Mercedes supercharges ahead

An all-new AMG-tuned C 32 Mercedes will be hitting the streets by the time you read this. Its most notable new features would have to be the new supercharged V6 powerplant and AMG's Speedshift transmission system.

"With the C 32 AMG we are presenting a desirable high-performance automobile which illustrates the expertise of Mercedes-AMG more than ever before.

"Together with the AMG Speedshift automatic transmission, our new, powerful supercharged V6 engine represents a unique propulsion package", says Matthias Lührs, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars.

The new AMG V6 engine ensures unrivalled superiority versus any competitor. Thanks to supercharging it has an output of 260kW, with an unrivalled maximum torque of 450 Newton metres.

By coupling this with an automatic transmission with the innovative AMG Speedshift function, which combines the advantages of a five-speed automatic transmission with the dynamism of a manual transmission, Mercedes-AMG GmbH once again shows its innovative strength in the development of particularly dynamic products.

The outstanding performance of the new model is provided by a V6 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG, using motorsport-inspired extreme load and temperature-resistant components.

The heart of this six-cylinder unit is an innovative helical supercharger which generates a high charge pressure even at low engine speeds and thereby produces remarkable torque characteristics.

Expressed in figures, 90 percent of the maximum torque – more than 400 Newton metres – is already available from 2300 rpm.

The C 32 AMG requires just 5.2 seconds to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h, and is therefore in the same performance category as thoroughbred sports cars – though with the everyday practicality typical of a Mercedes.

With AMG's new Speedshift transmission, a slight movement of the gearshift lever to the left, for instance, is all it takes for the transmission immediately to select the best gear for powerful acceleration, depending on the current speed and the pre-stored engine management data.

Likewise the transmission will automatically carry out a downshift when certain braking deceleration is reached, selecting the correct gear for the driving situation.

Conversely, the transmission reliably maintains the selected gear when negotiating a bend at speed and thereby avoids any load change reactions. Faster, much more responsive gear changes and a torque converter lockup above first gear help round out the innovative configuration of the AMG Speedshift gearbox.

In addition to the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist and acceleration skid control, it is particularly the fade-resistant, high-performance AMG braking system that guarantees a high level of handling safety.

Ventilated disc brakes front and rear – the front discs are also perforated – ensure braking deceleration at the highest level: the braking distance from 100 km/h is less than 36 metres.

With its distinctive and expressive design the C 32 AMG immediately demonstrate its family resemblance to all the other high-performance cars produced by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The powerful sweep of the front apron with its integral fog lights, the special side-skirt panels and the muscular rear apron leave no doubt as to the car’s dynamic qualities.

The new 17-inch light-alloy wheels of twin-spoke design, which are painted in sterling silver with 225/45 tyres at the front and 245/40 tyres at the rear, serve to reinforce this athletic appearance.

Mercedes-Benz has added the powerful C 32 AMG to its growing range of AMG high-performance vehicles available in Australia. An all-new supercharged V6 engine works in conjunction with an innovative AMG Speedshift transmission to provide a truly dynamic driving experience in the latest AMG model, which goes on sale November 2001 priced from $146,900.