Friday, October 26, 2012

VÄTH has introduced an updated V50S tuning program for the Mercedes E500 (aka E550). Starting with the exterior, the model has been equipped with a carbon fiber body kit that includes a front spoiler, a revised grille, a rear diffuser and a trunk-mounted spoiler. There's also a retuned suspension module and 20-inch alloy wheels. To spruce up the cabin, the company offers premium leather upholstery, a sport steering wheel, carbon fiber / wood trim and a speedometer that tops out at 360 km/h (224 mph). For added performance, the firm installed an optimized ECU and a charge air cooling system. Thanks to these modifications, the twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 engine develops 520 PS (382 kW / 513 hp) and 810 Nm (597 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The modifications, on this particular model, cost €32,250 ($40,400 / £25,540) - excluding VAT.