Some of us have speculated that MBZ is 'fudging' the HP number and many believe the W211 really has 500HP (DIN) which is 493HP (SAE), however, the AMG CEO, Ulrich Bruhnke stated:

"Bruhnke hinted to TheCarConnection that there might be room to nudge the E55 over the 500-hp mark, which is quickly becoming the number to beat for world-class performance."

Does that mean the W211 really has 500HP and will get the same 'pen & ink' change as the SL55 and come with 500HP or that they will increase the HP to 500HP+ in the future to compete with the next M5 which has been rumored to possibly have up to 550HP.

Also note that the key words in that statement from the AMG CEO is "over the 500-hp mark". It is getting interesting.

Very interesting comments. Would anybody think of waiting for the 500+ hp. Or do you think that it could be just a chip change. I am dying to get the E55 with Nav as soon as it is out. But I don't want to drive it for 1 year to be outdated by the E55 525HP engine. Although, how much faster could that be?

Wanted to know if anybody is willing to wait for "possible new" engine.

AmgB

Think I am gonna wait for the next update.
I want to see what the new M5 will be like before I make the decision to spend $76,000 +

As much as I hate to say it, the new M5 may look better than the E55.

I guess we will all find out.

James

I have read that they E55 uses slightly lower boost (0.8 bar) vs 1.0 bar for the CL55, S55 and SL55 .

Maybe this is where the difference is ?

I have read conflicting information about the boost in the supercharger. If you look at C&D issue, it gives all the specs. It states 13.1 psi Maxium boost pressure. Page 57.

amgB

13.1 psi is 0.9 bar.

Marketing I think

James,

I say do both. Get the E55 and enjoy it. I am sure that the depreciation hit will be smaller than usual (especially if you wait a couple of months and get a 2004). Let's see what BMW comes up with. I saw some updated 5 series picture and it looks like someone told Bangle that they can't risk the 5 series being to "out there". I personally am waiting to see how the M6 looks after my sadfully parting with my old one. But I can't wait to get my new E55. I like the new looks and can't wait to look a Porsche driver in the eyes.

The 5.

The 5. Backside

The 6. Maybe too early to tell....

The 6 Cab. Can someone explain the rear end to me?

MN,

I don't know exactly where, but I saw some later pictures that were less aggressive.

Oh Harv, I do hope you are right.

If I am not my consolation prize is a 2004 E55. That's why I say do both if you can swing it. I can only hope that MB and BMW just continue to try to top each other. Then we all win and choose our own preferences.

Nice pics and summary of prelim details about the M6 here:

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring...s/6_01_bmw.htm

V10 engine, same as M5, probably ~550hp (normally aspirated), available 2005, redline ~9000 rpm, 19" alloys according to speculation.

How 'bout we get back on topic guys? The March Car and Driver article suggests that the difference in horsepower between the SL, S and CL and the E is due to a different exhaust. If that is the case, producing a 493 bhp E55 is no big deal.

In one of the car magazines, they mentioned the SL has a different exhast than the E55. The E55 was a longer exhast than the SL55, therefore that is why there was a loss in HP. However, in the S55, the car is longer, so wouldn't it have the same HP loss as the E55 or even more loss? That was conflicting info that I have been reading. I can't figure it out. Maybe it is all a marketing ploy. Maybe there is only a slight difference in HP because of the exhast.

amgB

New m5: Yuck.
New m6: Intriguing shape.

Perspective: the space shuttle travels at about 5 miles per second (17,500 miles per hour). The German cars still have a ways to go.

Reminder: The most fun is at 0 mph. ;-)

Still, nothing replaces the rush of travelling 140mph, constantly scanning 360 degrees for cops!

Peace....
E55Bliss

I was going to say something, but decided not to as it may be considered poor taste...

Yes, any witty remark regarding the space program as of yet would be in poor taste.

although there might be a difference in noted supercharger pressure, i would think the E55 and the sl55 boost would be the same with the exact same torruq numbers. although i speculate the two cars to output the same hp, a difference may come from a more restrictive exhaust or a computer programming in the E55 casuing the torque to drop at a lower rpm. just my 2 cents

Ernie

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/mi...E=Feb+12,+2003
Stated by Benz 0.8 bar boost

I totally agree with that!