[tresean1]

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.

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

 

[tresean1]

I would agree the tune and exhaust are probably the reason for the lower hp but not because there wasn't room. If that were the case than the CLK "Black version" would have the same HP and it has 50+ more. It also has a different exhaust than a standard CLK AMG and would guess the tune is a bit different. I think it was a choice MB made and not because of size constraints.

Just my 2 cents.

Yea, that sort of what I was saying originally, I think it was a decision to psychologically segregate the models lines to keep buyers in their prospective classes. If all the engines across the model line produced the same exact hp/torque (a la BMW), then there would be no need for huge AMG S-/CL-classes if one can get the same perfomance from a smaller, less-expensive E, CLK, SLK or C