2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 - Unlike Audi's RS6 M-B's Quickest is Coming to Canada
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| Mercedes-Benz has a rich history of speed, highlighted by the race proven 1954-57 300SL coupe. In its time there were few that could compete with it, similar to its new E55. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
If Mercedes-Benz didn't keep making faster, better handling cars every year then February 12, 2003 would be a date worthy of the history books. It marks the official launch of their fastest model ever. Yes, faster than the glorious 300 SL of the '50s, faster than even than the stunningly beautiful SL600 that was recently revealed in Detroit.
What makes the E55 so quick? Its 'Kompressor' of course, M-B's traditional go-fast gadget. German for supercharger, the 'blown' M-B 5.5-L V8 holds nothing back with a maximum of 469-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, resulting in an abbreviated 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5-seconds. Hand-built engines receive one-on-one attention by Mercedes-AMG technicians in the Affalterbach facility, including individual bench-testing.
The supercharger itself is a positive-displacement, Lysholm-type (screw-type) belt-driven unit with scrolling aluminum rotors, providing immediate boost from near idle, and generating a maximum of 11.6 psi (0.8 bar) of boost pressure. The benefit of a Kompressor over a turbo is its ability to apply usable boost from near idle speeds - turbos traditionally need higher revs to spool up.
The new power unit also incorporates a specially developed air-to-water crossflow intercooler, situated in the 'V' of the engine block just below the supercharger. The intercooler lowers intake air temperature, thus producing a denser charge resulting in additional power. The Kompressor V8 also includes revised cam timing, high-rate valve springs and lightweight valves plus right foot actuation via a fast-acting electronic throttle.