MERCEDES-AMG - EXCLUSIVE S-CLASS

A new highly-exclusive Mercedes S-class, which offers sports car performance with saloon car luxury, has been added to the flagship range.

The Mercedes-AMG S55 is the first of a new breed of car to be available in the UK following DaimlerChrysler taking a controlling interest in AMG, the specialist tuning company.

At the heart of the S55 AMG is the same V8 engine which powers the Mercedes-Benz S500, but its capacity has been increased from 4966cc to 5439cc and the torque is given a huge boost. This gives the S55 AMG a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of just six seconds - as quick as many sports cars. In order to cope with extra power, the crankshaft on the S55 AMG has been redesigned, forged aluminium pistons similar to those of a race car are installed and cooled by special oil injection jets.

A new twin-stream intake system, special camshafts and tuned intake manifold ensure that the fuel mix to the cylinders is precisely controlled. A new exhaust system with an enlarged pipe diameter and modified silencers reduces noise levels and back pressure from the system.

Two ceramic catalytic converters positioned near the bulkhead and two underfloor catalytic converters act with the engine management system to control emissions. The S55 AMG meets all current emission limits.

The gear ratios of the electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, fitted as standard to the S500, have been tuned to fit the sporty characteristics of the S55 AMG.

An AMG body kit, including re-styled front and rear aprons and side sills, is added to the already sleek body of the standard S500.

The standard AIRmatic suspension of the S500 does not have to be changed for the higher performance. The S55 AMG sits on 18-inch AMG rims with 8.5-inch 245/45 R tyres at the front and 9.5-inch 275/40 R tyres at the rear.

The S55 AMG will be available to special order in the UK and each car will be tailored to the exact requirements of individual customers. Their likely cost will be between �14,000 and �17,000, depending on exchange rate prices, in addition to the �69,040 price of a standard S500. Several orders have already been placed.

Like all Mercedes-Benz cars, the S55 AMG is covered for 30-years by mobilo-life cover. This effectively gives lifetime protection and breakdown recovery for all new Mercedes cars. UK customers, who buy from authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships, also benefit from a three-year unlimited mileage warranty cover. Britain is one of the key markets for AMG cars along with Germany, Japan and the USA.

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