The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its newly developed AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine featuring cylinder shut-off combines the ultimate in performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption.
“The SLK 55 AMG is the perfect embodiment of the new AMG brand claim of "Driving Performance": in the compact high-performance roadster segment there is nothing to compare to its combination of tangible driving dynamics, superior sportiness, unique high-technology and low fuel consumption,” says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager: Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Forming part of the third-generation of the SLK launched in August 2011, the new top-of-the range AMG model already demonstrates its individuality even at first glance: distinctive AMG light-alloy wheels, specific AMG body-styling with AMG spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear complement the classic roadster proportions, while adding a markedly athletic touch. The expressive design of the SLK 55 AMG is both eye-catching and unmistakable.
With a peak output of 310 kW and maximum torque of 540 Nm, the SLK 55 AMG outperforms all of its direct competitors. Its fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) and CO2 emissions of 195 grams per kilometre are around 30 percent lower than those of its predecessor. High levels of driving dynamics are ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system.
The SLK 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).
Key figures at a glance: *
SLK 55 AMG
Displacement 5461 cc
Bore x stroke 98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio 12.6 : 1
Output 310 kW at 6 800 r/min
Max. torque 540 Nm at 4 500 r/min
Engine weight (dry) 187 kg
Fuel consumption,
NEDC combined 8.4 l/100 km
CO2 emissions 195 g/km
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h 4.6 sec
Top speed 250 km/h**
* provisional figures; ** electronically limited
The world's most fuel-efficient V8 engine combines the lowest consumption figures with the superior power delivery and the typical sound experience which only a large-displacement eight-cylinder engine can provide.
“With this new V8 unit, Mercedes-AMG is meeting its promise to continue to reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models over the next few years – while reaching new heights in driving performance,” adds Govender.
Highly variable: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC
Power is transferred to the rear wheels by means of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission which features three transmission modes: "Controlled Efficiency" (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M). The automatic double-declutching function when downshifting as well as the brief, precisely defined interruption of ignition and injection when upshifting under full load shorten shifting times and increase emotional appeal when adopting a sporty driving style. A double turbine torsional damper with centrifugal pendulum which adapts to engine speed helps to minimise vibrations in four-cylinder operation and enhances the impression of comfort experienced by the vehicle occupants.
Perfect combination: highly dynamic driving style and comfortable cruising
The AMG sports suspension with Torque Vectoring Brakes and AMG Direct-Steer system provides both impressive lateral dynamics as well as agile handling. The new SLK 55 AMG offers a highly dynamic driving style and at the same time, comfortable cruising. Independent suspension struts with stiffer spring/damper tuning, torque strut bearings on the front axle featuring higher rigidity, stiffer stabilisers all round as well as a more negative camber on the rear axle result in high cornering speeds and a low body roll in fast S-shaped bends.
In critical cornering conditions, the Torque Vectoring Brakes produce a defined rotational movement of the vehicle about the vertical axis in fractions of seconds, through selective brake actuation at the rear wheel on the inside of the bend. This results in the SLK 55 AMG steering into the bend precisely and under full control, without any compromises where dynamism is concerned. Complementing this feature perfectly is the AMG Direct-Steer system: it enhances handling and agility compared with the standard steering, whilst also reducing the amount of physical effort required when parking. A new power steering pump helps to reduce fuel consumption. The reason behind this: the power assistance for the steering only requires energy when the driver is actually steering. In addition, the AMG Direct-Steer system has a parameter function adapted to match the AMG sports suspension. This results in optimum response from the central position, outstanding road feel and dynamic handling in all driving situations.
The AMG-exclusive 3-stage ESP® gives individual control strategies at the touch of a button: the ESP® button in the centre console allows the driver to choose between "ESP ON", "SPORT Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF". The AMG high-performance brake system has internally ventilated and perforated brake discs on all wheels, measuring 360 x 36 mm at the front and 330 x 22 mm at the rear. The system is characterised by outstanding responsiveness, short stopping distances and excellent fatigue strength.
Optional AMG Performance package for even greater driving dynamics
The optionally available AMG Performance package enhances the vehicle's sportiness even further. It comprises an AMG Performance suspension with stiffer tuning, an AMG rear axle differential lock, composite brake discs at the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel finished in nappa leather with Alcantara® inserts in the grip areas.
