February 14, 2003

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG unveiled in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois - A new-generation E55 AMG made its North American debut yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show. The new E55 AMG represents the next chapter in a proud history of high-performance Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The E55 offers a 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine with a sport exhaust coupled with the Formula One style steering-wheel-mounted gearshift buttons, AMG-developed four-stage Airmatic air suspension and AMG 18-inch twin-spoke polished alloy wheels.

The E55 AMG engine makes 469 horsepower and a massive 516 lbs.-ft. of torque, making easy work of a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds. Its 5.5-liter, supercharged and intercooled V8 engine is hand-assembled one at a time by expert technicians at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany and is bench-tested to ensure top performance. The sturdy V8 engine uses a positive-displacement, Lysholm-type (or screw-type) belt-driven supercharger with scrolling aluminum rotors, providing usable boost virtually from idle speed, and generates a maximum of 11.6 psi (or 0.8 bar) of boost pressure.

The Kompressor V8 also uses a specially developed air-to-water crossflow intercooler located in the "V" of the engine block beneath the supercharger. The intercooler reduces intake air temperature, creating a denser charge and further boosting power. Other developments for the Kompressor V8 include a fast-acting electronic throttle, revised cam timing, high-rate valve springs and lightweight valves.

The E55 AMG can be differentiated from other E-Class models by its sculpted side skirts, front bumper and rear apron. Completing the exterior look are blue tinted glass, LED brake lights and optional bi-xenon headlights with headlamp washers. Inside, special AMG gauges and sport seats finished in nappa/nubuk leather upholstery differentiate the E55.

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