[2tonOfun]

the "engine" itself is certainly capable of producing 507HP. i think de-tuned is the wrong term. manufacturers typically don't reduce HP on purpose.

I'd disagree with that statement.
Any manufactured high performance engine that has a warranty is going to be "detuned" or is probably not putting out what it is capable of.

 

[2tonOfun]

I'd agree with you, Merc uses the "63" in most of their AMG cars...while intake/catalytic converters/exhaust may play a part in the reduced output....I also think they "de-tune" on purpose to segregate the model lines.

Think about it, if I could get a 507-518hp C63 for only 70K, then why get a 507hp E63 for 20 grand more, or a 518hp S63 for almost double the price???? lol

Well, and also it's just a matter of not pushing the motor to it's limits so that they are not replacing them under warranty. It's common practice with turbo'd or supercharged motors to reduce the potential power output (de-tune) with the use of waste gates or pulleys. That's what is so fun about buying cars with forced induction, it is usually very easy to modify them to produce more hp then the factory set up, with ECU retunning and fuel delivery also, and, and, and Oh god here I go again:crybaby2: