reggid

Its widely thought that AMG underate their cars power and torque output and dyno outputs have tended to confirm this, that is if you believe them anyway. Locally i read that the SL55 had its numbers updated to more truly reflect its performance from 350kw => 368kw where as the E55 is still rated at 350kw. I don't see the logic behind underating the numbers. Does anyone have any idea why they'd do this, surely advertising the true higher and more impressive stats would lead to more sales! The E55 seems pretty simple to mod to get reasonable gains, then why don't AMG do this at the factory it would be even cheaper for them (AMG) than the aftermarket tuners.

ThemisN

Very simple. If they show the same output to be available on the E55, then how do you substantiate the SIGNIFICANT cost difference between the E55 and the SL55? They want to at least show that there the SL55 has a little more HP as to appease those buyers who are spending a good bit more than us.

vrus

Most times engines are underrated by manufacturers to get around "Gas Guzzler" taxes and other taxes that are imposed on high performance vehicles. It also helps to keep insurance costs lower when power is underrated.

M5KILLR

japanese cars have a self imposed 276 hp limitation but the cars that they have there, evo, wrx etc are over 276.

VelocitE55

Well said, this is the main reason.

SLK55_AMG

i thought they add some power to the SL55 to match its weight, (the weight of the rectractable hardtop)