Mercedes and AMG - Performance Partners

1 March, 1998

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Partnership means strength - especially when two outstanding companies, like Mercedes-Benz and AMG pool their talents.

The impressive proof is in both companies' products, and it is not just among motor sport fans that they attract so much attention.

Joint development and production of top-class sports cars for road use began in 1993 and is proving very successful. In the four year period to June 1997, for example, the limited-edition C 36 AMG was snapped up by 5,200 enthusiastic buyers all over the world, including over 100 in Australia.

Now the cooperation between the two companies has entered an even more dynamic phase: two new models are ready for the road. The technological excellence behind them is a result of the wealth of experience which Mercedes and AMG have in the world of motorsport the 225 kW C 43 AMG supersedes the C 36 AMG and the E 55 AMG (260 kW) follows in the footsteps of the F 36 AMG.

C 43 AMG: engine based on the new Mercedes V8

Beneath the C 43 bonnet is a new AMG-modified V8 engine which is characterised, amongst other things, by three-valve technology and dual ignition.

The main differences to the production engine are, for example, the "composite" camshafts, which cams are forged individually and then placed on the pipes.

Other new features are the double-fluted intake system and the enlarged intake manifold. Both measures help to increase the volumetric efficiency of the cylinders and thus the eight-cylinder's power output.

From a displacement of 4266 cc the C 43 AMG's engine develops 225 kW. The maximum torque of the modified AMG engine is 410 Nm and can be called on between 3250 and 5000 rpm.

The exhaust system is completely new. It has pipes with a considerably increased flow area as well as modified muffler systems which minimise the exhaust gas back pressure. There are two catalytic converters positioned near the engine and two underfloor catalytic converters all made from thin ceramic material.

The AMG engineers have also adapted the gear-change characteristics of the standard five-speed automatic gearbox to match the sporty character of the latest model. Based on sensor data, the Mercedes automatic transmission electronic control system develops its own feel for the driver's style, and adapts its gear-change strategy to suit the particular dnver.

The performance of the new C-class AMG model matches that of any thoroughbred sports car, 6.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and the sprint from standing to 1000 metres lasts only 26.3 seconds. The C 43 AMG version has governed a top speed of 250 km/h.

Suspension: reinforced anti-roll bars

The C-class's sports suspension, with the body positioned around 25 mm lower and the tighter spring/shock absorber adjustment provides the C 43 AMG with a firm footing.

The modifications range from the use of reinforced anti-roll bars and special gas-filled shock absorbers with even tauter tuning, which all add up to very sporty performance without any real comfort compromises.
The C 43's standard specification includes the Electronic Stability Program, ESP, a dynamic handling control system which stabilises the car in critical situations through lightning fast automatic brake applications and reduces the risk of skidding when cornering.

On its front axle, the C 43 AMG is fitted with 7.5 J x 17 light-alloy rims and 22 5/45 ZR 17 wide tyres, while 8.5 inch rims and 245/45 ZR 1 7 tyres are used at the rear. Not oniy does this combination of wheels constitute an aesthetic highlight on the new Mercedes model; it also guarantees optimum road holding; safe, agile handling and a high degree of driving stability.

Safe deceleration is easy work for four generously dimensioned, internally ventilated disc brakes with two-piston floating callipers. In order to keep temperature levels on the front axle brakes within limits, the AMG engineers have developed special brake discs with high-grade steel pins situated between the disc and the brake housing, which thermally decouple these components. The ventilation slots on the 1 7 inch rims also aid efficient brake cooling.

Equipment: duo-coloured leather

The AMG styling emphasises the sporty character of the C-class flagship. Not only do the add-on parts put the spotlight on the necessary dynamics, they also improve aerodynamic qualities, for example. The increased air requirement of the V8 engine was taken into account when developing the front apron. In conjunction with the rear apron, the side skirts optimise the contact pressure on the rear axle on the road.

The interior of the C 43 AMG is impressive because of its functionality, but it is also a feast for the eyes. The new electrically adjustable sports seats of the C 43 AMG offer the driver and front seat passenger good lateral support and optimum comfort.

The seat covers are made of high-quality leather, and together with the AMG sports steering wheel, they lend an exclusive note. The unique AMG instrument cluster completes the package perfectly.

The AMG C 43 is due in Australia by the middle of the year priced around \$160,000.

At a glance: the C 43 A MG's standard specification

Five-speed electronic automatic transmission
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Automatic climate control
Through-loading facility
Electric front seat adjustment
Leather sports seats with multi-contour function
AMG leather sports steering wheel
AMG instrument cluster with ivory-coloured dials
AMG sports suspension
AMG styling (front and rear aprons, side skirts)
AMG light-alloy rims
22 5/45 ZR 17 front tyres and 24 5/40 ZR 17 rear tyres
Rear armrest with cup holder

"Spider" design mouldings and trim in the interior

E 55 AMG: Grace, Space and Pace

At the heart of the new F 55 AMG beats a potent 5.5 litre V8 engine also developed by Mercedes. It has three-valve technology and dual ignition, mainly based on the new V8 4.3 litre engine.

For the high-performance saloon with the AMG lettering, the engineers have increased the displacement to 5439 cc and with a bore/stroke ratio of 97 x 92 millimetres they have created good conditions for increasing the torque further.

Even between 2500 and 4800 rpm the eight-cylinder provides 500 Nm - that is impressive tractive power for naturally aspirated engines. The maximum torque is 530 Nm and is achieved at 3000 rpm. The larger displacement also facilitates a substantial power output of 260 kW which the engine puts into use at 5500 rpm

The entire crank mechanism has been carefully developed to make these impressive engine data possible. Cast aluminium pistons are used to reduce weight, whilst oil spray nozzles, developed in-house, cool the pistons.

Just like the C 43 AMG, the exhaust system consists of two bulkhead mounted and two underfloor catalytic converters, as well as specially designed muffler systems which reduce the exhaust gas back pressure.

As a standard feature, the V8 engine is coupled with the electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, with characteristics adapted to suit the engine and its special torque curve.

The combination of the AMG V8 plus five-speed automatic transmission produces the sort of performance any sports car would be proud of From standing, the E 55 AMG accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds and requires only 24.8 seconds for the 1000 metre distance.

Suspension: a sport v feel but no compromises on comfort

The F-class suspension and running gear, equipped with a dual wishbone front axle, multi-link independent rear suspension and gas-filled shock absorbers, is also put to good use on the new F 55 AMG.
The AMG variant's suspension is lowered and fitted with tighter shock absorbers, reinforced anti-roll bars and slightly modified springs. These modifications combine ultimate driving dynamics, sporty agility and good suspension comfort.

The engineers also exercised their motor sport experience when developing the brake system. At work on the front axle of the F 55 are the internally ventilated disc brakes with a disc diameter of 334 millimetres, carried over from the European AMG F 50. In order to improve the thermal capability of the front wheel brake and increase its stability under load even further, the brake housings and brake discs are decoupled with special high-grade steel pins. The rear axle brakes of the E 55 AMG originate from the SL 600: the diameter of the ventilated disc brakes is 300 mm. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard.

Design. AMG exclusivity

Even at first glance, it is obvious that the saloon differs from the other E-class models. The AMG styling with its original design front apron and the integrated fog lamps, side skirts, as well as the specially shaped rear apron make for the dynamic, sporty look.

Equipment: all aboard!

The E 55 AMG equipment is based on the Avantgarde line of the Mercedes-Benz E-class, so it meets the highest requirements of comfort and safety.

The E 55 will be available in Australia by the middle of the year priced at approximately \$200,000.

At a glance. the E 55 AMG's standard specification