Pushing the performance boundaries, Mercedes-Benz unleashed the supercharged E55 AMG in Chicago. One of the highest performance sedans the world has ever seen, the E55 boasts 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Think about it: more power than a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 or last year's Dodge Viper. Oh, baby. The handbuilt engine features a Lysholm-type, belt-driving supercharger peaking at 11.6 psi and maximized by an intercooler. The resulting power can propel the E55 0-60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds and reach a 155-mph top speed. The torque is managed by a five-speed automatic transmission programmed with sport-minded SpeedShift for quick gear changes, handled automatically or controlled manually via steering-wheel mounted buttons. Complete AMG treatment upgrades the brakes, suspension, wheels, exterior, and interior. And don't forget that engine.... The E55 goes on sale in May 2003 at $76,000.
