To help handle all the power, the stability control system (called ESP) can apply the brakes on just one wheel to transfer torque to the wheels with better traction, achieving much the same effect as a limited-slip differential.
The engineering gnomes from AMG's facility in Affalterbach, Germany, also put in beefier driveshafts, heavy-duty rear suspension parts and a stronger differential housing with cooling fins to complete the package.
The screw-type supercharger is not spinning all the time. Depending on engine speed and load, the engine management computer decides whether to engage the supercharger via an electromagnetic clutch. AMG believes this system provides the best of both worlds -- the efficiency of a non-supercharged engine at idle and part-throttle as well as the prodigious power of supercharging whenever it's needed.
To improve efficiency even further, an intercooler sits between the cylinder banks and operates as an air-to-water heat exchanger, extracting heat from the compressed air and transferring it to the coolant. Totally independent of the primary coolant circuit for the V-8 engine, a separate pump flows water through a special low-temperature cooler located between the air conditioning condenser and the radiator. Also, an engine oil cooler is housed in the front apron.
Nearly all the mechanical components from the basic 5.0-litre V-8 engine have been modified, including:
To achieve these top power figures, the technicians at Mercedes-AMG build every engine by hand, ensuring precision tolerances. Individual workmanship and skill are paramount, Mercedes says, so each technician is responsible for a complete engine. When the job is done, a plaque signed by the technician is affixed to the engine.
Legend has it that an owner can actually call the facility in Germany and get the technician on the phone, but that could be a rumor. But a CLS55 AMG and try it for yourself.
photo:Mercedes-Benz Canada
The engineering gnomes from AMG's facility in Affalterbach, Germany, also put in beefier driveshafts, heavy-duty rear suspension parts and a stronger differential housing with cooling fins to complete the package.
 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG (photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
To improve efficiency even further, an intercooler sits between the cylinder banks and operates as an air-to-water heat exchanger, extracting heat from the compressed air and transferring it to the coolant. Totally independent of the primary coolant circuit for the V-8 engine, a separate pump flows water through a special low-temperature cooler located between the air conditioning condenser and the radiator. Also, an engine oil cooler is housed in the front apron.
Nearly all the mechanical components from the basic 5.0-litre V-8 engine have been modified, including:
- the crankcase uses special cross-bolted main bearing caps
- the crankshaft with a 92-millimeter stroke gets modified bearings and more durable material
- the pistons are specially forged to resist heat and pressure
- the oil supply is improved with a new sump and more powerful oil pump
- camshafts with longer-duration valve open to pack more air and fuel into the combustion chambers, and
- the valve train uses a double spring assembly with lightweight spring retainers.
 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG (photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Legend has it that an owner can actually call the facility in Germany and get the technician on the phone, but that could be a rumor. But a CLS55 AMG and try it for yourself.
photo:Mercedes-Benz Canada
Article Gallery