The Stuttgart-based manufacturer has only had its latest SLK range on the market for six months, but the muscle-bound SLK55 AMG adds a throbbing 310 kW 5,5-litre powerplant into the mix.
As was the case with its predecessor, this model is powered by a 5,5-litre V8, but the peak outputs have vaulted from 265 kW and 510 N.m to a more-than-handy 310 kW coupled with 540 N.m of twist action for an abundance of overtaking grunt. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 7G-tronic Speedshift transmission.
Potent Performer
In its SLK application, the potent motor delivers a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 4,6 seconds and the fun doesn’t stop until 250 km/h – or 280 km/h if you are willing to shell out an extra R25 000 when specifying your new AMG roadster.
Even though the 55’s a performance machine with a sizeable motor under its bonnet (at least in terms of engine capacity), Mercedes claims a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 8,4 litres/100 km for the newcomer. That frugal figure can be attributed to the direct injection process, but also cylinder deactivation – when four cylinders are deactivated when less than full power is required – and the auto stop/start system.
Visually different
Visually the AMG is differentiated by model-specific alloys, a bodykit, chrome-look air-vents and darkened head- and tail-lamp lenses. There are numerous AMG touches in the cabin, too. Among these are the main instruments cluster dials, sport seats and the steering wheel with flattened sections.
The regular SLK models are decent performers but are positively pedestrian when compared with the AMG version. This car has immense levels of grunt, especially through the mid-range. With 540 N.m and seven ratios on offer, overtaking almost anything is a doddle.
Speaking of the transmission, the AMG 7G-tronic Speedshift transmission offers three modes. Controlled Efficiency (C) is the boring auto option that swaps cogs smoothly and early. In Sport (S), the ‘box hangs on to gears for much longer – up to the 7 000 r/min red line when you mash the throttle – and downshifts early to stay high in the rev range. Manual (M) is just that, a full driver-controlled option that obeys the inputs as transmitted by the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. In this mode, downshifts are met with perfect rev-matching.
How does it go?
Could the SLK55 AMG be the most balanced of the current crop of AMG cars? Over the past few years Mercedes’s performance division has developed cars with a surfeit of power over grip, thereby undermining the balance of many of its products. With the SLK 55 producing “only” 310 kW it feels like a far more driver-centric car than many of the other models currently on offer. Power can be doled out with precision and the underpinnings seem well in tune with the engine outputs. Apart from an overly-light steering action the SLK55 AMG does a damn fine impression of a pukka sportscar but for nearly a million rand, I guess it should.
Specifications
Model: Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG
Engine: 5,5-litre, V8 petrol
Power: 310 kW at 6 800 r/min
Torque: 540 N.m at 4 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 4,6 seconds
Fuel consumption: 8,4 litres/100 km
CO2: 195 g/km
Top speed: 250 km/h
Price: R975 000
Maintenance plan: 6 years/120 000 km
