Photo: VATH
The current Mercedes-Benz E-Class has already bought all the gardening tools it needs to get ready for its next year retirement, but the Cabriolet version should remain active for a little while longer.
Lacking an AMG version, the most potent Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet that money can buy is the E500. The 4,663 cc V8 engine it comes equipped with is good for 408 HP and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft), which is more than enough for most people.
And far from it for others. These are the kind of customers German tuner VÄTH is aiming for with their V50RS power package. This performance kit takes the 4.7-liter bi-turbo V8 engine and yells at it until the 408 hp is just a distant memory - 142 hp away, to be more precise. Taking the total power to 550 hp is only half the fun, the other half being provided by the huge 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) increase from the base 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) value. The math is easy: the total value has now reached 830 Nm (612 lb-ft), which is enough to make the two tires on the rear axle shrivel in fear.
However, in order to make a stock E500 Cabriolet look like the car in these images, one has to spend considerably more. For starters, the custom stainless steel exhaust system is 4,629 euros ($5,198) while the carbon fiber rear diffuser will gladly pull further 2,011 euros ($2,258) out of your pocket. Stopping power is augmented with the addition of VA six-piston brake calipers matched with 390mm discs (only compatible with 19" wheels or larger) costing 5,355 euros ($6,013) and there's also the option for a set of 618 euros ($694) lowering springs. Finally, you can get a carbon fiber trunk spoiler for the mere price of 1,761 euros ($1,977).
The thing is, some of these upgrades should be considered mandatory given the significant power boost, and we're thinking about the suspension and brakes here. But the VÄTH aesthetic modifications don't look that bad either, making the E500 Cabrio look a lot more menacing and thusly, more in tone with newly gained abilities.
And far from it for others. These are the kind of customers German tuner VÄTH is aiming for with their V50RS power package. This performance kit takes the 4.7-liter bi-turbo V8 engine and yells at it until the 408 hp is just a distant memory - 142 hp away, to be more precise. Taking the total power to 550 hp is only half the fun, the other half being provided by the huge 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) increase from the base 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) value. The math is easy: the total value has now reached 830 Nm (612 lb-ft), which is enough to make the two tires on the rear axle shrivel in fear.
It's not even as expensive as you might think
The power package will set you back 10,591 euros ($11,893), which is indeed a lot of money, but you also get a lot of extra power. And since all that power would have been kind of wasted if the speed limit stood at 250 km/h (155 mph), VÄTH is kind enough to lift it and push it back to 300 km/h (186 mph).However, in order to make a stock E500 Cabriolet look like the car in these images, one has to spend considerably more. For starters, the custom stainless steel exhaust system is 4,629 euros ($5,198) while the carbon fiber rear diffuser will gladly pull further 2,011 euros ($2,258) out of your pocket. Stopping power is augmented with the addition of VA six-piston brake calipers matched with 390mm discs (only compatible with 19" wheels or larger) costing 5,355 euros ($6,013) and there's also the option for a set of 618 euros ($694) lowering springs. Finally, you can get a carbon fiber trunk spoiler for the mere price of 1,761 euros ($1,977).
The thing is, some of these upgrades should be considered mandatory given the significant power boost, and we're thinking about the suspension and brakes here. But the VÄTH aesthetic modifications don't look that bad either, making the E500 Cabrio look a lot more menacing and thusly, more in tone with newly gained abilities.
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