Autoblog

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG will seriously tatter your toupee [w/video]

Michael Harley — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The smallest roadster in the automaker's lineup is all-new for 2012, and hardly in need of more power, but that hasn't stopped Mercedes-Benz from shoehorning its AMG-tuned 5.5-liter V8 under the hood. The naturally-aspirated M152 engine, featuring direct injection, is rated at 415 horsepower at 6,800 rpm with 398 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The standard gearbox is AMG's Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic with three electronic modes. Rev-matching on downshifts is also standard. According to Benz, the two-seat SLK55 AMG will launch itself to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

As expected, the range-topping SLK arrives with AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and three-stage ESP. The AMG high-performance braking system includes four-piston front calipers and drilled rotors at each corner.

In addition to the standard upscale SLK equipment, including a power-operated retractable hard top with available Magic Sky Control sunroof panel, the AMG is visually differentiated by its SLS AMG-inspired bodywork and aerodynamics package. The cabin also gets the full AMG treatment, with unique cosmetics and upholstery designed to match the performance.

The 2012 SLK55 AMG won't arrive in U.S. showrooms until early 2012, but we say get your deposit in early. Pull up a chair, get comfortable, and watch (and hear) the SLK55 AMG in motion in the video after the jump.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG will seriously tatter your toupee [w/video]

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG will seriously tatter your toupee [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz reveals 2012 SLK55 AMG

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the latest addition to the SLK Roadster lineup, the 2012 SLK55 AMG. For this iteration of the diminutive droptop, AMG is employing a naturally-aspirated version of Mercedes-Benz's 5.5-liter V8.

The new aluminum engine is good for 415 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, which should be more than enough to motivate the little beast. To keep things ~~eco-friendly~~ somewhat greener, the new engine employs gasoline direct injection and a stop-start feature to help save fuel.

The V8 exhales through twin exhausts, which have flaps that open to deliver a throatier sound when your right foot comes down. All the go bits are mated to AMG's seven-speed Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic cog box. Look for the hot-rodded SLK to arrive in showrooms early next year.

Want more? Click past the jump to see all the goods in Mercedes' press release, and have a gander at the image gallery above.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz reveals 2012 SLK55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz reveals 2012 SLK55 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shamelessly retro Mercedes SLK-based HMC Hidalgo looks better than expected

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style

HMC Hidalgo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now here's a pleasant surprise. The designers at Helvetic Motor Company have officially pulled back the sheets on their Hidalgo, and we have to say that while we were expecting the worst, this Swiss Miss is actually pretty sharp. When a builder announces their intention to reskin a perfectly amiable vehicle like the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, that typically means bad-news bears. But the Hidalgo seemingly manages to blend heaping helpings of Bugatti Atlantic-era styling with the benefit of the Silver Arrow's considerable running gear. Power from the 5.5-liter V8 has been kept to the stock 355 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, enough to make this an interesting alternative to today's contemporary BMW-powered Morgans.

If you're thinking the car looks like something you'd like to get your hands on, you should probably be on the phone with HMC right now. The company is apparently only planning on building six examples per year at most, each one with a price tag of $410,000 at today's current conversion rates. Hey, we never said nostalgia was cheap.

Gallery: HMC Hidalgo

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Shamelessly retro Mercedes SLK-based HMC Hidalgo looks better than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Convertible, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

It sits there, all tension and sinew, ready to pounce on lesser cars. Start it up and it barks with a clear V8 voice that thumps off the neighbor's house, setting them discreetly peeking from behind their lace curtains. This is an SLK? Oh yeah. No longer a blocky Benz with dwarfism, the SLK55 AMG ripples with muscle and delivers speed like a spin kick to the temple. A bad-ass Mercedes, indeed.

Gallery: Review: Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

Continue reading Review: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG

Review: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMG offers new performance packages for CLS, SLK, and SL

Alex Nunez — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

Click image to enlarge

Who does AMG think it is? BRABUS?

Mercedes' in-house tuning arm is upping the ante on three of its delectable, monstrously-powered passenger cars by offering optional performance packages that further enhance their dynamics.

The lucky recipients of the AMG Performance Studio's additional love are the CLS 63, SLK 55, and SL 55 -- three cars we'd gladly welcome into the Autoblog garage in their stock forms. Just the thought of even better versions makes us feel all warm and fuzzy. The full list of modifications made to each car is detailed after the jump, but suffice to say that no matter which one you choose, expect suspension, brake, wheel/tire, and appearance upgrades that make the cars even more well-rounded and provide a stronger street presence than stock AMG machines.

Pricing for the upgrades is set at 8,236 € for the CLS, 5,220 € for the SLK, and 11,948 € for the SL. If you're already paying the premium for an AMG ride, why not just go all the way and take the performance package, too? You know you want to.

(Pics, press release after the jump)

[Source:DaimlerChrysler]

Continue reading AMG offers new performance packages for CLS, SLK, and SL

AMG offers new performance packages for CLS, SLK, and SL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SLK 55 AMG Black Series first from AMG Performance Studio

John Neff — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

The opening of the AMG Performance Studio is being marked by the introduction of its first model, the SLK 55 AMG Black Series. You may recall the Black Series is one of three series being produced by the Performance Studio, the other being the high-end, track ready Signature Series and the Edition lineup featuring mostly cosmetic changes to AMG production models.

The SLK 55 AMG Black Series is a special coupe version of the V8 AMG roadster with a carbon fiber roof and AMG's 5.5-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 383 ft-lbs. of torque. Other special items include 19-inch AMG forged wheels that offer a 68 lb. weight savings versus the standard car's 18-inch alloys, an AMG adjustable sports suspension and composite brakes with six-piston calipers up front. The coupe also gets a redesigned front apron, nice looking carbon fiber side air vents and wider front wings. All told, the extensive use of carbon fiber, the absence of the standard car's retractable hardtop and the lighter wheels lead to a total net weight savings of around 100 lbs. The interior also gets swathed in carbon fiber trim, although more for visual impact than function.

Only 100 SLK 55 AMG Black Series will be produced by AMG at a cost of €107,300. Delivery has already started, so if you didn't get one yet, you're likely out of luck.

(More photos and AMG's full press release are after the jump)

[Source: DaimlerChrysler via eMercedesBenz]

Continue reading SLK 55 AMG Black Series first from AMG Performance Studio

SLK 55 AMG Black Series first from AMG Performance Studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Special Edition announced

John Neff — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

click for high-rez version

Leave it to AMG to take a car further than anyone would ever dream. Mercedes-Benz has announced a new special edition of the SLK 55 AMG that features many serious sporting enhancements. At the center of the action is an AMG enhanced 5.5L V8 that produces a prodigious amount of power for such a little coupe: 400 hp and 384 ft-lbs. of torque. And you heard us right, the SLK in this iteration is no longer a drop-top but a closed roof coupe. The new ceiling is made out of carbon-reinforced plastic that lowers the vehicle's weight and center of gravity. The meaty powerplant is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission and propels this SLK to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Other highlights include a restyled front fascia and other styling tweaks that are mostly functional and provide better air cooling. Larger brakes are located behind 19-inch AMG wheels and Merc has even included a height-adjustable torsion sports suspension.

MB was mum on the availability of the special edition SLK 55 AMG in the United States, but it will cost EUR 107,300 overseas ($135,713) including 16% VAT.

Check out more high-rez shots of the special edition SLK 55 AMG after the jump along with MB's full press release...

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via eMercedesBenz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Special Edition announced

Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Special Edition announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jun 2006 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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