Mercedes Cars

Mercedes Benz E55 AMG

Few are as subtle about their performance as the AMG Mercedes sedans. The E55 looked barely different from the regular car, but massive 18-inch (457mm) rims, reduced body height and low-profile tyres meant much to those in the know. It was based on the E-Class sedan with power from a re-worked version of the 262ci (4.3-liter) V8.

The car featured an advanced multi-link rear suspension with double wishbones at the front, all uprated and with lower springs. Another aid was ESP, Electronic Stability Protection, which kept the car stable in all conditions via ABS and traction control. The engine was bored and stroked for its 329ci (5,391cc) displacement and the fourth valve in each cylinder was sacrificed for an extra spark plug, ignited just after the first for compete combustion. A variable length intake manifold widened the torque curve on the V8, making it a true highway stormer.

Mercedes Cars

Mercedes Cars

Mercedes Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II

Mercedes put out a Cosworth tuned 190E in 1983, but in 1988 it needed to homologate a car for Group A racing and the 225bhp (167kW) 190E 2.5-16 Evo was the result. Just a year later, the Evo II came with an extra 10bhp (7kW) and this was the ultimate 190E.

At the front the car used a MacPherson strut set-up, while the rear had a multi-link. The springs were lowered and the shocks uprated, but they also incorporated full adjustability and self-levelling with a sophisticated system. The bodywork was styled on the European touring cars, with extended arches covering new 8x17-inch (203x431mm) alloys. The spoilers front and rear had function, being adjustable to increase downforce. Cosworth again worked their magic on the four-cylinder 150ci (2.4-liter) engine, balancing the rotating assembly and giving it more aggressive cam timing to achieve the power.

Mercedes Benz SLK

Mercedes had never built a small, affordable sportscar prior to the 1996 SLK, but in creating the car, took on the likes of Porsche, BMW, Alfa and MG in what was fast becoming a very popular new market. The car therefore needed to be lightweight, handle well and offer a style-conscious appearance. Mercedes kept the car rigid, strong yet light by using magnesium and high-strength steel in the unitary construction.

Suspension was multi-link rear and double-wishbone front, while the roof was an engineering masterpiece. In 25 seconds the handsome fixed top would turn into a complex folding arrangement that went into the trunk. With the roof down there was little wind buffeting due to excellent aerodynamics and a rear wind deflector. The 140ci (2.3-liter) four-cylinder engine received a supercharger which livened up the car, making the most of its superb chassis.

Classic Cars