EIGHT IS MORE THAN ENOUGH; Benz drops its 362-hp V8 into a C-Class to make the C55 AMG.

Byline: BOB GRITZINGER A few years back, we thought a supercharged 3.2-liter, V6-powered Mer-cedes-Benz C32 AMG was the best thing short of a BMW M3. Mercedes engineers even argued their midsize rocket was the better of the two, considering it provided a more hospitable environment for everyday driving. And for driving that ventured beyond everyday, the C32 offered nearly the same torque as the V8-powered S-Class, in a much lighter-weight, sportier package. So why mess with success? Why both- er with a V8? Because in the performance arena, those who remain the same get left in ...