New Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLK has been around for sometime now and for three generations and AMG the tuning division of Mercedes Benz has been fiddling with every model since to create a faster and more aggressive version of the convertible sports car.

The latest AMG avatar of the SLK has a 5.5 L V8 engine which happens to be the World’s most efficient V8. The engine comes with AMG cylinder management which shuts off four cylinders under partial load to reduce fuel consumption when optimum performance is not demanded from the engine. Cylinders two, three, five and eight are cut off when the engine speeds are between 800 and 3600 rpm and the transmission is in ‘C’ – Controlled efficiency mode. Above 3600 rpm the engine takes less than 30 milliseconds to activate the four dormant cylinders resulting in immediate power delivery when the driver demands it.

The engine features variable camshaft technology for accurate valve movement for enhanced fuel efficiency. Cast aluminium pistons with a special piston skirt coating reduce weight and friction of the pistons. The engine also comes with start/stop feature which shuts off the engine automatically when the car comes to a halt in ‘C’ mode. The exhaust has a tandem catalytic converter to reduce emissions.

That was the boring bit, now for the more interesting stuff. The New SLK 55 AMG packs in 422 horses under the bonnet and has 540 Nm of torque. It can hit a 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds from stand still and go on to an electronically limited top speed of 248 km/h. The top of the line SLK 55 AMG comes with distinct light weight AMG alloy wheels, with AMG specific body styling, front spoiler lip and twin exhaust tail pipes with exhaust flaps on both sides better the acoustic note of the V8 engine when the driver is in the mood for enthusiastic driving. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The gearbox comes with three settings, ‘C’ for Controlled Efficiency, ‘S’ for Sport and M for Manual.

The AMG sports suspension has independent suspension struts with stiffer springs and dampers, a more rigid front axle with torque strut bearings, stiffer stabiliser bars and a rear axle with negative camber for increased high speed cornering and low body roll. Torque vectoring brakes constantly regulating the brake force to each individual wheel for the inside wheels around a high speed corner. The AMG direct steer system enhances agility, handling and road feedback for accurate manoeuvres.
The AMG exclusive three stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has ‘ESP On’ mode for normal driving, ‘Sport’ mode which allows that little bit of slip so that you look herioic but manage to stay on the road and ‘ESP Off’ for the talented driver.
In addition to the standard SLK 55 AMG an optional AMG pack is available which features an even stiffer suspension setup, a lockable AMG rear differential and composite disc brakes.

The insides resemble the SLS AMG Roadster with lots of leather and brushed aluminium. AMG sports seats are standard with optional AIRSCARF neck heating system. The metal folding roof that can convert the SLK from an open roadster to a Coupe in less than 20 seconds can be ordered with a panoramic tinted roof or a panoramic MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof which can vary the amount of light in the cabin.

The SLK 55 AMG is a great convertible sports car with extra oomph. The car delivers an enjoyable highway cruise aswell as a hardcore driving experience expected from a hunkered down road racer.

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