-Class, the C3.8S. Mercedes was upset that Brabus had released their model approximately a year before their in house AMG model was due to hit showrooms, thus surely hurting sales. But revenge is sometimes the sweetest remedy. With over 350 horsepower and 450 Newton-meters of torque on tap, the C32 accelerates to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, a full 1.7 seconds faster than the C3.8S, while the similarly performing Brabus C V8 costs much more. The C32 also has an extra 54 horsepower and 45 Nm of torque over its aforementioned competitor. The newly developed supercharged 3.2 litre unit provides over 110 horsepower/litre and Mercedes plans to expand its supercharged engine lineup with more units based on this one. 400 of the 450 nm of torque are available at only 2300 rpm and remain ready for action up to 6100 rpm.The only transmission option for the C32 is a five-speed automatic which is somewhat of a letdown, however it will undoubtedly be a very competent unit. The spring-damper units have been tuned slightly from the C320 model and the ride height is approximately 30 mm (1.18 inches) lower. 225/45R17 rubber at the front and 245/40R17 at the rear are mounted on 17 inch AMG alloy rims and are hooked up to some pretty trick 345 mm internally ventilated disk brakes at the front and 300 mm units at the rear. ABS, ESP, ASR and the Brake Assist System complete the driver proof package.In the last 6 years of production, the AMG C-Class lineup has sold a total of 9000 automobiles. Now, Mercedes plans to expand its capacity to 3500 models a year. From the outside, the C32 AMG can be distinguished from its non AMG stable mates by the side skirt panels and most importantly the updated front air dam which contains the integrated fog lights. The C32 AMG Estate has been introduced at the 2001 Geneva Auto Salon. - by Traian Popescu

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