FantasyCars Mercedes C55 AMG W203

Mercedes C55 AMG W203

Mercedes C55 AMG W203 Photo 345 Mercedes doesn't seem to know how to say 'no.' 'More power!' we demand, and Mercedes is always happy to oblige. Apparently the C-Class was MB's next target on the hit list, signaling the death toll for the short-lived C32 AMG and making way for the V8-powered C55 AMG. The C55, introduced at Geneva 2004, is now one of the most powerful cars in its class with 367hp (DIN) and 510Nm of torque.Mercedes purists may claim that the purest of the breed remains the C32, due to its lighter 6-cylinder layout, but in fact the V8 C55 is no heavier than the C32. Unfortunately, the C55 is also not much more powerful than the C32, and the difference in straight-line performance is negligible. A proper V8 rumble will probably be the main bonus of this new engine. As with all AMG engines, each unit is assembled separately by one technician by hand, so you get street cred plus you'll know where to send your hate mail when a gasket blows.A few other minor tweaks here and there complete AMG's new C. The exhaust system has been reworked and now features a 4-tip exhaust, so it looks cooler and is more environmentally friendly (how sweet is that)! The shock absorbers and springs are now more rigid and stiffer, and the C-Class' chassis electro-gadgetry has been retuned to comply with the new car. The steering ratio is a tad more direct and the footwear is now 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile ZR tires on a 14mm wider front track. The exterior has received a few tweaks as well (according to Mercedes), but really this car is all about is the engine! Maybe if we ask nicely a 600hp C65 AMG will be on the drawing boards for next year's show. - by Traian Popescu

See more: Mercedes C55 AMG W203 Photos, Mercedes C55 AMG W203 Technical Data

Mercedes C55 AMG W203 Technical Data

Engine
5439, 24-valve DOHC V8
Horsepower
362@5750
Torque
376@4000
Max Speed
155
Speed 0 60mph
4.7
Speed 0 25mile
13.3@108