Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

First official pictures of the slightly facelifted 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG leaked on web just days after the German company published the official data on 2008 SLK.

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The AMG version exterior design remains almost unchanged, as well as on a technical level. The power is provided by the well known 5.5-litre V8 engine that develops 360 hp and a peak torque of 510 Nm. The data was released with facelifted 2008 SLK, but without official pictures.

A few cosmetic changes have been applied on the outgoing 2007 model such as the new front apron with a black-painted cross strut and side air outlets, darkened headlamps, and different rear bumper.

SLK 55 AMG gets 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard, as well as a newly developed direct steering system with variable steering assistance. The direct-steer system is based on the previously installed speed-sensitive power steering system. It has a new rack with slick gearing, which ensures that the steering gear ratio changes in tune with the steering angle. At a steering angle of just 5 degrees, the ratio starts to increase extremely rapidly and the steering feels much more direct. As a result, the number of steering wheel revolutions from lock to lock is reduced by around 25 percent if the new direct steering is fitted.

The price of 2008 SLK 55 AMG is expected to be around approximately $99,170.

(via: WCF).

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Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

As the only eight-cylinder roadster in its segment the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG provides unique driving experience. The two-seater is now even more sporty: Mercedes AMG has developed an exclusive and distinctly puristic special series which sets new standards in driving dynamics. With the AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine enhanced to 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Newton metres, numerous lightweight construction components, carbon hardtop, 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG height-adjustable torsion sports suspension and AMG high-performance composite brake system the special SLK 55 AMG demonstrates even more convincingly its sports talent – and makes a good figure on any closed course.

Wide, stocky and low slung – the first impression already makes it clear that the SLK 55 AMG is something very special. The front of the car fascinates with the restyled AMG front apron with large air intakes which supply the additional transmission oil cooler and the high-performance steering gear oil cooler with sufficient fresh air. New side air outlets of black carbon ensure an effective flow through of the larger engine oil cooler. The front fenders which are now wider are made of the ultra-light carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic (CRP) and have black out-lined air outlets.

The non-retractable hardtop of the two-seater is also made of CRP; the black central part with carbon fibre structure provides attractive optical effects. Discarding of the vario roof and the complete roof hydraulics has not only enabled a lowering of the centre of gravity, but has also resulted in a notable reduction of weight – the puristic special series of the SLK 55 AMG is with a curb weight of 1,495 kg according to EC standard 45 kg lighter than the basic vehicle. This means that the power/weight ratio has improved from 4.3 to 3.7 kg/hp.

Source: DaimlerChrysler Press Releases

Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

The SLK 55 AMG is now even more dynamic: a new front apron and dark-tinted headlamps give this unique eight-cylinder roadster an even more athletic look even at a standstill. The handling dynamics of the SLK 55 AMG have also been sharpened. For the first time the car features the new direct steering with variable servo assistance, which makes the 265 kW/360 hp two-seater even more agile and responsive. The SLK 55 AMG is also the only car in its class to feature a V8 engine, while the improved AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic transmission now offers even faster gear changes.

The appearance of the sporty roadster now reinforces the car’s claim to special status even more emphatically. The redesigned front apron with a more pronounced arrow-shape, the modified Mercedes star, enlarged air dams and a black-painted transverse fin on the lower section ensure a distinctly masculine aura. Large, round fog lamps with chrome surrounds are now positioned further outwards, enhancing the impression of width. The hot air from the integral engine oil cooler is vented via side outlets in the front apron. The specific AMG body styling also includes AMG side skirts, the muscular AMG rear apron with a black insert and the AMG spoiler lip.

New features also include dark-tinted projection-beam headlamps and larger exterior mirrors for better rearward visibility. LED indicator repeaters in an arrow design ensure more safety. Even more striking than before are the new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen star, these provide interesting contrasts when viewed from the side. With a width of 7.5 and 8.5 inches respectively, the AMG light-alloy wheels are fitted with size 225/40 (front) and 245/35 (rear) tyres. New, high-sheen 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design are also available in the same sizes on request. Outstanding deceleration values are ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated brake discs all-round. The front brakes have perforated discs of size 345 x 30 mm; 300 x 22 mm discs are fitted at the rear.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 5.5 litre V8
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Power: 360 hp (265 kW)
Maximum Torque: 376 lb-ft (510 Nm)
Transmission: Seven speed automatic (AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic)
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive

Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Releases