By @Automedia

September 2003

The next German super-car is due next year, and this is also a first glimpse at the facelifted C-class. And as if that wasn't enough, we can also reveal that the C32 will not be ditched in favour of the all-new C55 but will be offered alongside the more powerful AMG-tuned C.

The flagship will get the same styling changes as the rest of the range, including clear glass headlights and LED tail-lights. That will bring the car in line with the bigger E- and S-class. New body mouldings around the sides are also visible under the black plastic disguise.

Like its smaller C32 brother, the C55 will come with a full AMG bodykit, featuring low side skirts and modified front and rear bumpers. The twin exhaust pipes hint at the potential of the C55, and - along with large-diameter fivespoke AMG-branded wheels - create an aggressive look. The C32, however, will retain just one pair of pipes on the left side.

Many of the AMG add-ons will be available as optional extras on lesser models so, to set the C55 apart, Mercedes' designers have penned a bespoke front end. This section is heavily disguised in these shots, but it will include a special radiator grille in the style of the CLK coupe.

Stylists are said to have agonised over which style of three-pointed star to use. Our sources say the grille-mounted badge - normally reserved for coupes and convertibles - may take the place of the more traditional emblem, standing proud on the bonnet.

While the C32's 3.2-litre V6 will continue to produce 354 HP, power for the new C55 will come from a normally aspirated 5.5-litre V8 engine producing a mouth-watering 367 HP. As with the C32, the C55 will initially feed its power through a five-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels, although a seven-speed automatic box will be available later. Available as both a four-door saloon and five-door estate, the C32, the C55 and the revised C-class range will be launched from next February.

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