2004 Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG

Mercedes-AMG GmbH is rolling out its most sporty C-Class ever: the new C 55 AMG. The eight-cylinder top model guarantees excellent driving performance and ensures the very best in driving pleasure thanks to the Speedshift five-speed automatic transmission that employs steering-wheel shifting.

AMG’s top C-Class models traditionally serve as cornerstones of Mercedes-AMG’s success. They also are among the most popular vehicles in the entire AMG product range. The C 36 AMG introduced in 1993 marks a milestone for the vehicles, since it was the first AMG vehicle to be developed and sold as the result of a partnership agreement between Daimler-Benz and AMG.

Engine

The AMG eight-cylinder engine is produced at AMG’s engine facility. In accordance with the philosophy of one man, one engine, an AMG technician puts together the complete engine by hand. As a result, he is responsible for everything from the installation of the crankshaft in the engine block to the assembly of the camshaft and the cables and oil fill-up. Once the engine is finished, the technician signs the engine tag to clearly show who is responsible for the product. The engine is then tested with simulated loads and pressure build-up at the so-called cold test bed.

The large-displacement eight-cylinder power package in the new C 55 AMG provides 367 hp (270 kW) at 5 750 rpm and develops a maximum torque of 376 ft lbs (510 nm) at 4 000 rpm. At about 2,000 rpm, the AMG high-performance engine can already deliver more than 295 ft lbs (400 nm) of torque, creating ideal conditions for acceleration.

The totally redesigned exhaust system equipped with wider pipes and modified mufflers reduces the exhaust back pressure and promotes higher power and torque levels. Four ceramic catalytic converters teamed up with secondary air injection and AMGs specially tuned engine management system ensure highly effective emission control.

Speedshift

As standard equipment, the C 55 AMG has AMG Speedshift, a five-speed automatic transmission responsible for delivering power to the rear axle. Drivers can decide for themselves whether the gears are to be shifted manually or automatically. They can choose between the transmission selector lever of the touch control or two shifting buttons on the ergonomic AMG sport steering wheel.

With the manual M programme, the driver can take particularly good advantage of the AMG V8 engines high torque because automatic downshifting is eliminated during full throttle or kickdown. The transmission remains in the selected gear. In addition, the AMG Speedshifts manual drive programme doesn’t have any automatic upshift function when the rpm limit is reached. This enables the sporty driver to better use the C 55 AMGs performance potential.

Chassis / Body

The new AMG sport chassis makes a significant contribution to boosting handling. Springs with a 20-percent higher rigidity and harder gas shock absorbers with degressive characteristics reduce the body roll. The elastokinematics were reworked on both axles: Both the tension strut on the McPherson three-link front axle and the spring suspension link of the multi-link independent rear suspension are harder.

The new C 55 AMG stands out from the models of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class through its individual look as well as its exclusive interior equipment package. Because of the new packaging dimensions created by the AMG 5.5-litre eight-cylinder engine, the front-end module had to be extended by 80 millimetres. The change additionally lengthens the lines of the V8 top model. The radiator grille and the headlights were redesigned along with the front apron and the wider fenders.

Chassis / Body

The dynamic character of the C 55 AMG is enhanced by the new, upgraded interior design. Passengers will benefit from the completely new AMG sport seats. Optimal lateral support is provided not only by the reshaped seat cushions and backs but also by the Alcantara inserts in the shoulder area.

The new AMG instrument cluster with its four classic round gauges shows the great attention to detail that went into the car. It has a series of chrome-trimmed instruments with silver centres, a 320-km/h speedometer, red needles and V8 and AMG emblems.

Story by DaimlerChrysler, edited by Supercars.net

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
price $	$ $53 900 USD
engine	V8
position	Front Longitudinal
valvetrain	SOHC 3 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Microprocessor-Controlled Petrol Injection
displacement	5439 cc / 331.9 in³
bore	97 mm / 3.82 in
stroke	92 mm / 3.62 in
compression	11.0:1
power	273.7 kw / 367.0 bhp @ 5750 rpm
specific output	67.48 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	401.53 bhp per tonne
torque	510 nm / 376.2 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	225/40ZR-18 Pirelli P Zero Rosso
rear tires	225/35ZR-18 Pirelli P Zero Rosso
front brakes	Internally Vented Discs w/ABS, ESP
f brake size	x 345 mm / x 13.6 in
rear brakes	Internally Vented Discs w/ABS, ESP
r brake size	x 300 mm / x 11.8 in
front wheels	F 45.7 x 19.0 cm / 18 x 7.5 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 21.6 cm / 18 x 8.5 in
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension	MacPherson Struts wCoil Springs, Gas Shick Absorbers, Stabilizer
r suspension	Mulit-Link wCoil Springs, Gas Shick Absorbers, Stabilizer
curb weight	1680 kg / 3704 lbs
wheelbase	2715 mm / 106.9 in
front track	1507 mm / 59.3 in
rear track	1478 mm / 58.2 in
length	4611 mm / 181.5 in
width	1744 mm / 68.7 in
height	1412 mm / 55.6 in
transmission	5-Speed Automatic
gear ratios	3.59:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1, :1
top speed	~249.4 kph / 155 mph
0 – 60 mph	~5.0 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~11.9 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~13.5 seconds