Reprint from Wardsauto

LISBON, Portugal — With the addition of the SLK32 AMG and the C-Class based C32 AMG, there’s now an AMG-modified Mercedes-Benz to fit every taste — if not every budget, considering both of these new AMG models are the cheapest and yet still will deplete the wallet to the tune of mid-$50,000 when they go on sale in the U.S. this summer.

Along with the new C and SLK, there now are AMG variants of the S-Class, the CL and CLK coupes, the E-Class and the M-Class sport-ute.

The new AMG-modified SLK and C-Class depart from the typical AMG formula in one important aspect: rather than using larger-displacement modified production engines, it’s supercharging in place of cubic inches. AMG’s first foray in series-production supercharging results in a blown version of the well-known 3.2L SOHC V-6 that’s won one of WEVTU’s10 Best Engines awards every year since the engine's launch in ’98.

For the twin-sparked 3.2L V-6, the supercharger raises the ante more than 60% over the 215 hp of the normally aspirated engine: 349 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. (450 Nm) of torque in the 3,200-lb. (1,451-kg) bodyshell of the SLK32 AMG. The end result is a 5.2-second dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) — and the electronically governed top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h) is easily achieved.

Japanese supercharger expert IHI supplies the neat helical-rotor supercharger; the unit is belt-driven and clutched via a magnetic actuation system so that it runs only when necessary. Mercedes engineers say the helical-rotor design increases available charge pressure by as much as 30% when compared to conventional Roots blowers. Supercharging emerged victorious over numerous other engine choices, however, because of the boisterous torque output, which permits V-8 style power with the superior weight distribution the
V-6 presents in relation to a V-8.

The AMG modification-model doesn’t allow for anything as superficial as merely installing a supercharger. The 3.2L V-6’s crank bearings are bulked up to handle that haymaker torque, as are the conrods and pistons. A new balance shaft is fitted, and higher-tension valve springs enable a redline increase from 6,000 rpm to the still-uninspired 6,220 rpm — uncomfortably close to the 6,100-rpm power peak.

But the engine’s disappointing lack of high-rpm range doesn’t really matter, because there’s a mule-kick of torque whenever the electronically controlled throttle is depressed. Acceleration in the first couple of the 5-speed automatic’s gears is downright violent.

The SLK32 AMG, in fact, has almost the same power-to-weight ratio as an automatic-transmissioned General Motors Corp. Chevrolet Corvette, so muscle-car-from-Germany is adequate description, with the 200-lb. (91-kg) heavier C32 AMG feeling only slighted blunted by the extra weight, although Mercedes quotes the same 5.2-second 0-to-62 mph figure for it and the SLK32 AMG.

Alas, those who feared the SLK32/C32 would be offered as "automatic only" are correct. The 5-speed autobox does have new sequential-shift software ("AMG SpeedShift") that provides noticeably improved response over Mercedes’ conventional Touch Shift, however. Particularly intriguing is a function that delivers an automatic downshift if a certain deceleration force is attained.

Both cars also enjoy the expected dose of up-rated chassis bits: larger-diameter anti-roll bars, stiffer shock/spring calibration and the Herculean brakes that U.S. and Japanese automakers don’t even know exist.

As for appearance, WEVTU speaks with Ulrich Bruhnke, the plain-speaking, newly installed managing director of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

He asks if the styling "enhancements" over the standard C-Class and SLK are "sufficient."

When the answer is in the affirmative and that most prefer AMG hold to its reputation for "sublime" restraint in bodywork, he evidences genuine relief. "We, too, think that it should be visible but unassuming," he says, noting that although some customers pressure the company for more boisterous differentiation for AMG models, many in Germany still order even the AMG cars with the option to delete all badging that indicates class or engine displacement.

Mercedes gives U.S. volume expectations of 1,000 units annually for the C32 AMG and 850 units for the SLK32 AMG — although more SLK32 AMG models can be supplied "if needed." o