2003 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG

How do you make a great car even better? Add more power, of course. For 2003, the Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG luxury coupe, which essentially was the high-tech sports version of the automaker's upscale S-Class and CL500 coupes, received a boost in horsepower, from 354 horsepower to a whopping 493 hp. In case you don't have your calculator handy, that's an increase of 139 horsepower.
Open up the hood and you'll see how that extra power was accomplished. The CL55's hand-assembled, all-aluminum 5.5-liter V8 engine was equipped with a supercharger, a new addition for 2003, and it was a sight to behold, a thing of technical beauty. It makes for an engine unlike anything you've seen (or heard) before.
Of course, a special engine deserves a special vehicle, and the 2003 CL55 AMG was just that, with its sleek, aerodynamic lines, and luxurious interior, all tweaked and assembled by AMG, the in-house performance tuner for Mercedes.
Traditionally, the Mercedes-Benz AMG models received all the carmaker's newest technology, and the 2003 CL55 AMG was no exception. A special Active Body Control (ABC) stability system helped reduce body roll to ensure a comfortable yet sporty ride. Other cutting-edge technologies for 2003 included bi-xenon high-intensity headlights, electrochromatic exterior and rear-view mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control, two-zone automatic climate control, a self-leveling suspension, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and traction control.
Special 18-inch AMG wheels were also part of the package, as was a five-speed automatic overdrive transmission.
Updates for 2003 included new headlights and taillights, as well as some improved safety features.
Inside the car, luxury was the name of the game. Standard features included leather seats (heated in the front), a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, power steering, a lighted entry system, power heated mirrors, a trip computer, dual front and side airbags, and a premium audio system.
As expected, drivers heaped a lot of praised on the 2003 CL55, citing its power, styling, and luxury appointments as among their favorite features, as well as the car's suspension and brakes. Some drivers noted an odd note when the supercharger engaged, though Mercedes says this is normal. Others would have liked to have seen a more updated optional navigation system.