2002 Mercedes-Benz AMG

C32 AMG

The SLK32 AMG, meanwhile, suffers no such integrity problems, despite wearing identical model tags. This is AMG's rival to Porsche's Boxster S and BMW's M roadster. Seriously. The SLK gets the same supercharged 349-hp engine, which amounts to 99 more horsepower than is found in the Porsche. Both the C32 and the SLK32 should arrive in the U.S. in September. Much about AMG's new C-class muscle car is outstanding, nothing more so than its effortless ability to close in on the horizon. In acceleration, driver appeal, and refinement, the decathlete C32 blows away the C43-and not just by 10ths of a second, but in a quantum leap in performance. On grippy tarmac, AMG claims the C32 can accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, 1.3 seconds quicker than the C43 and 0.5 second faster than the mighty E55 AMG sedan.

Superior aerodynamics and top-end power mean the difference just increases as speeds rise. Times to 125 mph are important marketing tools in Germany, and AMG says its C32 will do it in 18.6 seconds, 1.5 seconds ahead of the C43, despite weighing about 140 pounds heavier at 3450 pounds. You'll also want to know that its time to 62 mph exactly matches BMW's claim for the new M3. This on midgrade fuel, not the more expensive premium gas BMW recommends. Powering its way to the electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, the C32 slips swiftly from fourth to fifth at 149 mph and charges forward without any tangible let up in the way the driver is pushed back into the seat. This is, by all but supercar standards, blistering performance.