Mercedes AMG has announced a special version of the SLK 55 AMG that features not only an even more powerful engine (400 Hp/520 Nm) but an extensively lightened chassis and bodywork with a carbon-fibre roof. The performance improvements give the car considerably improved acceleration times of zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds (standard vehicle: 4.9 secs.)and zero to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 15.5 seconds (standard vehicle: 17.5 secs). The car is only available as a fixed-head, the power roof mechanism having been removed.

The new car also features 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG height-adjustable torsion sports suspension and an AMG high-performance composite brake system.

From a visual standpoint, it's a wide, stocky and low slung machine. The front of the car has a restyled AMG front apron with large air intakes supplying fresh air to the additional transmission oil cooler and the high-performance steering gear oil cooler. New side air outlets of black carbon ensure an effective flow through of the larger engine oil cooler. The front wings (which are now wider) are made of the ultra-light carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic (CRP) and have black-outlined air outlets.

The non-retractable hardtop of the two-seater is also made of CRP, with the black central part left unpainted. By deleting the vario roof, and the complete roof hydraulics, Mercedes AMG has not only lowered the car's centre of gravity, but also made the it 45 kg lighter than the basic vehicle. This means that the power/weight ratio has improved from 4.3 to 3.7 kg/hp.



Transmission is supplied by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC with manual drive programme and AMG aluminium shift paddles on the steering wheel, and the car is kept on the road thanks to the AMG height-adjustable torsion suspension, including adjustable shock absorbers, allowing amazing cornering speeds. A brace in the engine compartment provides additional rigidity and more lateral dynamics. The special series SLK 55 AMG has ultra-light AMG forged light alloy-wheels with mixed-size tyres in sizes 235/35 ZR 19 (front) and 265/30 ZR 19 (rear). Optional special sports tyres are available without extra charge. Perfect deceleration is guaranteed by the AMG high-performance brake system with larger composite discs on the front axle.

Inside the car, two specially developed AMG sport bucket seats without side airbags in black pearl velour with silver AMG logo offer the best lateral support, while the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather and Alcantara and ample carbon fibre on the door panel lining as well as on the trim parts give the interior the functional atmosphere of a real racing car.

The first models of the unlimited AMG special series will be supplied to customers as of July. The price in Germany is 107,300 euros (incl. 16% VAT).



Text - Classic Driver
Photos - DaimlerChrysler