Mercedes in house tuning division, AMG are at it again. They have converted the polite baby SLK roadster to a monster that is ready to take on the big boys on the road.
Mercedes SLK55 AMG |
Aggressive front looks |
It also comes with AMG LED daytime running lights located on the side air intakes. Its front wide radiator grill features a large centrally-positioned Mercedes star. The front air splitter and slats on the side air intakes are painted in a high-gloss black finish.
Coupe or roadster in 20 seconds |
The sexy SLS bi-xenon headlamps that have a darkened clear-lens remain unchanged. At the side it has AMG light alloy, wheels and a stylish side skirt. Just like the SLK a small side grills is also visible. Just below it sit the words ‘V8 AMG’ that lets the whole world know of the beast under the bonnet.
AMG influenced side look |
Distinctively styled side sill panels continue the design of the front bumper through to the new rear apron. At the rear a black diffuser insert with three fins as well as the two chromeplated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, it gives the rear of the car a distinctive finishing touch. The spoiler lip on the trunk lid, painted in the vehicle body color, reduces lift at the rear wheels and thereby increases driving stability at high speeds.
Panorama roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL |
The retractable hardtop roof, that opens and closes in less than 20 seconds, comes with a panorama roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof switches to light or dark at a touch of a button. When activated the class is virtually transparent offering an open air experience to passengers even on cold weather.
Black rear diffuser with two chromeplated twin tailpipes |
In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up from the sun's intense rays. A comfortable alternative to the standard wind-stop is the new AIRGUIDE pivoting wind-stop. It consists of pivoting transparent plastic wings which are attached to the back of the rollover bars. The advantage: no installation or removal effort required.
5.5 litre naturally aspirated V8 heart |
Under the bonnet, the new SLK55 AMG comes with a 5.5 litre naturally aspirated V8 engine. The engine has an output of 415hp and 395lb-ft (foot pound) of torque. 0 to 100km/h takes 4.5 seconds and it has a top speed of 250km/h. This makes the SLK55 AMG the fastest series production SLK ever made. Married to the engine is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission system. This features three transmission modes, "Controlled Efficiency" (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M). The transmission system has shorter shift times that help the SLK55 to achieve its acceleration time.
AIRSCARF |
The engine also comes with a Controlled Efficiency stop/start function further contributes to the low fuel consumption. This system is standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG and active in the fuel economy transmission mode "C". Once the driver brakes to a stop e.g. at a red traffic light, the V8 engine is automatically switched off.
AIRGUIDE wind deflectors |
Once the brake pedal is released or the accelerator is depressed, the engine is immediately restarted and the car is able to move off quickly. In the two more performance-oriented driving modes "S" (Sport) and "M" (Manual), the stop/start function is always deactivated. The driver can also switch it off while in "C" mode as well. In this case neither a "stop/start" nor an "ECO" symbol appears.
Rear LED lights |
The SLK55 AMG interior is highly influenced by its bigger sister the SLS AMG. It has similar four air vents that feature a jets style engine as well as a center console in brushed aluminium. At the center it has an AMG-specified analog clock that features an IWC design and is also finished in brushed aluminium as well.
AMG steering wheel |
The AMG Performance steering wheel, with a flattened top and bottom sections, also boasts metal trim. Behind it are aluminium shift paddles while the grip areas of the steering wheel are finished in leather. The clearly-arranged AMG instrument cluster is positioned perfectly in the driver's field of vision and features four circular instruments, distinctive dials and the AMG main menu. The button for the transmission modes C, S and M is also located in the center console.
SLS influenced interior |
The two front eight-way power adjustable AMG sports seats feature an optimized lateral support and premium leather upholstery with AMG badges in the backrests and standard AIRSCARF neck level heating system.
Premium Harman/Kardon audio system |
Entertainment is taken care by a 500-watt Harmon/Kardon sound system with a USB/MP3 interface, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming. An optional COMMAND system is available that features an activated navigation system, 10 GB hard drive, 7-inch display and in-dash CD changer.
AMG Sport seats |
Just like all cars on the Mercedes range the new SLK55 AMG comes fitted with a host of safety equipment and driver assistance systems. Standard equipment includes a new, fiber-reinforced roll-over bar, two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, headbags, thorax airbags, knee airbags, seat belt tensioner with belt force limiters, NECK-PRO crash-active head restraints, three-stage ESP® and also ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection.
Side profile with the roof up |
Optional driving assistance systems include DISTRONIC PLUS, a system that automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead by braking or accelerating and PRE-SAFE. PRE-SAFE detects acute danger of a rear-end collision and prepares for autonomous braking. The system is active at speeds of between 15 and 200km/h when moving vehicles are detected in front of the car.
MAGIC SKY CONTROLS |
The cute monster is available at a base price of around $75,000 or Kshs. 6.7million excluding taxes. Either way the SLK55 now has the power and grunt to take on the big boys.
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