Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG

The huge aftermarket in performance equipment shows just how restless many enthusiasts are about production cars. Most of us have made changes ranging from replacing engine and suspension parts to installing complete drivetrains. The results are usually a mixed bag but we never quit trying.

Major manufacturers do little better, usually stuffing in a big engine and adding trick wheels to make a crude “go fast but don’t try to steer or stop” mutation.

The C36, a joint effort of Mercedes and master modifiers AMG, is the ultimate example of what serious players can do. The end product is good enough to make the rest of us throw away the engine hoist and give our tools to the kids next door.

Mercedes makes a number of changes to a basic C280 sedan on the Bremen assembly line, then ships the car to AMG near Stuttgart for the full treatment. The body shell is about all that stays the same.

The engine is bored and stroked from 2.8 to 3.6 liters...