mhh

I see a report in this month's UK CAR magazine says that the E55 is expected to be superceded in 2006 with a 6.3 litre version producing 600hp. It also says that all E- and S-class cars get a 7 speed auto from later this year. S, SL and CL version will get a 650 hp version.

Looks like the new M5 won't have long at the top of the power podium if this report is correct.

Rennteam

I guess UK CAR is mixing up some rumors with some facts and some hopes.
The most credible rumor I heard right now is that DC/AMG offers a new engine generation by around 2005 (which would make it MY 2006 I guess). These supercharged V8 engines have 4-valves instead of the current 3, might have direct fuel injection and the maximum power is rumored at 560 HP (SL55).
The CL65 AMG with 612 HP is a fact already, power could increase slightly with the introduction of the 7G auto tranny (current 5-speed can't withstand much more than 1000 Nm torque, one reason why torque is electronically limited on the CL65 AMG from possible 1200 to 1000 Nm) by around end of 2004, beginning of 2005. The S65 AMG and SL65 AMG seem to be sure products too, introduction will be early next year. All rumors I got indicate that the V12 bi-turbo charged engine won't make it into the E55 BUT it could be available in the E-class Coupe.
The 7G auto tranny will soon be available for the S430, S500, SL500 and CL500 but not for the supercharged V8 engines in the AMG models.
Rumors indicate the introduction of the 7G in AMG models with the new engine generation.

So the most power one can expect on a facelifted E55 by around 2005 or 2006 is maximum 560 HP (more likely something around 520-540 HP).

pogotango

6.3 hmm

Kain

The next Audi RS 6 will have a 600 horsepower Lamborghini V10 engine. Talk about POWER!

E55 KEV

Make one for me! Personally, I will not consider the W211 E55 until after the mid-model update.

Rennteam

And miss all the fun? Naaahhh.

stephens

E55Kev
By the time you get one, we'll almost be ready for the replacement model!