KLEEMANN C 55K S8
Text & photos courtesy Kleemann A/S
edited 10-15-2004

600 Hp, 760 Nm and 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds!
3.8 seconds from zero to 100 km/h sounds impossible for a four-door salon car, but with KLEEMANN it is possible! Boasting 600 Hp and 760 Nm of torque, KLEEMANN delivers mega power for the new C 55 AMG from Mercedes-Benz.
The heart of this high-performance speed-monster is a specially revised version of the eight-cylinder Mercedes-Benz NA (Normal Aspirated) 5,5 litre engine. Equipped with only the KLEEMANN Kompressor system the engines power yield zooms from standard 367 Hp / 270 kW and 510 Nm to phenomenal 550 Hp / 404 kW and 718 Nm.

Additionally the C 55K S8 is fitted with the KLEEMANN Stage 8 tuning kit. This means that the engine ECU is reprogrammed and application specific super sport camshafts are fitted. Last, but not least, tailor-made headers in stainless steel and a complete dual 70 mm stainless steel exhaust system utilizing four steel racing catalysts lowers the exhaust backpressure allowing the engine to breathe more freely, producing more power. As the finishing touch to it all, the KLEEMANN C 55K S8 is fitted with two Trapezoid-shaped rear mufflers that fit perfectly to the stock AMG rear-bumper.


With these engine modifications, the KLEEMANN C 55K S8 produces a breathtaking 600 Hp / 441 kW at 5800 rpm and 760 Nm of torque available from 2000 rpm. This incredible power is routed through a custom-developed KLEEMANN Limited Slip Differential (LSD) which applies a 60 percent lock-up ratio between the rear wheels. This modification is essential for maximum traction of the driven wheels and the fantastic accelerations figures for this car.

The performance benchmarks of this exclusive four-door salon are unbelievable 3,8 seconds from 0-100 km/h and 12,5 seconds for 0-200 km/h. Like all other high-performance KLEEMANN cars the top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h.

The enormous performance potential requires the best from wheels, suspension and brakes, and to meet these high demands KLEEMANN has developed exceptional upgrades in all three categories.

The KLEEMANN C 55K S8 comes with a choice between the classic two-piece TM-5 or the three-piece forged TS-6 light alloy wheel, which can be fitted on the car in sizes ranging from 17- to 19-inches in diameter. The largest possible combination on the C 55K S8 is the KLEEMANN TS6 alloy wheel in size 8.5JX19 for the front axle with 235/35 ZR 19 tires, and 9.5JX19 with 265/30 ZR 19 tires on the rear. The special shape of the TS6 rim star augments the aerodynamics of the car as it exhausts the air from underneath. In addition to reducing lift this also increases cooling of the brakes and ads to the handling and stability of the vehicle.

To further increase the cars handling characteristics KLEEMANN has fitted the car with KLEEMANN Speed Sensitive Suspension, which lowers the ride height by up to 30 millimetres, reduces body roll and increases the cars turn-in capability. Designed specifically for use with sporty low-profile tires it’s a perfect combination of agile cornering and extraordinary ride comfort. The efficiency of the KLEEMANN Speed Sensitive Suspension System was documented in a test conducted by the American car magazine “Car & Driver”. On a 300 ft skid pat the KLEEMANN C 55K S8 pulled a whooping 0.9 lateral G’s, which is better than a Chevrolet C6 Corvette.

The safety aspect of a high performance car like the KLEEMANN C 55K S8 is the specially developed KLEEMANN high performance brake system, which easily handles even the most extreme braking tasks. Fitted with the largest KB-3 KLEEMANN high performance brake system the KLEEMANN C 55K S8 features 396 x 36 mm vented and cross-drilled two-piece brake discs with six piston forged and handmade calipers in the front, and 342 x 28 mm vented and cross-drilled two-piece brake discs with four piston forged and handmade calipers in the rear.

Another focal point of refining the KLEEMANN C 55K S8 is the interior. KLEEMANN offers an extensive program for the elegant C-Class ranging from full leather to a combined leather/alcantara interior. The KLEEMANN program also includes a wide selection of individual accessories such as illuminated entrance panels with KLEEMANN logo, and an ergonomic KLEEMANN sport steering wheel with a choice of leather, leather/wood or leather/carbon combined with the possibility to shift through the gears via two bottoms fitted on the steering wheel. The finishing touch to the interior is genuine carbon inlays on the dashboard, centre console and door covers which creates a sporty yet comfortable and exclusive feeling.

 

Pretty bad ***..... but it looks just like my moms C320!!!!

 

Here is the C&D Test of it:

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1


Some stats:
Kleemann 55S8
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Price as tested: $99,003 (base price*: $94,398)
Engine type: supercharged and intercooled SOHC 24-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 332 cu in, 5439cc
Power (mfr's claim): 570 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Torque (mfr's claim): 580 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

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Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
Wheelbase: 106.9 in
Length/width/height: 181.5/68.0/55.6 in
Curb weight: 3830 lb

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Zero to 60 mph: 3.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 8.9 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 15.2 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 3.9 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 12.2 sec @ 117 mph
Top speed (redline limited): 187 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 160 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g

 

Love my C55 and I think the car looks far from like a regular C class

 

100K!!!!!!!! what?

 

The Kleemann C 55K S8 is an awesome car... But I would still much rather have a 911 Turbo!!

 

what happens when you try to turn it?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Hameed

NOT MINE IT WON'T. THAT CAR WILL BE WATCHING MY TAILIGHTS DISAPPEAR!

 

12.2 sec. while impressive won't blow a 911 TT away. That is right in line with a stock 911TT. If it's an X50 or S model no chance. At $100K that is just sick for a C Class. If it was a CLK, or the new SLK I could better understand.