The result of all this engine research is 349 horsepower at 5500 rpm, and a whopping 391 pounds-feet of torque at 3000 rpm. The claimed 0-60 time is 5.4 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
The transmission to handle this torque comes from the V12 Mercedes models. Naturally (these are Mercedes engineers at work, here) it repeatedly electronically psychoanalyzes you, based on input from your foot. Meaning it shifts either aggressively or leisurely, according to how you dealt with what's behind you, but not how you might want to deal with what's ahead of you. Computers don't have eyes. Not yet, but they're working on it.
AMG is gifted in its ability to find that elusive sweet spot combining superb road-holding with a comfortable ride. The E-Class double-wishbone front, and five-link rear suspension is modified with springs having a 35 percent higher rate than those on the E430. The E55's special Bilstein shocks have trick pistons which tame chassis roll and recognize the differences in bumps, and act accordingly. The stabilizer bars are changed from hollow to solid, and grow from 26 to 29 mm in front, 17 to 20 mm in back. When they say "racing improves the breed," they could be talking about the E55's front brakes.
Two-piston calipers are mated to huge 13.2-inch two-piece rotors which float on steel pins, reducing heat transfer to the hubs, bearings and suspension parts. The vented 11.8-inch rear discs come from the SL600 roadster. The rear wheels are a breathtaking nine inches wide, and the fronts merely eight. Low and fat Michelin 245/40ZR-18 tires are used in front, with 275/35ZR-18s in back. Next Page