E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

The new E55: The "fastest production Mercedes-Benz sedan "

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Old Mar 25, 2003 | 07:38 PM
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The new E55: The "fastest production Mercedes-Benz sedan "

Hmmm... isn't this interested... I've heard all kinds of speculations about MB originally billing the soon to appear AMG E55 as 500 or 493 HP... and then their downgrading it to 469HP... Some said something like, "of course... how could they make the E55 faster than their flagship, the S600 or the S55... but given the fact that the E55 would definitely be lighter... they'd have to de-tune the E55, so it wouldn't beat the car costing $40k more..."

But then I got the invite to the AMG Challenge event just today:

Adrenaline Rush. Unlike any other.

Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles are designed for drivers who expect superior performance from an automobile. At the AMG Challenge Driving Event you will slip behind the wheel of one of the world’s most high-powered street machines. You'll feel the freedom. Far from the confinement of street signs and speed limits. And yes, you'll have the opportunity to experience the fastest production Mercedes-Benz sedan - the E55 AMG. You'll also learn high performance driving skills from some of today's racing greats, including World Challenge and Le Mans drivers.


...interesting... Too bad the E55 is a limited production not available for Euro-delivery... like it would be available this summer... They do have the earliest track date of May 9th on the Pocono Raceway, however... this implies they'll have at least specially imported at least one for the event...

-NavNut
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Old Mar 25, 2003 | 07:52 PM
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I got the invitation today also. Did everyone get this?

Too bad there is not an event anywhere near me
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Old Mar 25, 2003 | 07:53 PM
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Wait a minute...

Ok, now this is weird... I clicked on the registration link because the e-mail invite was a photo and I couldn't copy and paste the text... so I copied and pasted the text from the web-site link I followed from the e-mail... and that's when I copied the quote and saw "fastest ... sedan" and re-thought... yeah, of course it wouldn't be faster than the SL55...

Then I looked at the e-mail itself again... the E-mail says:

Get set.
The AMG Challenge is your chance to indulge in an exhilarating racing experience. Your $850 admission gets you an unforgettable day filled with on-track driving clinics led by top professionals, plus a chance to drive a variety of AMG vehicles including the high-performance SL55
and the fastest Mercedes-Benz production car of all time - the new E55.

That seems pretty unambiguous to me... the E55 will be quicker than the S600, the S55, the CL600, the CL55, AND the SL55... that's weird... AND it will cost less than $100K??? I've heard it was going to be in the $70k-ish range for the base with no options... Implies 0-60 in under 4.5s...

That rates a "Wow!"

-NavNut
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Old Mar 25, 2003 | 08:04 PM
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Re: Wait a minute...

Originally posted by NavNut
Ok, now this is weird... I clicked on the registration link because the e-mail invite was a photo and I couldn't copy and paste the text... so I copied and pasted the text from the web-site link I followed from the e-mail... and that's when I copied the quote and saw "fastest ... sedan" and re-thought... yeah, of course it wouldn't be faster than the SL55...

Then I looked at the e-mail itself again... the E-mail says:

Get set.
The AMG Challenge is your chance to indulge in an exhilarating racing experience. Your $850 admission gets you an unforgettable day filled with on-track driving clinics led by top professionals, plus a chance to drive a variety of AMG vehicles including the high-performance SL55
and the fastest Mercedes-Benz production car of all time - the new E55.

That seems pretty unambiguous to me... the E55 will be quicker than the S600, the S55, the CL600, the CL55, AND the SL55... that's weird... AND it will cost less than $100K??? I've heard it was going to be in the $70k-ish range for the base with no options... Implies 0-60 in under 4.5s...

That rates a "Wow!"

-NavNut
You left out "$850 admission.." WOW!!!!

Have they ever charged for this before?
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Old Mar 25, 2003 | 08:43 PM
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$850... wow...

Yeah I know... actually, I was thinking I might do this, but really would like my girlfriend to come too... She's a big MB-fan... and a driving enthusiast...

Then I read something about "No friends, or pets..." No place for any spectators or spouses... if you want your spouse to come too, this invite is good for YOU and ONE guest at an ADDITIONAL $850... AND you can forward this to someone else, but give guests a different event code: 988556. You can forward this to friends, but they won't be guarenteed a spot and will be on a waiting list... blah, blah, blah...

Wow... is right... Were these things free in the past? To past customers perhaps? To people with orders or downpayments for an E55 in, perhaps?

-NavNut

(I've been slowly conditioned to expect less and less every year... Service ain't what it used to be... reliable, tank-like MB's ain't what they used to be... the customer is not always right... MB no longer gives discounts for Euro-delivery even though it helps them plan, and cars are sold before they hit a lot... etc, etc, etc... it's just a sign of the times...)

Last edited by NavNut; Mar 25, 2003 at 08:47 PM.
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Old Mar 25, 2003 | 09:08 PM
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2003 CL55 AMG
No these AMG events have not been free in the past. Last years was $800 per person... Looks like it went up $50 this year.
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Old Mar 25, 2003 | 10:34 PM
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What about the S65...?
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Old Mar 25, 2003 | 10:42 PM
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Anyone want me to forward the invitation? Assuming that everyone did not get it.
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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 12:07 AM
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Originally posted by etenn
Anyone want me to forward the invitation? Assuming that everyone did not get it.
I sure wouldn't mind getting one! TIA, Etenn.
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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 07:46 AM
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Thumbs up

I got the email yesterday too but i just cant justify spending $850 on a day of track time.

If anyone wants to sponsor me... i will be willing to go on your behalf and give youa full report.
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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 08:06 AM
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Last year, they had one in Atlanta. Why no Atlanta event this year?

Closest is in Daytona....on a Wednesday
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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 10:05 AM
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Originally posted by benggolf
I sure wouldn't mind getting one! TIA, Etenn.
Check your private messages, beng.

Ed
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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 03:19 PM
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Originally posted by etenn
Check your private messages, beng.
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Etenn, you have mail. Thanks.
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