AMG wheels out fixed-roof, 400bhp SLK
Newswheel staff :: 10 June 2006 :: Filed under Coupe, Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Benz SLK, Europe & UK, US
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End of the line for AMG’s 5.5-litre V8?
Topping the list of the existing Mercedes SLK 55 AMG’s short comings is definitely not a lack of power. The 5.5-litre 345bhp V8 crammed into the engine compartment makes sure of that. But this is AMG. So, ours is not to reason why the world needs an SLK 55 AMG Special Series (yes really, Special Series) with an extra 55 ponies. Ours it but to report with a weary sigh…
In fairness, the SLK 55 AMG SS (as ye shall know it) is more than just a power upgrade. AMG as unceremoniously defenestrated the standard car’s folding hardtop in favour of a fixed carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic roof. That not only shaves 45kg from the kerb weight (down to 1,495kg), but also lowers the centre of gravity. Other AMG-ised accoutrements include 19-inch forged wheels, height-adjustable torsion sports suspension and a high-performance composite brake system. Bung in the restyled front bumper and wider front wings, again hewn from weight-saving carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic, and you have a pretty comprehensive performance improvement package.
For the record, the extra 55bhp squeezed from the old-school AMG V8 lump (now replaced in most MB models by the all-new 6.3-litre unit) comes courtesy mainly of a modified air intake, air filter and exhaust system. Power is pumped to the rear wheels by Merc’s familiar seven-speed slushbox. As for performance numbers, the power upgrade and weight-saving programme slice four tenths off the standard SLK 55’s zero to 62mph sprint, which is now dispatched in 4.5 seconds. 125mph comes up in a mere 15.5 seconds, fully two clicks less than the boggo 55.
The SLK 55 AMG Special Series rolls out in July and is available for around 107,300 euros on the continent but we’ve yet to receive UK prices. However, given the standard SLK 55’s £51,030 sticker, we’d expect something well north of £60k. Bargain.
Posted 15 June 2006, by tatenda
love your cars they are both technologically advanced, sporty, luxurious and original. Though l think you can do better in bringing external variations in your cars, it would be really interesing