Even the hot-rod S55 AMG ($106,500) is hotter for 2003. It is still powered by a hand-built 5.4-liter V8, but now a positive-displacement Lysholm supercharger increases its output (from 354 horsepower and 391 pounds-feet) to 493 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet. With the new engine, claims Mercedes, the S55 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. New SpeedShift buttons on the steering wheel provide manual control of the five-speed automatic transmission. New brakes with eight-piston calipers up front provide appropriate stopping power. As before, the S55 AMG features an active suspension, 18-inch AMG Monoblock alloy wheels with high-performance tires, ventilated front seats, AMG aerodynamic enhancements, and a trunk-mounted CD changer.
For 2003, Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC automatic all-wheel drive is now available on S430 ($75,500) and S500 ($83,900). A planetary differential splits the power 40/60 front/rear, and advanced electronic traction control distributes it to the appropriate wheels (or wheel) in slippery conditions.
S430, S500, and S600 can be equipped with a Sport Package ($4975) that sharpens styling and handling. It includes an AMG front air dam, rear apron and side skirts, plus 8.5x18-inch front and 9.5x18-inch rear AMG Monoblock alloy wheels with 245/45YR18 front and 275/40YR18 rear high-performance tires.
Other options include: voice-controlled CD changer and cell phone ($2190); power-adjustable rear seats ($1825); four-zone air conditioning ($1880); active suspension ($2960). Also available is adaptive cruise control ($2875), a programmable system that uses radar to maintain distance between your car and the car ahead of you. Mercedes-Benz was the first to offer this technology, although others now offer it (Lexus and Infiniti, for example). It won't do panic stops for you, so you need to keep your foot near the brake pedal. Another option called Keyless Go ($995) uses a small card instead of a key, as well as a button on the shift lever, which shuts off the engine.
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