MERCEDES-BENZ UNLEASHES 1999 E55 SUPERCAR
Carmaker Now Offers Two Distinct Limited-Production, V8-Powered Supersedans

Toronto, Ont. – Mercedes-Benz has unleashed yet another V8-powered four-door supercar, the autobahn-burning, AMG-modified E55. Bringing blazing performance, ultra-luxury and exclusivity to the award-winning E-Class model line, the E55 will be available in limited numbers – about 500 over a four-year period. For 1999, the E55 has a suggested retail price of $98,900. For the first time in the Canadian market, Mercedes-Benz offers two AMG-modified supercars – the C-Class based C43 joined the model line in 1998 and will continue its limited production run in 1999 and 2000.

Not since the legendary 500E of the early 1990s has Mercedes-Benz offered an E-Class model in Canada with this level of supercar performance and exclusivity. With 349 horsepower and an enormous 391 lbs.-ft. of torque from a 5.5-litre V8 engine built exclusively for this model, the Mercedes-Benz E55 can blast from zero-to-100 km/h in an estimated 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour.

Supercar-level performance comes from much more than sheer power. The E55 suspension, brakes and driveline have been suitably fortified with a combination of Mercedes-Benz and AMG-developed parts, demonstrating the inherent strength, integrity and versatility of the E-Class.

Visually, the E55 exudes a powerful yet understated presence, with AMG-designed and installed lower-body and valance panels setting it apart from other E-Class models.

AMG Brings Racing Technology To The Road

AMG is the premier tuner and racer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and is entrusted with running the company’s GT racing effort. With the AMG-built CLK-GTR racecars, Mercedes-Benz captured the FIA-GT championship two years in a row. Mercedes-Benz recently purchased a majority interest in AMG, and will continue to develop Mercedes/AMG vehicles through this partnership.

At the E-Class assembly facility in Sindelfingen, Germany, E-Class bodies are equipped with E55-specific interiors and bodywork. These bodyshells are shipped to the AMG facility in Affalterbach, less than an hour’s drive away. There, AMG installs the 5.5-litre V8 (which is a modified version of the 5.0-litre V8 from the SL500), the transmission from the Mercedes V12 models, the E55-specific suspension components (springs, shocks and stabilizer bars) and exhaust system. The cars then return to Sindelfingen for a final Mercedes-Benz quality inspection.

5.5 Litres of Fury

The 5.5-litre AMG powerplant is based on the new-generation Mercedes-Benz 5.0-litre V8, which made its debut in the 1999 SL500. In enthusiast’s terms, the E55 V8 is a "stroker." Engine displacement is increased from the stock 4,966 cc to 5,439 cc by installing a special crankshaft with connecting rod journals that are 4 mm further from the centerline of the crankshaft. This increased offset lengthens the complete stroke by 8 mm. Manufactured from a fresh billet of forged steel, this long-stroke crankshaft is made exclusively for the E55. The crankshaft is dynamically balanced, and connecting rods and pistons are selected for each engine in equal weight-matched sets. This attention to detail ensures that the big V8 produces smooth, low-vibration power.

To feed the increased displacement, AMG "breathes" on the top end of the E55 V8 to get more air into its larger combustion chambers. At the top of the E55 V8 is an all-new dual-tube air cleaner assembly for more airflow. The air inlet tubes are positioned to take in cooler air for a ram effect. A key to the broad torque band of the new-generation Mercedes V8 is its dual path intake manifold, which already features some of the longest intake pipes in the industry, a plus which provides outstanding low- and mid-range power.

AMG modifies the original magnesium intake manifold with a wider cross-section to increase airflow. As in the standard Mercedes manifold, the AMG piece features long intake passages which spiral around to each cylinder. Incorporated into the manifold are flaps (one for each cylinder) that are closed below about 3,700 rpm, forcing intake air to take a "long route" through the manifold and build up pressure waves which boost the intake flow and improve low- and mid-range torque.

At higher speeds, the flaps open, allowing intake air to take a shorter, more direct route to the cylinders for maximum high-speed power and efficiency. The electronic engine control unit determines precisely when the flaps are open and closed. The E55 uses a specific electronic control unit (ECU) to manage the increased-displacement V8, and fuel injectors have been matched to the increased airflow.

AMG retains the twin-sparkplug/three-valve single-overhead cam head design, but replaces the standard camshafts with new modular cams and installs higher-tension valve springs. The hollow construction of the standard camshafts makes them light, and the AMG cams are lighter still. Valve size is the same as the stock V8, but the AMG cams provide longer valve opening times for increased power.