The Mercedes SL55 AMG is one of only a handful of modern Mercedes models that has aged quite well. If anything, the car looks more interesting today than it did last decade when it was considered the hottest roadster on the planet. Here’s a rather fresh SL55 which recently visited Mcchip’s shop for a dose of electronic steroids.

After a 7-hour operation which includes removing the car’s electronic brain, modifying it with a new bespoke software, and putting it back again – plus a dyno test to make sure it has taken – Mcchip-DKR Mercedes SL55 AMG will deliver a power output of 552hp and 844Nm. That represents a healthy increase over the standard 476PS and 720Nm.

Mercedes SL55 AMG is powered by a 5.5 liter supercharged V8 engine which is the grandfather of the current 5.5 liter twin-turbo engine that powers the AMG range. It is a beast of an engine with a spine-tingling roar and performance that beggars belief. It is now, however, what you call efficient, and, being rather old, it may have a few expensive issues with reliability. But still, it’s a classic engine.