Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG

Muamer Hodzic February 4, 2008

The SLK 55 AMG now makes an even more dynamic impression. The appearance of the sporty roadster reinforces even more emphatically the car’s claim to being in a league of its own. The restyled front apron with a more pronounced V-shape, the modified Mercedes star, enlarged air dams and a black-painted transverse fin at the bottom ensure a distinctly masculine aura. Large, circular fog lamps with chrome surrounds are now positioned further outwards, enhancing the impression of width. The hot air from the integral engine oil cooler is vented via side outlets in the front apron. The exclusive SLK 55 AMG bodystyling also includes AMG side skirts, the muscular AMG rear apron with a black insert, along with the AMG spoiler lip.

New too are the projection-beam headlamps with dark surrounds and the exterior mirrors. The mirrors now have a larger surface to afford an improved view to the rear, whilst arrow-shaped LED indicator repeaters also ensure added safety. The AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design are more stunning than ever: painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen star in the centre, they form an intriguing contrast when viewing the SLK 55 AMG side on. With a width of 7.5 and 8.5 inches at the front and rear respectively, the AMG light-alloy wheels are shod with size 225/40 (front) and 245/35 (rear) tyres. New, high-sheen AMG 18-inch twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with the same dimensions are furthermore available for the SLK 55 AMG as an option. Outstanding deceleration is guaranteed by the AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated brake discs, size 345×30 mm, at the front. The newly developed direct-steer system is also part of the standard specification.

AMG eight-cylinder power unit for superior performance
The striking bonnet with its signature lengthways fins conceals the 5.5-litre AMG eight-cylinder engine delivering a maximum output of 265 kW/360 hp and 510 Newtonmetres of torque – figures which remain unrivalled in this segment. Phenomenal pulling power, instant responsiveness and the unmistakable AMG V8 sound mould the driving experience, together with the superlative performance: the two-seater rockets from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, reaches the 200 km/h mark in 17.5 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles, which now boasts even greater agility: gear changes in the “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual) driving modes are executed around ten per cent faster than before. This is not only thanks to the new components in the seven-speed automatic transmission, but also to the new engine and transmission management, which promises smoother gearshifting too.

Functional interior with new AMG instrument cluster
In the functional and sporty interior of the SLK 55 AMG, the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its three-spoke design gives a visual hint of the direct-steer system. The grip area is specially contoured and lined with perforated leather, while the vertical spoke is embellished with a silver-coloured insert. Two aluminium AMG shift paddles allow manual gear selection.

The AMG instrument cluster with a 320 km/h speedometer scale, silver/red needles and AMG lettering also sports a new look, with the new graphics ensuring that vehicle speed and rpm are even more clearly legible. In “M” mode, the AMG main menu is able to display the currently selected gear including an upshift recommendation, as well as the engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the RACETIMER. The AMG sports seats with their special upholstery layout feature pronounced side bolsters for optimising lateral support when cornering at speed; Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas improve this support even further. Fine nappa leather upholstery makes up part of the standard appointments on the SLK 55 AMG. It is available in a choice of four attractive colours, including the combination black/gullwing red which is a new addition to the range.

Performance package for the driver with racing ambitions
The list of optional extras includes the AMG performance package: developed by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, this package incorporates technical components offering yet greater performance and durability. The result is an even more thrilling driving experience for sports car enthusiasts who sometimes like to put their AMG model through its paces on the racetrack.

The AMG performance package for the SLK 55 AMG comprises:

AMG high-performance braking system with composite brake discs at the front wheels
Internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs, size 360 x 32 mm, with six-piston fixed callipers at the front
Internally ventilated and perforated brake discs, size 330 x 26 mm, with four-piston fixed callipers at the rear
AMG 18-inch multi-piece light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design, size 7.5 x 18 with 225/40 R 18 tyres at the front and size 8.5 x 18 with 245/35 R 18 tyres at the rear
AMG performance suspension
AMG performance steering wheel with smaller diameter, flattened lower section and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles (plus aluminium trim element)
AMG carbon-fibre trim in the interior

With the exception of the AMG high-performance composite braking system, all the components of the AMG performance package can also be ordered individually for the SLK 55 AMG