Mercedes-Benz's new SLK model was released internationally earlier this year (you can read our initial impressions in CAR, May 2011) and the new model will be appearing on local showroom floors in the next few days. In the mean time, pictures and information of the new range-leader have emerged prior to the car's official unveiling at the Frankfurt show in September.
The new SLK55 AMG looks extremely aggresive with a model-specific bodykit. The new visage lends itself particularly well to the new treatment as do the stocky lines of the SL short – K in the SLK title is German (Kurz) for short. A blacked out lower air-dam draws inspiration from the upgraded C63 launched earlier this year. Neat daytime running lights are integrated into the front bumper.
A quartet of chrome exhaust tips protrudes from the rear bumper and frame a blacked out diffuser. Those tail-pipes employ flaps to keep noise levels to a minimum while cruising. At engine speeds under 2 000 r/min these flaps remain closed. Under acceleration they open to varying degrees to unleash the V8's full vocal performance.
LED technology is used for the taillamps and a thin spoiler is found atop the boot lid. A lower ride height coupled with chunkier side sills and AMG alloys sets off the entire package.
Inside there are AMG sports seats and stylistic cues borrowed from the big daddy AMG model, the SLS, such as the aircraft inspired air vents and the three-spoke sports steering wheel.
Being an AMG model, however, means that the real news is under the hood. Power is provided by a new, naturally-aspirated 5,5-litre V8 dubbed M152. This new mill is closely related to the twin-turbo M157 that powers the CLS63 and other "63" models in the AMG family.
The new powerplant is an all-alloy unit that produces 310 kW and 540 N.m of torque. The unit akso features a cylinder deactivation system system that sees the SLK55 AMG running on four cylinders under partial loads to reduce fuel consumption. Drive is transferred to the rear wheels via an AMG SpeedShift Plus 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Mercedes performance claims include a sub-5-second zero-to-100 km/h dash and an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.
An AMG sports suspension setup is standard, which includes stiffer springs, recalibrated damper settings, stiffer stabilisers and more negative camber on the rear wheels. There is also a new system in place referred to as Torque Vectoring Brakes. TVB individually applies the brakes to the appropriate rear wheel while cornering to create a rotational movement that helps the car steering into a corner with more precision. F1 fundis may recall a similar set-up that was used on the McLaren Mercedes driven by Mika Hakkinen, which suspiciously had two brake pedals.
AMG engineers have also replaced the steering system with a new version called AMG Direct-Steer, which supposedly is more responsive and provides better feel and sharper handling. A new power steering pump helps to reduce fuel consumption by only using energy when assistance is called for.
Courtesy of start/stop technology, and AMG Cylinder Management – deactivation of half the cylinders when full torque is not required, claimed fuel consumption of the SLK55 is a commendable 8,4 litres/100 km in the combined cycle.
A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz SA confirmed that the SLK55 AMG will be launched here by March 2012.
