Another review...

First Drives - Lion in wolf's clothing (by Richard Meaden, 1994)
Turbo Technics E320 Coupe

So much power in a normal-looking package makes the Turbo Technics Benz one of the ultimate 'stealth bombers'. Standard chassis not quite up to the job, though.
For: Huge power in a plain wrapper, build quality, interior comfort. Against: standard chassis all but overwhelmed

If you like the idea of a plain-looking car that goes like stink, and can afford £34,358, the Turbo Technics-converted Mercedes E320 Coupe may be for you.
From the outside it looks like the standard £27,014 Benz, but behind that grille lurks an engine of awesome potency.
Even before the chaps from Turbo Technics get their hands on the 3.2-litre 24v straight six, it develops 220bhp - entirely adequate for most owners.
If that's not enough, though, Turbo Technics will install two Garrett T2 turbochargers, modified fuel injectors and management system, less restrictive exhaust manifolds and a stainless steel exhaust system.

The bottom line is an extra 120bhp which lifts the tally to 340bhp at 6400rpm. Torque leaps similarly from 230lb ft at 3750rpm to 335lb ft at 4500rpm.
By comparison BMW's M5 has the same power on tap but falls 40lb ft short on torque. Even Porsche's 928 GTS, which just out-powers the boosted Benz, can't match its torque.

Unsurprisingly, the converted E320 makes a phenomenal overtaking tool, and lunges past slower-moving traffic with fearsome speed.
This instant response bears out the wisdom of using two small turbos rather than one big'un.
Although there is a definite step-up in pace once you pass 3000rpm, the engine never feels laggy or lethargic at low revs.
Under hard acceleration the Garrett twins whip up an under-bonnet hurricane powerful enough to rival any sports saloon.

If the lack of external changes is a major plus, it's also a flaw.
When the E320 chassis and tyres have 220bhp to cope with, progress is largely drama-free. But the extra power can make things decidedly hairy.
Provoke the Benz's auto transmission to kick down and the traction control warning light flashes instantly, fading only when speeds have passed the point of license loss.

While the traction control copes admirably in a straight line on dry roads, it does not like wet corners, where grip is severely overwhelmed by grunt.
Even in a straight line the Benz struggles to put its power down, and it slithers and squirms as soon as the turbos cut in.
A minor indiscretion with the throttle could send things very wrong very quickly.

The potential of the Turbo Technics conversion could be fully realised by the fitment of a specialist wheel, tyre and suspension package.
Even as it stands, though, the converted E320 is stiff opposition for Mercedes' own AMG C36.
It also retains all the practical benefits of Mercedes ownership, having standard service intervals and a 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty from Mercedes dealer Hughes of Beaconsfield,
the sole agent for Turbo Technics Mercedes-Benz conversions.
Verdict: 4 stars

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1989 300CE "Project HWA124"
(400rwhp Turbo Technics AMG C36 engine)