Unmistakable: uniquely styled design and appointments
Classic roadster proportions with typical AMG design characteristics – these are the striking visual highlights of the new SLK 55 AMG. The AMG designers have complemented the exciting basic forms of the long bonnet, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and crisp rear section with typical AMG styling at the front, sides and rear. The new AMG front apron has large air inlets and AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights. The wide radiator grille features a large, centrally-positioned Mercedes-Benz star and the slats in the radiator grille and the lower cross strut on the front apron are painted in a high-gloss black finish. The Intelligent Light System (ILS) including Bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive light distribution and dynamic headlamp range adjustment and headlamp cleaning system, is a standard feature for the SLK 55 AMG.
The vent grilles with chrome-plated fins in the front wings are reminiscent of famous Mercedes-Benz roadsters from the fifties. The "V8 AMG" lettering beneath the grilles points to the top-of-the-range eight-cylinder model from the SLK model series. AMG-specific, distinctively styled side sill panels continue the design of the front apron through to the new rear apron. With its own unique shape, black diffuser insert with three fins as well as the two chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, it gives a distinctive finishing touch to the vehicle. The spoiler lip on the boot lid, painted in the vehicle body colour, reduces lift at the rear axle and thereby increases driving stability at high speeds.
High-quality, stylish interior
The interior design of the SLK 55 AMG is functional, stylish and the trim is of extremely high-quality. Associations with the super sports car are evoked courtesy of the four air vents in the style of jet engines, as well as the centre console finished in brushed aluminium. A standard addition to the centre of the dashboard is an AMG-specific analogue watch featuring an IWC design. The AMG Performance steering wheel, with its flattened top and bottom sections, also boasts metal trim, aluminium shift paddles and grip areas finished in perforated 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 switch for the transmission modes C, S and M is also located in the centre console.
The AMG sports seats with individual seat upholstery layout and optimised lateral support, come as standard in Nappa leather with AMG badges in the backrests. As in the previous model, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system is also a standard feature. This creates a flow of warm air around the neck and shoulder areas of the occupants from a vent in the front of each head restraint.
Magical: the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL
The standard vario-roof opens and closes in less than 20 seconds, transforming the open-top Roadster into a closed-top Coupé with rigid roof at the touch of a button. Alternatively, a panoramic vario-roof in tinted polycarbonate can also be chosen. The third variant is a world premiere – the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof switches to light or dark as required at the press of a button. When light it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up when the sun’s rays are very intense. In other words: a feel-good atmosphere at the touch of a button.
The frames of the three roof variants are made of magnesium. This makes
each roof around six kilograms lighter than in the previous model, giving
the car a lower centre of gravity – which benefits its agility. The comfort standard feature of the new AIRGUIDE pivoting draught-stop consists of pivoting transparent plastic layers which are attached to the reverse of the roll-over bars. This is the world's first draught-stop system that enables different comfort levels to be selected for two occupants, as the driver and passenger can individually pivot the units to the centre of the vehicle in a flash, thus taming turbulent air flow from the rear. The advantage: no installation or removal effort required.
Exceptional position: modern assistance systems on board
The SLK 55 AMG sets new standards when it comes to safety: a whole host of the latest assistance systems support the driver and have helped to secure the new AMG Roadster's exceptional position in its segment. Standard equipment includes new, fibre-reinforced roll-over bar, two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, headbags, thorax airbags, seat belt tensioner with digressive belt force limiters, NECK-PRO crash-active head restraints, automatic child seat recognition, three-stage ESP® and also ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection.
Further standard assistance systems include the Intelligent Light System (ILS);
the anticipatory and reversible PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system and the PRE-SAFE® Brake which detects the acute danger of a rear-end collision and prepares for autonomous braking.
“Mercedes-AMG has remained consistently true to its philosophy of exclusivity and dynamism with the successor model - the new SLK 55 AMG,” concludes Govender.
As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the SLK 55 AMG comes standard with the MobiloDrive maintenance plan of 6-years/120 000 km and is priced at:
• SLK 55 AMG: R975 000
• AMG Performance package: R35 000
• AMG Driver’s package: R25 000
(increased top speed to 280 km/h)
Three generations: the SLK made by AMG
The new SLK 55 AMG is already the third generation of the exclusively dynamic Roadster model made by AMG. It all started in 2001 with the SLK 32 AMG. Its AMG V6 supercharged engine with a displacement of 3.2 litres produced 260 kW and maximum torque 450 Nm – as such, the SLK 32 AMG was the most powerful vehicle among the competition.
At the end of 2004 the SLK 55 AMG was introduced. With its AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine, which developed 265 kW and 510 Nm of torque, it also assumed the leading position in its segment. No other vehicle in this class offers a large-displacement eight-cylinder engine – and Mercedes-AMG has continued this leadership with the successor model - the new SLK 55 AMG.
