Thursday 3rd November 2005

Mercedes plots potent C Class

New C55 AMG aims to banjax BMW and Audi

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C55 AMG packs a mere 367bhp

Mercedes is plotting an even mightier version of the C-Class 55 AMG, if reports are to be believed. A prototype packing AMG's new 6.3-litre V8 with 510bhp and 465lb-ft of torque -- compared to the standard car's 367bhp and 376lb-ft -- has been reported in Autocar.

Aimed straight at the upcoming BMW M3 and Audi RS4, the car won't produced in volume, says the report. Instead, it'll be made in a limited run for 'a preferred set of customers'. Compared to the standard car, pictured above, it'll gain width at the rear with a widened track by using the rear axle from the DTM (German touring car), plus additional cooling vents at the front for that monster motor.

The standard C-Class 55 AMG costs £48,765, while the RS4 is priced at £49,980. The bill for the new prototype seems likely to be a tad more.

But then, who would want a car with so much power that they couldn't use? Not PHers, surely?

[r988]

It's not really aiming at the same driver of an M3, the Mercs are aimed more at the refined muscle car market, monster engine mated with a slushbox and to hell with handling. Should go down well with the Americans then. The M3 is about a great drive, a delciate balance between, power, grip and handling, whereas the Merc is about burnouts, acceleration and bragging rights.

A very nice car indeed but not really the same philosophy as an M3.