The E55 Versus the E63
AMG is to Mercedes as M is to BMW or RS is to Audi…sort of. Like BMW and Audi, the AMG letters represent the top of the line performance model for a particular vehicle. AMG takes it to a higher level. From the first stages of a cars development, AMG engineers are involved customizing exterior features, body, suspension, drivetrain and of course engine specifications. In fact, every AMG engine is hand built in Affalterbach, Germany and every highly skilled technician builds one engine at a time from start to finish. AMG calls this “one man, one engine” and their signature is placed on the engine plate of each motor he or she builds.
Having over 500 horsepower and/or over 500 pounds of torque is extremely rare territory for any car, let alone a 4-door sedan. Mercedes Benz has been playing in this lofty range since 2003 with the introduction of the E55 AMG. The Stuttgart factory gave birth to another similarly powerful brute in 2007 with the introduction of the 507hp E63 AMG.
The E55’s power is generated from a supercharged V8 that produces 469hp and a thunderous 516 lb-ft of torque. This hand built beast is force fed an immense amount of air via a Lysholm-type, twin-screw supercharger. The belt driven supercharger produces a maximum of 11.6 psi and profoundly assists in giving the 5.5 liter V8 516 lb-ft of torque as early as 2650 rpm.
The E63 introduced change into the AMG family. The torque and horsepower numbers were practically reversed, causing some experts to wonder if they would miss the torque crazy E55; their fears were happily nulled by the 507 horses mated to an all-new seven speed automatic transmission. The new engine produces a still impressive 465 pounds of torque and has many technological advances. Even with the reduced torque numbers, the greater horsepower and new drivetrain propels the E63 to 60mph in 4.3 seconds, quicker than the E55 at 4.5 seconds 0-60mph.
Mercedes did not disappoint loyal followers of the E55 with the E63, in fact, they were pleased. The new naturally aspirated V8 is a remarkable addition to the AMG line, and it is sure to keep the E63 at or near the top of the ultra-powerful sedan market. We are proud to have both examples in the showroom.
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