PC Valkyrie

Well, I just joined the AMG Private Lounge, and I found some neat things. The C55 AMG Racing Taxi is one of those things. I don't think anyone here knew about this vehicle before.

What is it? Well, it's best described as a race car modified to include passenger seats, allowing for more than just the driver to occupy the vehicle. They took the regular C-class apart and reconstructed it into a 4 seat race car for the track. Only 4 of these were built. The engine is the standard C55 engine, being the 5.4L V8 making 367HP and 376lb-ft torque. Maximum speed increased to 174mph (over the electronically governed 155mph limit of the standard C55). The main purpose of this car was to take passengers on thrilling rides on racetracks. It was essentially a track-ready race car derived from the C55.

This car has the AMG Nuremburgring Chassis, which has been used in the C55 F1 Medical Car. The chassis was developed on the Nordschleife to improve the handing and driving dynamics. Another aim was to reduce and redistribute weight, by the use of carbon components (inside and outside) and moving the battery from the engine compartment to the trunk.

Inside, several comfort features were removed. 4 AMG bucket seats, a Safety-Car steering wheel, and 4-point harnesses in each seat were installed. A specially designed rollbar is another unique feature, which protects all 4 passengers.

The car is equipped with 4 internally ventilated and perforated compound brake discs with 6 pistons in the front and 4 pistons at the rear. 19" rims and a larger front apron provide optimal cooling for the brakes.

2QUIK4U

AMG Manufaktur offers all of the parts/ upgrades on this car for customers in Europe. I don't know whether the race taxis have the performance package. However, European customers can purchase this package from AMG, which increases power to ~400hp. Changes include: headers, software and a re-designed airbox. Costs around 11,000 Euros to have the upgrades done.

PC Valkyrie

The "performance package" you are referring to doesn't have everything the C55 AMG Racing Taxi does, but it is close. Furthermore, I don't think this "performance package" is widely available, even in Europe. It may only be availabe in Germany. There weren't many details about this package at all, and I don't know of anybody in the internet world who has this package.

Also, I've never ready anywhere about a power upgrade to 400HP for the C55. You're not confusing this with the special package they offer for the SLK55, are you?

2QUIK4U

No, it does not. The performance package I am referring to is simply an engine modification. However, all of the other items on the Renntaxi can be purchased by European customers. However, most of the upgrades are only performed at the AMG headquarters in Affalterbach.

Other upgrades include the "M-2" shift upgrade (replaces the comfort mode on your transmission with a mode that allows for quicker shifts, similar to SMG), Nuerburgring suspension, LSD, 19in wheels, Alcantara wheel (this can be purchased through steve for ~$700), bucket seats, V-max limit removal, safety car bumper and some others.

This is all performed by AMG Manufaktur, they essentially provide all of the aftermarket stuff for AMG vehicles. For example, if you would want the interior of your AMG done in a custom color, this is something that the AMG Manufaktur would do. They do everything from custom interior to performance upgrades.

All of the upgrades that I mentioned above are also available for the SLK55.

PC Valkyrie

Well, the "performance package" I knew about was this (and it was only available in Germany). It had almost everything the C55 AMG Ring Taxi does, except the rollcage, I think. Thanks to Walter, who posted this picture previously.

PC Valkyrie

And here is a previous thread about this performance package, with some more pics.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/92535-c-amg-performance-package-new-engine.html?pp=10

2QUIK4U

Interesting. It's too bad that they don't offer any of these upgrades in the US. I would love to get some of those parts on my C55...

C55JMG

I want that steering wheel!!!

ClayJ

AMG Manufaktur can and will do almost anything that can be imagined - interior, exterior, electronics, performance.

In the last year or so they have made the corporate decision to limit performance mods on a car that will be coming to North America.

Trekman

those rims looks like the TSW bremmas

2QUIK4U

Or a better way to put is that the TSW Bremmas look like those

C55JMG,

You can buy that steering wheel. Just send Steve an e-mail. I believe they are around ~$700.

cntlaw

Very exciting ! Thanks for the post.
Now, please pity me and give me the model and spec of the rims
and what I need to do if I want these rims to go to my standard C55.

Trekman

No they look like the TSW bremma ......

Chappy

More shots of the C55 taken last weekend...

Chappy

p.s. Check out the gold calipers!

andy_cyp

Gotta be 6 pots.

F_Porsche

That's one hot c class!! What other information do you get in the
AMG lounge? Can you get any info on a Manufaktur pricelist?

PC Valkyrie

Oh my......THANK YOU Chappy for those wonderful pics. I would love to have a ride (or even drive) in that C55 Taxi around a track.

Good to see more recent pics of this car!!

PC Valkyrie

Yup, the C55 AMG Racing Taxi has 6 piston in the front and 4 piston in the rear.

2QUIK4U

The new Manufaktur pricelist is not out yet, its supposed to come out any moment. Well, actually AMG has been saying that for the past 12 months, but it will probably come out somtime soon.

F_Porsche

Yeah I got a mail from AMG in April that it comes end of April!

rlee02135

this look hot.
i want one!

ckautz

Where did you find this in the AMG Private Lounge? I'm a member, but didn't see this. I definitely want to find more info on it.

Thanks!

Chappy

Look here...

http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge/index.php

dragonAMG

That is one sweet looking C55